| Vom Thema belegte Seiten: [1 2] > | Poll: You accept a new client's job, and then find they have poor feedback from previous translators. You: Initiator des Themas: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "You accept a new client's job, and then find they have poor feedback from previous translators. You:".
This poll was originally submitted by Nadia Said. View the poll results »
| | | | Laura Pascual 
Finnland
Local time: 23:50
Finnisch > Spanisch
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| I do the job | May 15, 2018 |
If I have already accepted, of course I do the job. Actually, this happened last year. I usually check new clients before accepting anything, but this time I was busy and forgot to do it. Afterwards I found a lot of bad comments about the client, but I had already commited to do the project, so refusing afterwards would be unprofessional. Then of course I had payment problems, which were luckily solved, but I learnt to ALWAYS check the client, not just "almost always". Now when I have no time, I... See more If I have already accepted, of course I do the job. Actually, this happened last year. I usually check new clients before accepting anything, but this time I was busy and forgot to do it. Afterwards I found a lot of bad comments about the client, but I had already commited to do the project, so refusing afterwards would be unprofessional. Then of course I had payment problems, which were luckily solved, but I learnt to ALWAYS check the client, not just "almost always". Now when I have no time, I either refuse, or tell them I will get back with a quote as soon as possible if they're not in a hurry. I might lose some projects this way, but I also avoid a lot of hassle, so it is worth it. ▲ Collapse
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Fortunately it hasn’t happened for a long while, I always check new clients very carefully before accepting a job: once bitten, twice shy. Anyway, if it was to happen I would do it and put it down to experience.
| | | | Georgie Scott
Frankreich
Local time: 22:50
Französisch > Englisch
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| Start work and send query | May 15, 2018 |
I would start work on the job but send a polite message to the PM explaining that I've just seen poor feedback and would like confirmation that there won't be any issues or at least that I'll be notified of these in a timely manner. Then I'd make a little contingency plan.
I can't imagine agreeing to work for someone I haven't checked out but last year I did start working with an agency with poor feedback. As we were negotiating the contract, I found this and asked them about it. Th... See more I would start work on the job but send a polite message to the PM explaining that I've just seen poor feedback and would like confirmation that there won't be any issues or at least that I'll be notified of these in a timely manner. Then I'd make a little contingency plan.
I can't imagine agreeing to work for someone I haven't checked out but last year I did start working with an agency with poor feedback. As we were negotiating the contract, I found this and asked them about it. They said there wouldn't be an issue and, although their communication methods are a little unorthodox, I've found them to be nothing but exemplary. (I accepted the job regardless because it was interesting and I didn't stand to lose much and just kept in mind that getting paid might be an issue) ▲ Collapse
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| If I had already accepted | May 15, 2018 |
I would keep my promise. (Only if it was a relatively big job, say above USD 300 I would comment on my findings)
But normally I check out all new clients before accepting a job.
However, once I did a very small job for a new client; I was busy and did not bother checking,
then they asked me to do a bigger job and I just accepted - but shouldn't have - because it turned out they had a bad record on Blue Board, and I got some trouble getting the money. Got it in the... See more I would keep my promise. (Only if it was a relatively big job, say above USD 300 I would comment on my findings)
But normally I check out all new clients before accepting a job.
However, once I did a very small job for a new client; I was busy and did not bother checking,
then they asked me to do a bigger job and I just accepted - but shouldn't have - because it turned out they had a bad record on Blue Board, and I got some trouble getting the money. Got it in the end though.
Sometimes, when new clients with bad records plead me to take on a job, I ask for advance payment and that has worked out well in several cases. ▲ Collapse
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I have to say that I usually check the client's reliability first.
But just in case I would do the job, wait for it to be paid and then, in case, accept a new one.
| | | | Jennifer Forbes
Local time: 21:50
Französisch > Englisch
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In stillem Gedenken | It probably wouldn't happen ... | May 15, 2018 |
... because, like others here, I always check the records of potential clients who are new to me. If their record is seriously bad, I mention the fact to them and request payment in advance which, with "baddies", usually isn't forthcoming.
In the case of potential clients with no records, I might accept a first job if it is relatively small, provided they agree to my terms in writing in some form, do the job and keep my fingers crossed (when not typing). This has sometimes led to a sound b... See more ... because, like others here, I always check the records of potential clients who are new to me. If their record is seriously bad, I mention the fact to them and request payment in advance which, with "baddies", usually isn't forthcoming.
In the case of potential clients with no records, I might accept a first job if it is relatively small, provided they agree to my terms in writing in some form, do the job and keep my fingers crossed (when not typing). This has sometimes led to a sound business relationship. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Do the job anyway | May 15, 2018 |
If I have committed myself to doing the job, I would do it anyway, and deliver as for any other client.
Like others, I check clients before I take on work.
Apart from that, I normally only take on small jobs, so if there is trouble and I have to write it off as experience, I can live with it.
The important thing is that I have fulfilled my side of the agreement, so the client has nothing to complain about. Then at least I have given them the benefit of the doubt.
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| Once I've taken the order, I'll do the job anyway | May 15, 2018 |
If I failed to see the poor feedback on them before accepting the job, I must take the blame for not having been thorough in my due diligence, and get ready to face the consequences.
| | | | neilmac
Spanien
Local time: 22:50
Spanisch > Englisch
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| Other ... N/A. | May 15, 2018 |
Luckily enough, this scenario is very unlikely to happen to me, as for the past few years I've been so busy that I don't really have any space left to entertain new clients. I'm currently pretty much fully booked until the end of August... 
| | | | | Renegotiate... | May 15, 2018 |
asking for payment in advance... 
| | | | | Always check the Blue Board first | May 15, 2018 |
Whenever I receive a message from a potential new client, I always check the Blue Board first. To me, the ratings and comments posted by colleagues are key for continuing the conversation.
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Alexandr Kopiy
Russische Föderation
Local time: 00:50
Englisch > Russisch
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My reaction would depend on the scope of work - the more scope, the more probability of rejection.
| | | | | Sticky situation | May 15, 2018 |
I chose "Do the job anyway" but if the sum involved is large (>$500), I might have words with the PM just to get to the bottom of it before losing any more time and money.
| | | | | I do the job for good work ethics | May 15, 2018 |
It's my duty to verify reputability before accepting a job. If I missed that step, my bad, I do the job I accepted, but I make sure to stay on the ball for communications and payments. If things go south, it's a lesson learned for the next project.
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