Words to send · Clients
How to turn down a client politely
Quickly, with one sentence of reason, and with somebody better placed when you know one. “That’s outside what I do, and you’d be better with somebody who does it every day.” A fast no is kinder than a slow maybe, and a good referral is remembered longer than a yes.
When to send it: Within a day of deciding.
Outside what you do
Hi Sam, Thanks for thinking of me. This is outside what I do, and you’d be better with somebody who does it every day. Priya Shah specializes in exactly this, and I’d start there. I hope it goes well. Maya
You’re full
Hi Sam, I’m fully booked until March. If that’s too late, I understand; if not, the first open time is on my page. Maya
You don’t want the work
Hi Sam, thanks for getting in touch. I don’t think I’m the right person for this one, and I hope you find somebody who is. Maya
Why it works
- Each version is short, final and kind.
- A name to try next turns a no into help.
- No reason is owed when you don’t want the work.
What not to say
- Ghosting. They’ll remember it, and so will whoever referred them.
- A long reason they can argue with.