How a translator should cope with customers

In this post I will deal with some tips about the relationship with customers. During my years of experience I could learn many matters, and I am glad to give advices to newbies.
First of all, it is important you play fair and act fair. Customers will trust you more if they see you are kind and nice. This is the first step. Side by side there is professionalism. Introduce yourself in the best possible way, showing qualifications and reliability. Be also careful with the question. You should be aware of fees, payment terms, payment modes, page structure (e.g. in Italy 1 page = 1500 strokes spaces included). If you do not know even one of this information, it is likely that the client will rule you out. You can learn with practice. Do not demoralise if you fail once or twice: you learn making mistakes.
Then make her/him questions. You must well understand what she/he needs from you. Which kind of service, which kind of tools you must use, information about deadlines, etc... Intelligent questions will make the customer realise you know how to deal with this kind of situations.
Show the customers all your qualifications, experiences, references, if any, etc... Focus on your strength points: if you know how to market yourself, this can lead you to a faster success.
In any work, give the best of yourself. Hold on, regardless of rate and final amount. More you give, more you will be compensated. Provided an accurate text and include translator's note if necessary. Added value will be appreciated and will be an opportunity for you to be chosen again.
Then, please be very careful with customer's conditions. It must be a fifty-fifty relationship and no Party should overrule the other. If the customer starts imposing conditions, alledging that cannot give you more because does not have so much money or the end client is not paying much, please kindly decline the offer. You are a service provider and must be respected for that. As you respect your customer, behaving in a very kind way, this must be mutual.
In case that your customer does not comply with her/his agreements and obligations, get stick to your position. Complain. In case of any dispute, contact your lawyer immediately.
Conclusion: reliability, trust and satisfaction must be mutual!
Tell me your opinion about these brief guidelines. Contact me for any other question
Vincenzo