Why I Walked From a Client Over $250

California-based founder. Reached out two weeks ago. Sounded great on paper. I sent him 2 specific questions about his business. He didn't answer. I followed up. Nothing. Followed up a third time. Still nothing. So this morning I told him we're not the right fit. Here are the 2 questions I ask every prospect — and why this one failed both: 1. Are you responsive within 48 hours during onboarding? If a prospect ghosts you before signing, they'll ghost you on revisions, access requests, results reviews. Costs you double in the long run. 2. What does success look like to you in 90 days? If they can't articulate it, they don't know. You'll be blamed for not hitting a target they never set. Working with max 20 clients means I can't afford the wrong ones. Saying no protects the work for the rest of the roster.