I have a customer in a very profitable community who is growing increasingly difficult. I want to end our relationship and send their business elsewhere. This customer is very active in the community and I’ll be honest – this customer is the one who everyone else in the community looks to for references. I don’t want this person’s business anymore as they’re becoming a liability. No matter what advice I give, there’s always a retort and a ton of push back. My service revolves around fire safety and I can no longer deal with someone who “knows more than me”.

Once I express that I will no longer service their address, they will take to the all powerful internet and chase me out like they did with a landscaper. They’re the kind of customer who just can’t take no for an answer and will act accordingly.

I’m concerned that in defending myself to the other customers, it may come across as libel.

This divorce is needed. Suggestions?