Do you believe it's okay to fire a customer?

Yes, definitely o.k. As a business owner, we have the right to hire or fire a customer if they do not hold up to their agreement, just as they have the right to do so to us. Have had to do this unfortunately, but you would not believe what some people will try to pull on a company.

I just did two weeks ago, not worth the pain and distraction.

In my line of work, you have to be okay with firing a customer. As a firearms instructor, lives are at stake. When your gut is telling you it might be best to not pass a student, ask a student to leave, or sever ties with a student, you listen to your gut.

Absolutely. My fave, a client 2.5 hours late, angry I'm not ready. Then, when I am, angry I'm not telling them what they want to hear. It was a pleasure to tell them to leave immediately.

Definitely and I have. When they are too demanding and you start stressing (stomach in knots; high blood pressure; etc) when you see their name come up on caller ID on your phone. When they expect you to jump at every command they give, when in reality their command is not as priority as they think it is. When someone else’s assignment is more important than theirs and they want theirs done “RIGHT NOW!” 

You should be able to.  However in certain situations it might not be legal or ethical to do so.

We have a saying that “we just may not be able to get there with their expectations. It’s ok , just offer what you can do and if not a good fit, it’s ok. Move on”

Yes, guests, in our case, can be destructive or just plain mean. I keep a card on all for anniversaries, birthdays, food preferences and the very rare destructive one who will never be booked again. So yes, you can say no to them.

absolutely!  As a private piano/voice instructor, I think that if there is a situation that becomes unbearable, you can politely discontinue teaching them.

Of course!  The customer ISN’T always right, and after a good-faith effort to meet the customer’s needs, including trying to resolve any difficulties that may arise, I do not have to take the time, energy, and money to deal with someone who is a real pain. After I’ve done what the customer wanted & charged the price we agreed upon, I don’t need to be yelled at, negotiated with, berated, or not paid.  If the customer won’t do their part in the transaction/relationship, I will say goodbye (as politely, yet firmly, as I can).