About the rates proposed by some translation agencies Initiator des Themas: Laurie Draï
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Laurie Draï
Argentinien
Local time: 14:16
Spanisch > Französisch
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After many astonishments, I just would like to express my big discontent and concern about the ridiculous rates proposed to freelancers by some linguistic services agencies.
I live in a "developing country" but, out of respect for my regular clients and for my peers, I consider it's a real shame to accept these rates, no matter the needs I have.
I hope we'll be able to value our beautiful profession, and won't let this scary trend be accepted.
Thanks for the attention!
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I'm with you, but the problem lies as much on the agencies that propose those ridiculous agencies as on the translators that are willing to accept peanuts. By way of example, to an agency that on LinkedIn posted that they will be paying 0.015 USD per word for a very special MTPE project two translators called it a “good opportunity”…
| | | | expressisverbis
Portugal
Local time: 18:16
Mitglied (2015)
Englisch > Portugiesisch
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| "Indecent" offers | Mar 4, 2024 |
Last week, an agency I won't name here contacted me for an urgent translation...
I replied saying I was available and told them my rate. A few hours later, I received a message saying the job had been assigned to another translator.
At 9pm, 11pm and 2am I received three email messages saying that "there had been a confusion with the translator" and they now needed me to translate 1800 words for €0.04 per word. I read these emails in the next morning.
It's not often that I rep... See more Last week, an agency I won't name here contacted me for an urgent translation...
I replied saying I was available and told them my rate. A few hours later, I received a message saying the job had been assigned to another translator.
At 9pm, 11pm and 2am I received three email messages saying that "there had been a confusion with the translator" and they now needed me to translate 1800 words for €0.04 per word. I read these emails in the next morning.
It's not often that I reply to such "barbarity", but this time I confess I was annoyed.
This year, I can say that I've received emails with more "indecent" offers than usual.
The solution is to reject these humiliating and disrespectful rates. The only problem is that many so-called translators accept them.
Also, some agencies need to realise once and for all that translators are professionals like any other. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Jeff Whittaker 
Vereinigte Staaten
Local time: 13:16
Spanisch > Englisch
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| Inappropriate rates | Mar 5, 2024 |
As far as rates are concerned, I believe that the reason for the commonly low payments lies with the too low-expecting translators involved in different fields of translation who not only denigrate the value of their own works but those of workmates. I suggest that they should be advised not to underestimate their works.
| | | | Livia Duarte (X)
Schweiz
Local time: 19:16
Englisch > Portugiesisch
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| Matter of perspective. Low quotes for who? | Mar 5, 2024 |
I agree very much with the previous comments. The translation field, like any other field of knowledge, needs to be properly valued. Experienced translators should position themselves as such, have confidence in their abilities, and refuse proposals with unreasonable payments. However, I believe that the translation field, like all other areas of knowledge, should establish boundaries and categorize certain positions. A novice translator, much like a trainee, needs to find opportunities to devel... See more I agree very much with the previous comments. The translation field, like any other field of knowledge, needs to be properly valued. Experienced translators should position themselves as such, have confidence in their abilities, and refuse proposals with unreasonable payments. However, I believe that the translation field, like all other areas of knowledge, should establish boundaries and categorize certain positions. A novice translator, much like a trainee, needs to find opportunities to develop their skills. These individuals are often willing to translate texts for free, simply for the opportunity to work on a project. This is also not right. Companies that offer low rates should also be aware that the final work will not be of the highest quality and will likely be done by someone with little experience. Perhaps they are already aware of this, and if they accept the conditions, then both parties benefit. I think we need to also be realistic, humble, and honest about our abilities and the work we offer. ▲ Collapse
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My advice to an inexperienced translator in order to make a career is to charge at least an average rate per word and either spend hours and hours polishing their work, or to pay a proofreader or a mentor. A beginner will not get ahead in this industry by delivering a sub-standard translation...
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