Based on an idea by André Höchemer. You may read his original post either in Deutsch or español.
Friday, February 3, 2012
7 How to begin negotiations with translation agencies
Based on an idea by André Höchemer. You may read his original post either in Deutsch or español.
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Yeah, well, it usually just stops there! Or even before if you are experienced and start stating the very minimun you will never be willing to accept!!! But the advert required 10 years of experience and 3 active languages!!
ReplyDeleteVioleta Arranz
It's very simple, really. The end client does not want to pay for repetitions. If the agency employs experienced people, they reply "This assumes that it takes no time to do it. In that case, it's a lot easier for you to do it yourselves." If the agency does not employ experienced people, you enlighten them. Friendly, like. :)
ReplyDeleteSuprisingly, this kind of arrogance gives the best results. I've got my best deals, when I was angry and exhausted, and just wanted them to stop bugging me.
ReplyDeleteThey don't pay for repetitions? Just don't translate the repeated words :>
ReplyDeleteNo, seriously. Since I've started dictating MY conditions, I've dramatically reduced the amount of work and similarly increased the quality level of my clients. The serious ones stick with you, the "clever" ones try it with other, more naive translators.
Yeah... Just last week I was contacted by an agency to translate about 30K words. 70% repetition. PO wasn't even close to 100 bucks! No, thanks! I usually just volunteer when I want to work for free.
ReplyDeleteAs a translator this situation depicted is literaly true. Also I once had to sign some kind of copyright contract for the english-spanish translation I was going to make. But this set of conditions to sign..were IN FRENCH. Double job for shit pay
ReplyDeletePerhaps the lady wondered about the "shperical" part. Spherical would have been slightly more understandable.
ReplyDelete