Freelancers who have developed bad habits lose themselves clients and give other contractors a bad name, according to one expert.

Lexi Rodrigo offers tips on freelancefolder.com to help contractors retain clients and be the best freelancer they can be.

One contracting sin, says the author, is responding late to communication. Sometimes, contracts can be gained by being the first to respond to an enquiry and timely responses give off a professional vibe.

Secondly, missing deadlines is almost unforgivable for freelancers - the author advises contractors to make sure they make deadlines they can keep and give themselves time for unexpected obstacles.

Providing clients with shoddy work is a sure way to get sacked, she adds - clients can tell when you are not giving 100 per cent.

This comes after Paul Allen, editor of Computeractive said that contractors may consider investing in Apple tablets in the upcoming year as the brand's reputation for quality will keep it ahead of other tablets in the market.