| Pages in topic: [1 2] > | Poll: Which of these attributes do you mainly look for in a translation company? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Which of these attributes do you mainly look for in a translation company?".
This poll was originally submitted by Mike Hunter. View the poll results »
| | | | | Which of these attributes.... | May 23, 2016 |
The option I would like is not available: combination of the above.
| | | | Muriel Vasconcellos (X) 
United States
Local time: 00:45
Spanish to English
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| Payment rates | May 23, 2016 |
If they their payment rates are low, we don't even have a conversation.
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Muriel Vasconcellos wrote:
If they their payment rates are low, we don't even have a conversation.
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Wendy Streitparth wrote:
The option I would like is not available: combination of the above.
| | | | Michael Harris
Germany
Local time: 09:45
Member (2006)
German to English
Wendy Streitparth wrote:
The option I would like is not available: combination of the above.
| | | | neilmac
Spain
Local time: 09:45
Spanish to English
+ ...
On the few occasions that I do work with agencies (I assume that's what is meant by 'translation companies' in the query), I prefer not to have to wade through swathes of NDAs and similar bumph before doing so. Rates are important, but not the be-all and end-all. Most are prepared to pay slightly less than my usual rate for direct clients, which I may accept if other factors are favourable, such as the deadline - I have several direct non-agency clients of my own, so I have to give them priority... See more On the few occasions that I do work with agencies (I assume that's what is meant by 'translation companies' in the query), I prefer not to have to wade through swathes of NDAs and similar bumph before doing so. Rates are important, but not the be-all and end-all. Most are prepared to pay slightly less than my usual rate for direct clients, which I may accept if other factors are favourable, such as the deadline - I have several direct non-agency clients of my own, so I have to give them priority. This often means that I am unable to comply with the quick deadlines agencies like to promise their clients. Other important factors for me include being able to query the source text, preferably directly with the author/client. I have very little time for agencies who are afraid to 'pester' clients with requests for clarification, for example on things like undefined acronyms and abbreviations. Prompt payment is nice, but I'm prepared to wait up to 90 days, or even 120, as long as they do stump up in the end. I also like being sent my tax withholding details by the end of the year without having to request it from the client.
Oh, and I'm firmly in the anti-Trados camp, so I prefer not to work with agencies that insist upon CAT tools I don't like or am unfamiliar with. I'm also wary of anything 'cloud-based'... There are probably other things I could mention, but I'm running out of steam.... ▲ Collapse
| | | | Doan Quang
Vietnam
Local time: 15:45
English to Vietnamese
Wendy Streitparth wrote:
The option I would like is not available: combination of the above.
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If someone offers me a rate that is well below my minimum, especially if it comes in their opening mail, then I tell them it is a non-starter, and what I would normally charge for their job. (Or my rate per thousand words for that kind of job.)
Otherwise I go for the client's reputation and reliable payment, and whether I am able to take on the job at all.
Large volumes are not particularly interesting - I prefer small jobs and already have regular clients, and I certai... See more If someone offers me a rate that is well below my minimum, especially if it comes in their opening mail, then I tell them it is a non-starter, and what I would normally charge for their job. (Or my rate per thousand words for that kind of job.)
Otherwise I go for the client's reputation and reliable payment, and whether I am able to take on the job at all.
Large volumes are not particularly interesting - I prefer small jobs and already have regular clients, and I certainly don't give discounts for large volumes.
PS What is a translation company? I am a translator who provides translations, and also a one-person company. I practically never outsource work. I do occasionally work for colleagues who are also one-person companies, but normally I work for agencies.
Agencies deal with end clients, find appropriate translators, do the DTP work, coordinate multi-language assignments and so on, but most of them do not actually translate in-house, so I would not call them translation companies!
[Edited at 2016-05-23 11:04 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Post removed: This post was hidden by a moderator or staff member because it was not in line with site rule |
Well outlined options. Has to be said as well.
| | | | | Post removed: This post was hidden by a moderator or staff member for the following reason: Quote of hidden post. |
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| Post removed: This post was hidden by a moderator or staff member for the following reason: Quote of hidden post. |
Too many times have the other party and I pussy-footed and gone through the initial motions of negotiation to ultimately find out that we are not compatible rate-wise.
Getting rates out of the way and agreed upon is the starting point to smooth and successful discussions. Even potential customers agree me with me on this point because it saves everybody's time and effort.
| | | | | More than one option | May 23, 2016 |
I would have liked to be able to choose more than one option.
Of course rate compatibility is paramount, however it's frustrating to get one well-paid job from an agency, only never to hear from them again. And it makes me wonder if we were so compatible on rates after all.
I'm surprised "easy communication" came in so low - I think it's crucial, and can often make a nightmare job doable.
| | | | | Pages in topic: [1 2] > | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Poll: Which of these attributes do you mainly look for in a translation company? | Protemos translation business management system | Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!
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