In the business world, particularly for small business owners, it has been drummed into us that the customer is always right, and one would be a fool to refuse a customer something. Right? Not necessarily.

Not all customers are worth the effort - we have all had experiences with those high maintenance, low profit customers - and often you can tell immediately that this is not going to be a good business relationship. However, while the more overbearing, arrogant customers are easier to spot, be wary also of those who seem too good to be true and cannot sing their own praises enough - they are often hiding something that will certainly show itself in the future.

Here are a couple of warning signs that could help you spot that one customer who you don't want…

Holdouts
These are usually those customers who promise to be longstanding, faithful and profitable customers, on condition that you lower your price. Do they ever stick to their side of the bargain? Rarely.

Serial Headaches
These customers come running to you without giving a valid reason for leaving your competitors, and then continually go on about all their previous bad experiences. These people are the type who are hard to please and always find fault, and chances are with you, they will.

Emergencies
Be wary of customers who are in a big rush to close a deal - try to find out why they are in such a hurry - perhaps they are in trouble with their previous service provider. Try to do a reference check first.

Dependents
When potential customers try to manipulate you by telling you that their job is at stake, it shows that they cannot take responsibility for their own situations or they aren't in a decision making position. Do you want to deal with a middle-man who is constantly putting you in the middle of their office politics? I think not.

Culture Clashers
While most companies will be able to offer good customer service to all types, you will occassionally come across clients whose cultures are so different to yours that it will make a working relationship difficult. For example if you are a jeans-n-tshirt company, avoid dealing with suits-and-ties clients, although this is not necessarily an unbreakable rule!

While this list offers you a couple of pointers, not all customers who fit into one of these categories should be avoided. Sometimes good ideas and change come from dissatisfied customers - try to find out how they think you could better your service. Go with your gut feel and try to look for the best "fit", and continue to strive for optimal customer service!

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