What kind of clients are you more satisfied with?

[AnotherGuy]

Just an open question actually.

Wondering what kind of clients, based on your experience, you prefer working with. I mean if you prefer small companies, startups, big clients/corps, etc.

I know the size of the client might not be an indication of satisfaction, but I guess most of us have a preference. I tend to like big clients with dozens of teams. They seem to know better what a contractor is and how to deal with them. Other smaller companies feel like they want a permie.

[clearedforlanding]

The ones that didn't make me sit in an open plan, treated me as an expert in my field - not a bum on a seat, andprovided flexible working hours & location

Most importantly ones that had interesting projects that I enjoyed, allowed me to skill & experience build to a more senior higher paid next contract.

Size doesn't matter.

*In before anyone says: So none of them then?

[WordIsBond]

Wondering what kind of clients, based on your experience, you prefer working with.

Those that pay.

[WTFH]

This:
[QUOTE=clearedforlanding;2214033]The ones that didn't make me sit in an open plan, treated me as an expert in my field - not a bum on a seat, and provided flexible working hours & location

Most importantly ones that had interesting projects that I enjoyed, allowed me to skill & experience build to a more senior higher paid next contract.

And this:

Those that pay ON TIME WITHOUT QUERYING EVERYTHING

(slight FTFY)



Never this:

Size doesn't matter.

[WordIsBond]

Those that pay.

That probably wasn't fair. Let me elaborate.

I'm running a business. I'm not looking for a career with these people. I come in, tell them what to do, maybe even look at some code and tell their programmers they are idiots, maybe even bring someone in to sort it out. Then, I go away.

Not every client pays. Not every client pays timely. Payment is the primary factor for me. I'm happy to have small clients, big clients, start-ups, whatever. I tend to do a lot of small jobs. I don't care much if the client is a jerk, though I might not be willing to go back. I don't care the size of the company.

But if I'm going to do the work, I want paid. My contracts have stiff late payment penalties. If clients don't want to accept that, then I assume they either aren't intending to pay me on time or aren't sure they can. They'll manage to get by without my services.

I'm not an employee. The things that matter to employees don't matter as much to a businessman. If you are a contractor, you are a businessman, too. Adopt the mindset. Embrace it. You are there to make money, not enjoy yourself. It doesn't have to be greed. Maybe you want to make money to give it away or support your aged parents. But you are there to make money, and you'll be a lot happier if you take on the businessman mindset.

[DaveB]

The ones that know what they are doing.

Admittedly they are few and far between.

[northernladuk]

The ones that know what they are doing.

Admittedly they are few and far between.

Many of us would be out of a gig if they did. I bank on them not knowing so I can earn my crust

[DaveB]

Many of us would be out of a gig if they did. I bank on them not knowing so I can earn my crust

I meant more along the lines of having competent management who understand how to use contractors and a clue about what they need them to actually do.

[seanraaron]

Those that pay.

I'm new, but I feel like I lucked out given I'm getting paid every week with minimal monkey-business. If I was looking for a permanent job I'd be concerned about career prospects and all that warm and fuzzy stuff, but this is just about getting paid for me. Hoping I can stick it out for another twenty years, but honestly I'm hoping for a lottery win first.

Bigger sounds better on paper, but I expect there are bad employers all around.

[unixman]

Those who hire many contractors and where people in the office are pleasant and helpful to each other.

Telecoms companies tend to be like this in my experience. People always thank you for your work.