Bad Buyers on Fiverr - Story Time! (Part 1) |

All of my customers are great... until they're not. This part one video is a lot of me rambling and ranting about my worst clients and nightmare customer stories that made me chuck my computer across the room. My own personal vault of work horror stories that I'm trying to forget and move on from, basically. Hopefully it's entertaining, or at least you know that there's someone else out there in a similar situation to buddy cry with.
Next week, I'll be following up this video with pragmatic tips and strategies to help you deal with those difficult people and make the best out of an annoying or downright problematic situation. I should probably take more of my own advice... Subscribe and turn on the bell for alerts! Catch you back here next week for a slightly more educational #FreelanceFriday video!
Happy Freelance Friday!
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Hi! I’m Carrieblogger, a full-time career freelancer on Fiverr Pro. Since I started in 2013, I’ve built up a sustainable, consistent business with a six figure annual ‘salary’. I work as a copywriter and branding consultant for small to medium-sized brands around the world.
(Bring on the keywords...) Learn how to make money online and work from home as a freelance copywriter like me! Whether you're building a copywriting business or selling another skill online, freelance platforms like Fiverr are changing the future of work. Freelance copywriting on Fiverr is my absolute dream job - hands down. Every #Freelance Friday, I share freelancing tips, freelance advice, advice for freelancers, Fiverr tips, Fiverr advice, advice for Fiverr sellers, Fiverr business tips, and a look inside my freelance lifestyle as a solopreneur business copywriter. It's a blast!
-- Posting schedule:
Tuesday - One-Take Tuesday
Thursday (occasionally) - my life as a freelancer
Friday - #FreelanceFriday

[@carrieblogger]

Loving this FREE content? Let’s keep it rolling! 📚 ORDER MY BOOK at carriefrenchauthor.com and follow me at Instagram.com/carriefrenchauthor ⭐️ DOWNLOAD exclusive resources: www.peachpay.me/carrieblogger 💁🏼‍♀️ MERCH (!!) bit.ly/carriemerch 🌈 GET BIZ ADVICE from me: bit.ly/carriebloggerconsult 🌈 LEARN COPYWRITING from me: bit.ly/carriebloggercourse 🌈 WORK with me: bit.ly/hirecarrieblogger 🌈 SIGN UP for Fiverr: bit.ly/joinfiverrcb 🌈 SUBSCRIBE to my channel: bit.ly/subcarrieblogger 🌈 EARN passive income as a Fiverr affiliate: bit.ly/carriefiverraffiliate 🌈 SHOP my work-at-home must-haves: Blue blockers: amzn.to/35HD9CV Happy light: amzn.to/3nhcdB7 Bullet Journal: amzn.to/2Eax4U6 Moka pot: amzn.to/3kpDJJA Laptop sleeve: amzn.to/32HlhpX External hard drive: amzn.to/2FxqqIq 🌈 MUSIC from Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com/referral/egjfm8/ *Rainbow emojis above denote affiliate links, so I may earn commission for clicks and purchases. It doesn’t cost you anything extra - thanks for supporting me and my channel!

[@jakehopkins6989]

Haha. I work on Fiverr and I have a gig for proofreading and content editing for books. I once had a client who downright refused to give me his manuscript, in case I "stole it"

[@carrieblogger]

😂😂😂 I’ve been in the same boat!

[@candywalton8647]

How did you deal with it and what did he suggest you do?🤔

[@enigma2886]

Weirdos crazy everywhere I also have to deal with these low life depressed people.

[@eugenerider0701]

@@candywalton8647 "Would you like to go away?"

[@travis7613]

I have just received my first cancellation. Was spoken to in a rude manner from the start, so in hindsight, I should've known the buyer had an antagonistic approach. They put in zero effort in defining what they want, but put in 1000% effort in the cancellation description for why I am "simple" and "definitely not qualified". Sellers, it'll be safer to not go into a job with someone who is the slightest bit rude from the get-go.

[@carrieblogger]

Sorry to hear that! Def check out part two of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpfPfJ-fjtehnsk

[@travis7613]

@@carrieblogger Thanks!

[@juliebuchert858]

All businesses have ‘bad apples’ who are not kind when expressing themselves. It doesn’t offend any less but be thankful they weren’t in your work space yelling at you.

[@carrieblogger]

😂😂😂 for real!

[@silkenowltales]

I sympathize with you... makes my heart sink with some of your stories. I KNOW them well! I have lost 1000s of hours of sleep and have had copious amounts of cortisol surges for hours on end, when I get difficult clients. Especially those who seem to (add on extra work that was never discussed and they already get freebies added). Oh and not to mention those who place the order, then never submit the requirements. Not as stressful at all but can be annoying. Venting and ranting about it, really does help.

[@carrieblogger]

Venting and ranting are cathartic, as long as you can move on 🏃🏾‍♀️

[@poppy6635]

Great video! I've been blessed on Fiverr so far, I block people who seem rude or like they're going to be annoying to work with, but it isn't always easy to tell. The pillow story was hilarious. Subscribed :D

[@carrieblogger]

Good strategy! Thanks for commenting and subscribing 🥰

[@NathanSMadsen]

The "As discussed" instructions on orders drives me BONKERS!!! I can so relate. I also get super heated about it.

[@carrieblogger]

It’s amazing how two words can ruin my whole day 😅

[@CBMaudiobooks]

I knew I would find words of wisdom in here to calm me down......boy what a morning. Just aaaaaargh!!!!! Anyway thanks Carrie I feel better now.

[@carrieblogger]

Awwww hahaha I totally feel the aaaaaaarrggghhhh moments!

[@kenunplugged.com.CuThere]

Thank you for this video. You nailed it! I'm new to fiverr and recently had the buyer from hell, I stepped into a scam. Onwards!

[@carrieblogger]

Sorry to hear that, but 'onwards' is the right attitude!

[@enuela1237]

I love hearing about your experience! I Joined Fiverr March of this year as a Singer and haven't had any bad experiences yet with reviews (want to avoid). But I weeded out those people by sending them a short 30sec--1 min sample of my vocals with their music/song. I am a gospel singer and a country singer contacted me to sing her song. Mind you her vocals are country style and she said it's ok. She wants me to sound gospel. Well before she ordered I sent her a sample and she decided to not go through with the order. That was great for me because that weeded out a bad review that could have happened. SO short samples using their materials are always good to do before a client purchases an order! 🙂

[@carrieblogger]

Yep! That inner intuition is something that comes with time. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Did you see the other half of this video set? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpfPfJ-fjtehnsk

[@dextersurya4313]

Thank you so much for sharing, I'm a freelance illustrator on Fiverr. Just have a bad experience with a bad customer, less sleep and my hands tremble. But the request and revisions are too hard. Not only I but other freelancer got the same problem with this customer.

[@carrieblogger]

That sucks. I feeeel you. But at some point, you have to release it and learn from it. Time to move on, otherwise they still hold power over you. ♥️

[@dextersurya4313]

@@carrieblogger Yes, thank you:)

[@proudcheerdad5220]

"Terry... tizzy" or whatever it was made me laugh.

[@carrieblogger]

I need a time stamp lol

[@proudcheerdad5220]

@@carrieblogger impersonation of your mom. Don't be in a tizzy. Was funny

[@GigiTheWaitress]

God that pillow person hahahaha

[@ericwood3709]

I would have asked them if they were trolling me.

[@carrieblogger]

@ericwood I literally did 😅

[@bassammalik969]

MA"AM I JUST LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@carrieblogger]

THAAAAAAAANKS

[@toma2221]

I’m so sorry you had to face that! Great video, keep doing more of those videos about Fiverr and stories. You’re funny lol

[@carrieblogger]

Ha 😅 thanks, I try! I defffinitely have lots of stories to share... I post every Freelance Friday, so be sure to subscribe if you’re interested! 🥰

[@99brickstudios]

Im really surprised how you can be so positive. From my own experience what I can tell is that Fiverr is incredibly hostile to sellers. Basically punishig you for every possible hickup. Every tool that you would need to defend yourself against malicious buyers is taken away from you. If you are being attacked or scammed you basically need to live with the fact that you won't get paid and will suffer penalty for being faced with a unsatisfiable client. People have all the power in the world to belittle you, scream at you and take your hard for free. And there isn't much you can do about it. It is all hypercapitalistic hell. No breaks, no sleeping, no mistakes.

[@carrieblogger]

Here’s a little more about my experience and perspective, if you’re curious - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaTWXod-rsyZq7c kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5_WgGyupricftE

[@allell8852]

Nawa oh. Some buyers are CRAZY

[@alexjones3725]

Just come across your channel Carrie, thank you for the honesty that you provide. How did you come to learn your copywriting techniques? The only thing stopping me from starting is that I’m not sure of my own ability, but at what point can I expect this to happen? If it ever does haha.

[@carrieblogger]

Honestly, I taught myself simply with a lot of practice and self-critical analysis. Definitely read a lot of sales copy! When you’re personally shopping online, take note of what is the most impactful and what falls flat. Practice A LOT by rewriting subpar copy that you find online until you find your personal style and feel confident. And, of course, make sure that your writing foundations and grammar are strong to begin with. Good luck! 👍🏻

[@YousefAHMusic]

10:24 "That I was not previously told" - That happens all the time when you're working in house. They give you the brief, you deliver the perfect copy, with an extra creative option or two that they can choose form/test, and they come back saying that's not what they want, and oh yeah, now they need this new copy for a new section that was previously unmentioned. Happens 90% of the time. 12:22 "Still not know what they want." - They neverrrrrrr do. But, but, but, they know exactly what they don't want! I deliver amazing copy, they read it, and they let me know that it's off or not going to work! Gee whiz, if you know what is or isn't going to work, then why don't you tell me! Then I can help craft it to make it better! It's mind numbing. 17:41 I get so worked up sometimes. It got to the point where I bought this book The Cow in the Parking Lot: A Zen Approach to Overcoming Anger so I can find some ways to deal with it, haha. Now, whenever I get a rude/unprofessional email I do not respond for an hour. I let the anger/pain pass by, I chill out, then I reply as professionally as possible with solutions. Or, sometimes when I'm heated I'll write the email I want to send that will probably get me fired, but then I just delete it. It helps get all the anger out.

[@carrieblogger]

Haha 😂 I need to look up that book! My current coping method is just complaining and retelling the story to my husband at a way-too-loud volume. Glad to hear that I’m not alone!

[@ranveermohite1718]

Thank you for the insights. One point you stressed on a is when the buyer doesn't respond. I've just started out on the platform and the buyers ghosted me. What does this mean as a seller? What should you do? Even though I have given my best, I don't know why they just ghost me. This usually happens after I deliver their order. Or is it just December and they are busy in holiday mode?

[@carrieblogger]

If you’ve already delivered the order, then you’re all good! Check out this video for my advice on how to turn happy clients into positive reviews. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaaZhKCBrNF0pdk

[@brunavaladares2741]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! I got my first order on fiverr a few days ago and the costumer is asking for a lot more than what was on the scope and i`m still wondering if should cancel or not, considering it`s my first gig there.

[@carrieblogger]

Be upfront and clarify all of that *now* before you start working or let any time pass. It’s up to you to gauge if they truly were confused (ask yourself if the gig offering was bulletproof clear?) or if they’re trying to take advantage of you. If it’s the first, reconfirm what they’ve paid for and set up a clear resolution for them to add in what’s missing. If it’s the second, it may be better to cancel because it likely isn’t going to end well, but I’d still offer them the opportunity to pay for what they want and proceed with the order. Since it’s your first order and you want it to go exceptionally well, I definitely recommend going above and beyond a bit!

[@brunavaladares2741]

@@carrieblogger that is what i should have done from the beggining. I sadly had to cancel because they started being really rude :( Thank you so much for your response though :)

[@elainebau6354]

@@carrieblogger beautifully said

[@AngelaAmbroiseconsulting]

Yep. That's me when I feel someone is trying to take advantage of me or bullying me :-)

[@carrieblogger]

Yeah I don’t back down easily 🙃

[@eugenerider0701]

Totally get you Carrie, you're doing it right! Don't give a FUCK about them!

[@carrieblogger]

🫠

[@BB_arbie]

Hi Carrie, Interesting video. Because I am so new to Fiverr and desperately trying to build my freelance business. I never say no to the customers. If they want me to rewrite text I do so. I noticed lately that I have had a few repeat buyers who want to engage in long text conversations to get more information out of me. They do so by pretending to be chatty, but they are picking your brains instead. I am not sure how to handle this. Have you come across this before?

[@carrieblogger]

That’s a problem for me as well sometimes. I usually just politely say that I have other projects to get back to and tactfully close the conversation with a compliment or something nice. 😂 in next week’s video, I’ll be talking about strategies for dealing with stuff like that, including red flags when saying no might be in your best interest. Good luck! And, as always, thanks for watching!

[@BB_arbie]

@@carrieblogger thanks Carrie. I look forward to next week's video.

[@allell8852]

Don't reply them immediately

[@shivanshrao5181]

Even I had this story, like this one guy asked me to install an API code in a stock tracker, for mere $5 because I had no sales for long, and it was like he said you show it works and then i accept the order, after I did, he was like it doesnt work, I was like did you enter your username and all, and install it, he was like I dont know how to do (I thought already so I gave him a readme manual for no extra charge), but still so I asked "do you know how apis work in google sheet" he was like no, so thinking anyway, world is tough, I provided him a simple user real time portfolio tracker, which is like a childs play and he was like I dont wish to use it, I literally gave him the $20 for free just to keep good relation, and then after having the editor rights (yeah it means he could download it copy it sell it without me getting any idea), he said can you cancel the order, I was so furious but couldnt right it and also cancelling hinders with rating. Damn buyers sometimes come and sometimes so considerate that you can even work for free for them. Lol

[@carrieblogger]

Exactly... unfortunately you can get so far down the rabbit hole that you realize you just have to throw your hands up because it’s not going to work out in your favor. Part two of this video has some tips seeing the warning signs sooner ✌🏻 Good luck! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@shivanshrao5181]

@@carrieblogger So true, it feels so good, like you are such a big seller and Pro person, and replying back to newbies comment and stuff, thanks, like really it feels so nice, I watch your videos regularly though like I am a new seller in finance and stock market, and your videos have so much of insight, btw I just got this curiosity to ask, if i may, I saw your seller profile, and the gigs, so like you are a top rated one so you can have 30 gigs right but you have only 7, so what does this mean, even 7 are more than enough to get full time job level of work, or like you intend to keep your work/skill focused to 7, because this like contradicts to what some shady type people say that having multiple fiverr account is good and all, sorry I am a little young for all this, so may sound a little bit immature maam, anyhow do keep this channel always always active, as you giving society a great service through this knowledge sharing works of yours, thank you so so much.

[@carrieblogger]

Of course! My small, growing channel depends on viewers like you, so I like to comment back if I can. Thanks for being here! That’s a good question about the number of gigs - I think I’ll make a video on that topic to answer! Keep an eye out for that in the next week or two. As for how I keep this channel so active - I really enjoy doing it! It’s a fun project and I get to teach myself new skills. Plus, if I’m being honest, I want to build it into something bigger that I can monetize over time. So the energy that I put into it now will come back to me in the long run long. ❤️

[@bassammalik969]

Carrie, I have a dream to become TRS Can i ask you a question related to that please? Currently i am a Level 2 Seller on Fiver.

[@carrieblogger]

Go for it. Can’t promise I’ll have an answer, though 🙃

[@kronbakeren]

You cant please everybody , thats it .. dont put your self Down or get pissed off , would you be pissed off at every costumer in a store who gives you shit .. a waist of time and energy .. Im a happy buyer on fiverr, and everybody are so damn serviceminded, like 10 times more than in a regular store .. i dont abuse it though , but it’s just so freaking awesome to go shopping there , u can really feel the passion in people cuz it’s their business .. ! Btw I only have great reviews as a customer ;)

[@carrieblogger]

My business is definitely a passion!

[@Someone-zn4dh]

This person is not crazy, he just...weird So I open a gig for 2 full colored chibis drawing for 5 dollar with deadline for 5 days. It was my first order and he was ordering the said hug but instead of the product, he asks if I could draw 30 chibis drawing with no color, only line art on the same time scale (5 days) but he said he Will pay me 30 dollar so I kind off excited atm But still, I am both confused so I ask if he may confused the gigs. But no... The next thing I knew he cancelled the order and never talked to mem (I read his customer review and many said he was a cool person so Idk what happen to him with my order)

[@carrieblogger]

Weeeeird. Sometimes that happens... but why did you accept the cancellation request without asking what the issue was? Sounds like a miscommunication.

[@AverageAufa]

if i gave clear instructions like i want RED, then they deliver WHITE… ?? sigh

[@Chantilly_Astrology_and_Tarot]

All three of my current cancelations are from men who really needed to pay for a professional S@x Worker not a coach It is very frustrating.

[@carrieblogger]

That is frustrating. Sounds like you need to be more clear about what your service includes and speak very carefully/strategically to attract the right of kind of client who you actually want to work with. You might like this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q52miIF7p9iEobM

[@Chantilly_Astrology_and_Tarot]

@@carrieblogger Thank you 💖

[@joelrebelo7292]

I am a buyer in fiverr and I am sick and tired of fake accounts on that platform. I choose to work with someone in the UK due to the language barrier and guest what? they are from Pakistan. I mean 95% of the seller are from third world countries and I don't have a problem with that. What I have a problem with is sellers from these countries not understanding the brief and are not professional. when the barrier of entry is so low, it delegitimizes professional sellers. I am from India(indian) but live in the UK just in case people think I am being racist.

[@carrieblogger]

Sorry you’ve had a bad experience. Like anything else online, you just have to do your due diligence to find a partner that you can trust. Check their reviews, message for approval before ordering, and review their portfolio. There is a lot of amazing talent on the platform, but you won’t find it for ultra cheap prices. The reliable experts that you want to partner with are going to charge higher rates in order to be fairly compensated for that level of work. This ‘red flags’ video might help you vet and select high-quality freelancers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKDCq42oiK2HnaM

[@user-jg7nu3fk8i]

You are mentioning Pakistani freelancers on bad terms because you are from India. The whole world knows about the enmity between India and Pakistan. You people are always jealous of us. And stop spreading nonsense about my country here.

[@jurgenkasmi4797]

Did you at least get payed after all these bad incidents?

[@carrieblogger]

It’s been ages ago, but pretty sure I said case by case in the video that some ended up getting cancelled (and refunded) vs others that I took a bad review for (but was paid)

[@jurgenkasmi4797]

@@carrieblogger wow😮 How do you manage to answer soooo fast?😃

[@carrieblogger]

I was awake feeding the baby and I always respond to comments as they come in ☺️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIDYgHqMqNWglbs

[@taramoon3141]

Do you know if we are allowed to share screenshots of conversations, we had with these horror clients on our social media? I keep looking online and it keeps taking me to the default rule "Don't communicate outside of fiverr".

[@carrieblogger]

That rule means that you can’t ask to talk with the client on social media. It’s not stopping you from posting about your work on social media. But also just keep in mind how you’re portraying yourself and if it’s worth complaining in public 😇

[@amarkumarbehera4395]

I am a seller on fiverr and have worked on other freelance sites as well. I can totally relate to your experiences as I am a similar sort of person as well. Thanks for the video, it is so healing. cosmo333 on fiverr.

[@carrieblogger]

Thanks! Glad it was therapeutic for you 👏🏻

[@thippanayugesh8414]

You look like a female version of Mark Zuckerburg

[@carrieblogger]

He’s my cousin! (Jk)