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

Absolutely. I had to actually "fire" and block approx. 10 clients from my social media and email lists. I have decided to never work with them again.

It all stemmed from the snowstorm that his the UK & ireland last March.  Obviously, there wasn't anything I could do about the weather, as all of my plans for tours around Ireland came to a screeching halt due to it. These clients were an absolute nightmare and caused the other passengers on the tours to be miserable due to their behavior. Lesson learned, I should have kicked them off the coach immediately. You know the kind, wanting to join in on the fun, but when they do,  complain about everything and demand refunds, trying to give me and my business a bad reputation.

Thankfully these were just day trips, but it was all over social media as well. Needless to say, they are no longer able to contact me. I don't need that kind of stress. I have loyal clients and am continuing to grow the list, without the drama.

Yes, when a client is asking for something that is non-compliant, illegal, or just plain wrong.  Repeated abusive language from a client is unacceptable, though I think it very important to try to resolve issues with clients and work through difficult moments generally.

Sometimes what looks like a bad customer is actually a bad vendor.  It is very easy to target a customer, but it can back fire

We do agree.  We had a customer that was never satisfied, but oddly, would not go away on their own.  In our endless efforts to appease this person, we all took a loss.  So we decided that we had to let the customer know that because he was never fully satisfied with the work we did for him, that it would be best if he could find another company to help him, because we really wanted him to be happy. 

Also, a company doesn't need a customer becoming a potential negative broadcaster when they are the problem.

He did go away, and then apparently discovered that we were really good once he had somewhere else to compare to, and we took him back in the fold, and now he seems happy.

Yep!  - Not all money is good money.

I Agree. You can’t appease every customer-having boundaries for self and your business is very important. Quality Is Key 🔑 Money Isn’t Everything. 

Absolutely.  If the customer is putting your reputation at risk, or even your business at risk, fire them.  If what they need you to do, or how they are asking you to do it, goes against your values and business model, fire them.  You should never feel that you have to take work that feels wrong or out of line with your business goals.

Yes, every customer may not be the proper fit for (every) your business.  If a customer is not happy with what you offer, your service, your policy and/or the price point, in addition, they are disruptive- enough said.  They may be happier with another business to cater to their specific (demands) needs and in a fashion that they are accustomed.  Sever the ties.  Never allow a customers to manage your business.

Yes...we have a sign that reminds people we have boundaries.  

Absolutely. For my business as a horsemanship trainer / horse riding instructor, it is imperative that my customers believe in me, trust my methods, and love my horses. If we do not personally gel well (eg if they are a complainer not a doer), or if they do not follow instructions well, that puts the safety of both the client and my horses, plus the mental health and happiness of me and my horses, at risk. I would rather turn them away saying it is not a good fit, than continue to take their money. I believe in the 80:20 rule ... that 20% of clients cause 80% of your problems ... so do yourself a favor and lose them!