Disclaimer: I have never been in a real position of "having clients" as I have never done contract work or similar, so take what I say with that in mind... You

Disclaimer: I have never been in a real position of "having clients" as I have never done contract work or similar, so take what I say with that in mind... You have essentially a couple of options. You can be blunt: "Go away. I don't want your business any longer. Don't call back." ...or you can be tactful: "I am sorry, but I have decided that I am unable to continue to fulfill your needs as a client, and so I am terminating our business relationship." Expand either however you feel is necessary. Note that being blunt should probably be reserved if being tactful fails to work adequately. Being tactful can be made less painful for the client if you are able to both gracefully exit from the relationship, while also potentially giving them suggestions on how they can continue to address their needs outside of your business. For instance, if you are able to suggest a complementary service, or even a competitor to them who might be able to better address or support them, do so (this works even better if you are on speaking terms or otherwise engaged with those businesses; they very well might refer clients back to you as well). The client won't like that you are dropping them, but the fact that you are referring them elsewhere will leave a professional and good impression in their mind that even in the process of terminating the relationship, you suggested support for the transition. Lastly - both of these will need to modified - if they can be used at all - depending on what kind of contracts and agreements you already have in place with the client.