Vom Thema belegte Seiten: < [1 2] | Cancellation fees Initiator des Themas: XX789 (X)
| Samuel Murray Niederlande Local time: 01:40 Mitglied (2006) Englisch > Afrikaans + ... I can't see how it would work... | May 31, 2008 |
Loek van Kooten wrote:
As you can imagine, something had to be done, which is why I have now introduced a 50% cancellation fee.
And when do they pay this fee? Sure, you can send an invoice for the cancellation fee, but you may have a hard time chasing it down.
I find it highly unfair that clients expect us to guarantee a delivery date while they refuse to guarantee the assignment itself.
I agree, but I can also see it from their point of view. They can't promise their client to deliver if they don't have a translator lined up yet. So unless you're on some kind of retainer with your clients, you must allow for such negotiations.
The problem comes in when agencies neglect to tell their clients that they are mere middlemen. The client thinks that he's dealing with a translation service provider, whereas in reality he's dealing with someone trying to balance a client on the one hand and translator on the other. So clients don't always appreciate that certain aspects of the negotiations are time-bound.
Typically, the client would first ask "can you do this" and then the agency would go and find a translator so that they can honestly answer the client "yes". The agency doesn't say "yes, we can, if you give us the job soon".
When I order a kitchen, and the plumber can only start when the carpenter has done his work, the plumber will charge me too if it turns out the carpenter hasn't finished yet and the plumber came all the way to my house for nothing because I booked him.
You shouldn't order a kitchen that way. Get yourself a contractor that will oversee all the work and subcontract the various jobs. The contractor gives you a quote and a time frame, and it is up to him to ensure that the plumber doesn't come when the carpenter isn't done yet. | | | XX789 (X) Niederlande Local time: 01:40 Englisch > Niederländisch + ... THEMENSTARTER
And when do they pay this fee? Sure, you can send an invoice for the cancellation fee, but you may have a hard time chasing it down.
That's easy. You let them agree beforehand.
My experience is that once I confront clients with this policy, they won't agree with a cancellation fee. However, they do tend to give up their demand for a delivery date, and in the end, that is what it's all about I think. | | | XX789 (X) Niederlande Local time: 01:40 Englisch > Niederländisch + ... THEMENSTARTER
The agency doesn't say "yes, we can, if you give us the job soon".
I do that when I act as an agency. Excerpt from my standard quote template:
Thank you very much for your interest in our services.
Attached please find our quote and proposed time of delivery.
At this moment the expected delivery date is June 17th 2009 (17:00 CET). The total price is 12805,60 euro, excluding VAT. For more details, please refer to the quote itself.
To make sure we can actually make the delivery date stated in the quote, it is important to confirm the quote as soon as possible (at least the very same day, sometimes even earlier). This is because meanwhile, other projects might get scheduled.
If you have previously received a tentative quote for this project, it is no longer valid. Also please note that the delivery date mentioned in the quote can differ from the delivery date which you possibly requested.
I think more agencies should do that. The following situation always amazes me:
1. Client calls on Monday and asks for delivery date of 10.000 word translation
2. I say Friday
3. Client calls on Friday morning and says it's a go, demanding delivery on Friday ("that's what you said, right")? | | | Kevin Lossner Portugal Local time: 00:40 Deutsch > Englisch + ... All proposed schedules subject to change until confirmed by all parties | May 31, 2008 |
Loek van Kooten wrote:
1. Client calls on Monday and asks for delivery date of 10.000 word translation
2. I say Friday
3. Client calls on Friday morning and says it's a go, demanding delivery on Friday ("that's what you said, right")?
Sounds vaguely familiar. At #2 I always point out that any suggestion of a delivery date is subject to change at very short notice (sometimes within the hour) until confirmed. Often indicating that there are several RFQs in your inbox to which you must/should respond within a reasonably short time can get things sorted out quickly. | |
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MariusV Litauen Local time: 02:40 Englisch > Litauisch + ... What about some advance payment instead of that cancellation fee? | Jun 3, 2008 |
Say, your client wants to know for sure you will take his/her job. He/she promises that the files for translation will be in your inbox on June 10 th 9 a. m. at the latest and delivery needed on June 17 th 5 p.m. at the latest. So, let them keep their promises (you have to keep the deadlines, don't you?)/ Why not share the "risk", say, on a 50/50 (or some other) basis? A small and simple contract stating - 50 (or 40, 30, or 20 - whatever you agree) per cent prepayment and that the job will done ... See more Say, your client wants to know for sure you will take his/her job. He/she promises that the files for translation will be in your inbox on June 10 th 9 a. m. at the latest and delivery needed on June 17 th 5 p.m. at the latest. So, let them keep their promises (you have to keep the deadlines, don't you?)/ Why not share the "risk", say, on a 50/50 (or some other) basis? A small and simple contract stating - 50 (or 40, 30, or 20 - whatever you agree) per cent prepayment and that the job will done for June 17 th 5 p.m. IF the files for translation come on June 10 th 9 a.m. at the latest. Samuel noted it very well that it can be difficult to chase up for that cancellation fee later. They want a tight game, so play it tight too. The client wants you "to get tied", so that x per cent in advance shall not be a problem. And if the files do not come by June 10 th 9 a.m. into your inbox, let it be their problem (and this fee is already yours without ANY need to chase for it).
[Edited at 2008-06-03 21:58] ▲ Collapse | | | Vom Thema belegte Seiten: < [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 » Cancellation fees Wordfast Pro |
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