When is it a good idea to turn away a customer?

I was reading an article today in the National Post - a national Canadian Newspaper. The article states something most of us already know - that it is not a good idea to just take anyone on as a customer. This is something that applies to the web site business, the search engine marketing business, and also the real estate business of course.

The articles lists 7 reasons to say no to a customer:
1) When your gut instinct says no
2)The customer does not appreciate the value of what you offer
3)The customer expects you to invest time and resources in pursuing his business without any financial commitment on his part
4)The customer does not treat you in a courteous or professional manner
5)The customer asks for products or services you do not provide
6)The customer's requests are too large for your operation
7)The customer does not share the same values as you

Saying NO can help keep your business in the black ink and makes for a more enjoyable life too!

I must admit to saying "no" a lot because I generally just work with one just Realtor in each market area and I usually get some emails from others wanting my services when they see the results. I also tend to discourage any potential clients who I do not think will be happy with what I offer as I have learned that it is far nicer to have happy customers than a customer who really was looking for something a bit different.

I have also noticed that potential clients who demand to be phoned rather than communicating by email almost never turn into clients. It seems that the reason they want to be phoned usually has to do with one of the seven reasons listed above. After all, if the client does not feel comfortable communicating by email they will never be successful on the web. So, I must admit that those who demand to be phoned are often at the bottom of my list of priorities.

If I have been tardy in phoning you as requested I apologize - but if you read and respond to your email you would have had all your answers already:)