| Pages in topic: [1 2] > | Translation agency does not confirm minimum rate before test is completed - is it worth it? 投稿者: Sergei Nikolenko
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Hi all,
I would be interested in your opinion about the following situation.
I replied to a post by a translation agency and stated my minimum rate. They sent me a test (in different topics so, taken altogether, it is quite long) + a detailed form to fill out. When I asked them if they will be able to match my minimum rate (provided my test is approved) they replied saying that they cannot discuss rates before the test is done and the form is filled out. More than that... See more Hi all,
I would be interested in your opinion about the following situation.
I replied to a post by a translation agency and stated my minimum rate. They sent me a test (in different topics so, taken altogether, it is quite long) + a detailed form to fill out. When I asked them if they will be able to match my minimum rate (provided my test is approved) they replied saying that they cannot discuss rates before the test is done and the form is filled out. More than that, they confessed that they would choose the best translators with the best rate offer.
Now, it would take around half a day to do the test and complete the form and I am wondering if it is worthwhile to deal with such an agency? I feel rather uncomfortable with their attitude...
What do you think?
[Edited at 2009-10-15 18:56 GMT]
[Edited at 2009-10-15 18:57 GMT]
[Edited at 2009-10-15 19:01 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Aniello Scognamiglio (X) 
ドイツ
Local time: 04:39
英語 から ドイツ語
+ ...
| | Be frank, confirm that they are willing to use your base rate | Oct 15, 2009 |
I have had this situation a couple of times in the past.
In these cases, I feel it is in the best interest of both parties to confirm your absolute minimum rate before proceeding with the test. If you ask the agency before doing the test and they confirm that your minimum rate is something they could work with, then do the test and everybody is happy. And if they tell you upfront that your minimum rate is impossible to meet, then thank them for the opportunity and tell them that you... See more I have had this situation a couple of times in the past.
In these cases, I feel it is in the best interest of both parties to confirm your absolute minimum rate before proceeding with the test. If you ask the agency before doing the test and they confirm that your minimum rate is something they could work with, then do the test and everybody is happy. And if they tell you upfront that your minimum rate is impossible to meet, then thank them for the opportunity and tell them that you will be happy to cooperate with them if the budget for similar jobs improves in the future.
It does not make any sense for you to do the test before confirming this, as it will be frustrating for you (you would have worked half a day for nothing) and for them (they spent time and resources evaluating a translator they cannot use). ▲ Collapse
| | | | | there must be a rate! | Oct 15, 2009 |
basic parts of a contract are:
- infos about the seller/ employer (name, adress..)
- infos about the buyer/ employee (name, adress..)
- details of the job (description, numbers of words, deadline...)
- price (per word/ job/ barrel/ whatever..)
- date and place
- signatures of both parties
Of course if you want to settle the price before you send translationed text or before you even touch the job, it is your choice.
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| Simple policy | Oct 15, 2009 |
I don't do any (unpaid) tests before making sure the customer can afford me. What would be the point?...
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It's been my experience that an agency that sends a test without confirming your rate (especially when you clearly asked them to do so) will come back praising your translation but offering peanuts.
[Edited at 2009-10-15 23:53 GMT]
| | | | | Absolutely not! | Oct 15, 2009 |
You could be wasting your time, you should know ahead of time if they will pay your regular rate once you pass the test or they will offer you half of what you consider your work is worth.
| | | | | When there's a doubt, there's no doubt | Oct 16, 2009 |
Don't bother.
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Frank Hansen
デンマーク
Local time: 04:39
2006に入会
英語 から デンマーク語
+ ...
| No, dont be nice | Oct 16, 2009 |
There are so many agencies out there with people who never did any translations themselves, often because they dont know how. They dont understand that the agency is earning a commission and the translator is doing the job. My advice is to never cut prices and never do anything unless paid for, instead cut your personal budget and wait for agencies that pay well and understand and appreciate all the hard work you are doing for them. I think you will be quite surprised to see what happens if you ... See more There are so many agencies out there with people who never did any translations themselves, often because they dont know how. They dont understand that the agency is earning a commission and the translator is doing the job. My advice is to never cut prices and never do anything unless paid for, instead cut your personal budget and wait for agencies that pay well and understand and appreciate all the hard work you are doing for them. I think you will be quite surprised to see what happens if you get a little tough. Good luck:-)
-frank ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Don't fall into that trap | Oct 16, 2009 |
If they don't want to agree on prices, there must be a reason.
Use your imagination...
| | | | Laurent KRAULAND (X)
フランス
Local time: 04:39
フランス語 から ドイツ語
+ ...
| The reason... | Oct 16, 2009 |
Yossi Rozenman wrote:
If they don't want to agree on prices, there must be a reason.
Use your imagination...
being that a written answer is binding and that they fear losing control.
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I think your gut feeling is right.
If they can't even answer a simple question for free, why should you bother and work hours for them without the slightest guarantee?
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Don't waste your time. If they cannot confirm it before, they (most likely) cannot afford you. I would politely write to them and briefly explain that I don't take tests unless a minimum rate has been agreed in advance. And that I don't want to waste my or their time.
Personally, I don’t take tests for free anymore.
| | | | | I've been there | Oct 16, 2009 |
Marina Aleyeva wrote:
It's been my experience that an agency that sends a test without confirming your rate (especially when you clearly asked them to do so) will come back praising your translation but offering peanuts.
[Edited at 2009-10-15 23:53 GMT]
Even less than peanuts:
Yes, they confirmed that my usual rate was no problem, so I did the test and filled in some forms etc etc. The translation was deemed 'up to standard' (of course), but I still have to see the first project from them...
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Sergei Nikolenko wrote:
Now, it would take around half a day to do the test and complete the form and I am wondering if it is worthwhile to deal with such an agency? I feel rather uncomfortable with their attitude...
I have nothing against free tests (http://www.cbavington.com/Thoughts/FreeTests.shtml) but there is a limit, I feel, to how much unpaid time it is reasonable to expect people to devote to initial contact and assessment. For me, that limit is about an hour. And leaving free tests aside, it does seem to be a common experience that the more information you are asked for, the less your chances of ever getting work.
And as has been pointed out, if they can't afford you, what's the point.... ?
(For balance, of course, they might be thinking "let's see what he's worth before we decide on a rate".)
I feel your relationship has already started on the wrong foot, which may be a bad sign.
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