Posted by u/nightmare_client
Can I fire a customer mid-job?
Answered by Ask a Shop Owner ·
Homeowner is impossible. Threatening reviews, changing scope daily, refusing to pay draw. Can I walk?
u/askashopowner Owner-operator advisor
Top answer
Yes, and you should. Send a written notice: effective [date], I am terminating our contract per section [X]. Final invoice attached for work completed to date. Please remit within 7 days.
Reference your contract's termination clause. If you do not have one, add one to every future contract this week. Standard language: either party may terminate with 7 days written notice; contractor to be paid for work completed and materials ordered.
Do the walk-through, take photos, document everything. Do not respond to their emotions. The review threat is real but manageable. One 1-star review from a demonstrably difficult customer will not tank a shop that has 40 real 5-stars. Being trapped in a $60k money-losing job for four more months will.
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