[ADVICE] Tired of toxic and abusive clients
Honestly starting to lose it with Fiverr lately. This is a long rant and wondering if there are others facing the same issues as me, dealing with these type of clients.
Been on the platform for 5 years. I’ve decent good and some demanding clients — normal stuff, nothing too extreme I can't handle. But THIS month has been something else.
Two toxic and abusive clients. Back to back.
First one: Delivered the work. He asks for additional work, says I'm "money hungry" because I'm not doing FREE work for him. Had screenshots of our discussion of me explaining what's included in the order. Mind you, this is a returning client. In his last review, he says my price is "affordable" and now he's a complete 180°. He threatens to escalate, and order ended up being cancelled anyway. I lose everything. 0 income. Fiverr support? Basically no help. Just… move on and take the hit.
Second client comes in the following week.
I’m VERY clear from the start: Two options — full package or smaller package. He chooses the smaller one. Says he’ll “add on later if needed.” Cool, I sent drafts, screenshots — no issues. Then I deliver.
Suddenly: “Where is the rest?”
I explain again — that was NOT included. Extra = extra payment. That’s when he flips. Instant insults and degradatory words. Says my work is “AI generated,” “sh1tty,” calls me a “fraud,” a “bullsh1t designer.” I show proof that my work is not AI and I politely offer revisions within scope — ignored and more insults. Everything I say = “you wasted my time” "Yeah ask your sh1tty program to generate more AI images"
Then it escalates further to threats. Says he will report me and will “track me down.” Opens cancellation request.
And I’m stuck:
Cancel = I lose money again, 0 income
Continue = I get abused while trying to make it work, almost impossible
Support response? Not helpful. Says I can either cancel or continue the order with this guy. At this point I’m just drained.
I’m not a $5 gig seller. I charge mid-range, professional work, real clients… or at least I thought so.
I don’t know if it’s just bad luck or what, but this month alone has made me seriously question why I’m still on this platform. I’m tired of the scope arguments, the insults, the cancellations, and the feeling that sellers just have to “take it” or lose everything.
Not sure how many more of these I can deal with anymore :(