Guides · Agreements and policies
How do you end a client relationship well?
Say it in writing, say why in a sentence, settle what’s owed both ways, and leave the door open. The ending a client remembers is the last message, not the reason. A clean one means they can come back, or send somebody else, without either of you feeling awkward.
- Step 1
Decide, then tell them soon.
A client who senses you’re pulling away and isn’t told is worse off than one who hears it plainly.
- Step 2
Write it down.
Your agreement says either of you can end it in writing. A short email is writing.
- Step 3
Give the reason in one sentence.
“The work you need next is outside what I do” is enough. A client doesn’t need a list.
- Step 4
Settle the money.
Refund sessions not yet used, invoice anything delivered and not yet paid, and stop anything monthly.
- Step 5
Point them on.
If somebody else would suit them better, name the person or the kind of help.
- Step 6
Leave the door open.
“If things change, you know where I am.” Most clients who leave well come back, or send somebody who stays.
When it’s the client leaving
Thank them, settle what’s owed by the same rules, and ask one question: what would have made it worth staying? The answer is the most useful thing a leaving client can give you.
On WorkWith, a client’s page in the app holds what they bought and what’s left, so the settling is one screen, and a monthly retainer can be stopped from it.
Checked 2026-10-11.