If you’re running a service-based business, I know exactly how you feel. When you’re just starting out, it’s so tempting to go above and beyond for your customers—answering calls at odd hours, responding to emails immediately, and making yourself available 24/7 just to keep them happy. You want to build trust and attract more clients, right?

But what happens when those same customers start taking advantage of that access? Late-night calls, weekend messages, constant demands for your time—it can quickly become overwhelming. So, the big question is: How do you set boundaries with your existing customers without making them feel like you’re pushing them away?

Girl, I’ve been there! And today, I’m going to walk you through exactly how you can implement boundaries in a way that protects your time, your peace, and your business—while still keeping your customers happy. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Understand Why This Is Happening

First things first—let’s start with a little self-reflection. If you’ve allowed unlimited access to your time, your customers are simply following the rules you set.

Think about it: When they first started working with you, you probably made them feel like they could reach out anytime, and now they’ve formed a habit around that. It’s not their fault; they’re just doing what they’ve always done!

So, before you start making changes, give yourself some grace. You didn’t do anything wrong—you were just trying to be helpful. Now, it’s time to shift things in a way that works for both you and them.

Step 2: Reintroduce Your Boundaries (With Love)

The best way to set new boundaries is to clearly communicate them. And no, this doesn’t have to be awkward or harsh! A simple, friendly message can go a long way.

Here’s an example:

“Hey [Customer’s Name]! I absolutely love working with you and I appreciate your support for my business. To serve you better and ensure I can give my best during our working hours, I’m updating my communication policies. Moving forward, I’ll be responding to messages and emails between [insert new business hours]. If you reach out outside of those hours, no worries! I’ll get back to you as soon as possible during business hours. Thanks so much for understanding!”

See? No drama, no tension—just a simple update that lets them know what to expect.

If you have an email list, this is a great way to send a quick update to all your clients at once. If you work with clients one-on-one, you can also mention it during your next interaction.

Step 3: Reinforce Your Boundaries with Redirection

Setting boundaries is one thing—sticking to them is where the real magic happens!

So, what do you do when a customer still calls you outside of business hours? Simple: redirect them to your new process.

Instead of picking up the call, send a quick text:

“Hey there! I’m currently off for the day, but I’d love to help. Can you shoot me an email instead? I’ll respond first thing in the morning!”

Or if someone messages you after hours, you can have an automatic reply set up:

“Thanks for reaching out! I’ll be available again at [insert business hours] and will get back to you then. Appreciate your patience!”

The key here? No excuses. No exceptions. Once you start making exceptions for one client, you’ll feel pressured to do it for everyone. Stay firm!

Step 4: Fire Clients Who Refuse to Respect Your Boundaries

Now, I know this sounds scary. But hear me out: Not every customer is the right fit for your business. And if someone repeatedly disrespects your boundaries despite multiple reminders, it might be time to let them go.

I’ve had to do this before, and while it wasn’t easy, it was necessary. The clients who refused to follow my new boundaries were the same ones causing me the most stress. And once I let them go? My business thrived.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, here’s a simple way to approach it:

“Hey [Customer’s Name], I’ve loved working with you, but I’m finding that our communication styles aren’t the best fit. At this time, I won’t be able to continue our working relationship. I appreciate your support, and I wish you all the best!”

Trust me, there are plenty of amazing clients out there who will respect your boundaries. Don’t be afraid to make space for them!

Recap: The 4 Steps to Setting Boundaries with Customers

Let’s do a quick recap, shall we?

1. Understand why this is happening – Your customers are just following the habits you created. Give yourself grace and get ready to make a change.
   
2. Reintroduce your boundaries with love – Send a friendly message or email letting them know about your new communication rules.
   
3. Reinforce your boundaries through redirection – Politely guide them to the right channels and stick to your new rules.
   
4. Fire clients who refuse to respect your boundaries – If they don’t respect your time, they’re not the right fit for your business!
   

Final Thoughts

Friend, setting boundaries is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your business. Not only will it give you more time and peace, but it will also improve your customer relationships. When your clients know exactly when and how to reach you, they’ll appreciate your professionalism even more.

So don’t be afraid to take this step! You deserve a business that works for you—not one that drains you. Start setting those boundaries today, and watch your business and your peace of mind flourish.

Got questions about running your service-based business? I’d love to help! Send me a message, and I just might cover it in my next post. And if this was helpful, share it with a friend who needs it too!

Until next time, keep building the business you want. You’ve got this! 🚀