Interpreting for a direct client Thread poster: Giuseppina Gatta, MA (Hons)
|
|---|
I am probably going to work with a direct client on an interpretation assignment, and I was wondering (since this is the first time I work with a direct client) whether I should have the client sign something like a contract or agreement or similar. Do I also need to ask for a retainer? What about cancellation policy?
Could anybody please let me know what it is usually done in this cases?
Thank you!
Giuseppina
| | | | sokolniki 
United States
Local time: 09:42
English to Russian
+ ...
| I would strongly recommend.. | Jul 16, 2009 |
.. signing a short contract containing a clause on cancellation policy (24-hour notice is most common). Check out the ATA website for a draft contract. Not sure about the retainer, however if you work for this direct client for the first time, always request to be paid at the end of the work day - do not wait until the end of the assignment as they see your invoice for the total. Have invoices ready for each day of the assignment.
I had a problem only once because of NOT signing a c... See more .. signing a short contract containing a clause on cancellation policy (24-hour notice is most common). Check out the ATA website for a draft contract. Not sure about the retainer, however if you work for this direct client for the first time, always request to be paid at the end of the work day - do not wait until the end of the assignment as they see your invoice for the total. Have invoices ready for each day of the assignment.
I had a problem only once because of NOT signing a contract with a direct client and NOT requesting to be paid at the end of each work day, but only having an email confirmation of the per-hour rate.
Also, I would recommend, if you anticipate after-hours schmoozing, to include the rate for hours after 8 - normally 50% higher.
More on cancellation policy: I know for sure that agencies charge for the total amount of hours planned for the day if the client cancels less than 24 hours ahead.
Good luck. I had both disastrous (only once) but also wonderful (they became repeat clients for a number of years and fun to work with, too) experience with direct clients. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Henry Hinds
United States
Local time: 08:42
English to Spanish
+ ...
In memoriam | What works for you | Jul 16, 2009 |
It is more what works for you than what it is usually done. Getting some money or all of it up front, having them sign a contract, etc., depends on your perception of possible difficulties in collecting from this client. If you have any doubts it is always best to protect yourself by using such measures.
And yes, it is always a good idea to state a policy on cancellation. If they book you they are reserving your time and you then become unavailable for anything else. Thus if they ca... See more It is more what works for you than what it is usually done. Getting some money or all of it up front, having them sign a contract, etc., depends on your perception of possible difficulties in collecting from this client. If you have any doubts it is always best to protect yourself by using such measures.
And yes, it is always a good idea to state a policy on cancellation. If they book you they are reserving your time and you then become unavailable for anything else. Thus if they cancel within X amount of time (perhaps 72 hours or whatever) of the assignment, they would be liable for a cancellation fee. It would be best for the amount of that fee to be collected up front because if not, collecting it might be very difficult.
On the other hand, if your work (and life in general) does not involve many time commitments, you could be very flexible on cancellation because it would cause you no inconvenience. ▲ Collapse
| | | |
To both of you for the suggestions!
| | |
|
|
|
Basak Balkan
Belgium
Local time: 16:42
Member (2008)
English to Turkish
+ ...
Hello, everyone,
I have just been contacted by a businessman's secretary who is asking me to spend three days with him to interpret during his business meetings. What sort of daily rate should I ask for? Should this cost as much as a day's interpreting in a booth, or less? But it must include travel expenses, as it will take place 150km away from home.
Thank you for your advice.
Bashak
| | | | | Full day rate | Sep 9, 2009 |
But remember that interpreting at a business meeting all by yourself may be very stressful and demanding. I suggest you tell the clients that 2 interpreters are absolutely needed. I have done it by myself once (and it was not even a full day, only 3-4 hours per day) thinking it would be easy to manage, but I barely made it. I won't make this error again...
| | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Interpreting for a direct client | Protemos translation business management system | Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!
The system lets you keep client/vendor database, with contacts and rates, manage projects and assign jobs to vendors, issue invoices, track payments, store and manage project files, generate business reports on turnover profit per client/manager etc.
More info » |
| | Trados Studio 2022 Freelance | The leading translation software used by over 270,000 translators.
Designed with your feedback in mind, Trados Studio 2022 delivers an unrivalled, powerful desktop
and cloud solution, empowering you to work in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
Translation news
