As a creator on Commissions.gg, working with clients is usually a smooth process—but every now and then, you may encounter someone who ghosts you, requests last-minute changes, or becomes difficult to work with. Whether they’ve stopped replying after payment, keep demanding revisions beyond what was agreed upon, or are being rude, knowing how to handle these situations professionally can save you stress and protect your work.
Here’s what to do when dealing with an unresponsive or difficult client.
1. Stay Professional & Set Boundaries
Your boundaries matter. If a client is making unreasonable demands or trying to push past what was agreed upon, stand firm. Politely remind them of your terms (such as revision limits or deadlines) and don’t let them guilt you into extra work for free.
If a client is being rude, aggressive, or disrespectful, don’t engage in arguments. Keep your responses neutral and professional, and if needed, limit your communication to only what’s necessary to complete the commission.
"Hey [Client's Name], just a reminder that the commission includes [X] revisions. Any additional changes beyond this would require an extra fee. Let me know how you'd like to proceed!"
2. Follow Up with Unresponsive Clients
If a client suddenly stops responding, don’t panic—life happens, and they may have just forgotten to check their messages. Try these steps:
Step 1: Send a Friendly Reminder
If you haven’t heard back in a few days, send a polite follow-up message:
"Hey [Client's Name], just checking in! Let me know if you still want to move forward with the commission. No rush, but I’ll need a response by [insert date] so I can keep my schedule on track!"
Step 2: Set a Final Deadline
If they still don’t respond, send one last message with a clear deadline for their reply.
"Hi [Client's Name], I haven’t heard back from you. If I don’t receive a response by [final deadline], I’ll assume the commission is no longer needed and will close the request. Feel free to reach out if you’re still interested!"
If they ghost you before payment, simply move on—they likely weren’t serious about the commission.
If they ghost you after paying, whether you deliver the art or issue a refund depends on your policies. If you’ve already completed most of the work, you may be able to keep the payment for the work done.
3. Handling Last-Minute Changes
Some clients will try to change details after you’ve started working—sometimes in small ways, other times in ways that require starting over. If their request is minor and easy to accommodate, you can decide whether to allow it. But if it significantly changes the work, let them know it’s beyond what was agreed upon.
Example Response:
"Hey [Client's Name], I noticed the changes you requested would require redoing a large part of the artwork. Since this wasn’t part of the original request, there would be an additional charge to make these edits. Let me know if you’d like to proceed!"
By addressing this upfront, you avoid wasted time and extra work for free.
4. When to Cancel a Commission
If a client is being unreasonable, refusing to follow your terms, or is making you uncomfortable, you are allowed to cancel—your mental health and professionalism matter.
On Commissions GG, if the commission hasn’t started yet, you can cancel it easily through the dashboard. If work has already begun, a partial refund may be necessary depending on how much has been completed.
When cancelling, be clear and professional:
"Hi [Client's Name], after reviewing your requests, I don’t believe I’m the right fit for this commission. I’ll be issuing a [full/partial] refund, and I appreciate your understanding. Best of luck with your project!"
If they become aggressive, threatening, or harassing, report them to our staff.
5. Prevent Issues with Clear Terms
The best way to avoid difficult clients is to set clear expectations from the start. Here are some tips:
✔ Have detailed commission terms – Outline revision limits, cancellation policies, and what’s included.
✔ Confirm everything upfront – Before starting, double-check details to avoid sudden changes.
✔ Take payment before starting – This protects you from working for free.
✔ Use polite but firm communication – Being friendly but professional helps maintain control over the commission process.
Final Thoughts
Difficult or unresponsive clients are rare, but they do happen. By staying professional, setting boundaries, and having clear policies, you can handle these situations smoothly while protecting your time and effort.
If a client ever becomes hostile or harasses you, don’t hesitate to report them—your safety comes first. And remember, you have the right to walk away from bad clients!
Need help with a difficult situation? Reach out to hello@commissions.gg for assistance.