| 주제 내 페이지: [1 2] > | were you ever asked to reduce your fees ? 스레드 게시자: Annerose MB
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I was working for a certain company and when I left, two years ago, we agreed that I would go on doing some translation work for them on a freelance basis. We agreed on a price based on what their former translator was charging (mine being slighty less expensive).
These days, I get big projects twice a year. Usually, they should be done within a sort time. I am working full time in the service sector and time is a problem.
I was asked to reduce my fee,... See more I was working for a certain company and when I left, two years ago, we agreed that I would go on doing some translation work for them on a freelance basis. We agreed on a price based on what their former translator was charging (mine being slighty less expensive).
These days, I get big projects twice a year. Usually, they should be done within a sort time. I am working full time in the service sector and time is a problem.
I was asked to reduce my fee, since some agencies charge \"two thirds\" of what I charge.
I don\'t think that I want to cut 1/3 of my rate. It would mean that I was much too expensive from the start. And also that it would apply to all divisions of that same company for whom I am doing translations.
Did you ever get such requests from longstanding customers ? ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Just an excuse | Feb 19, 2003 |
Quote:
On 2003-02-19 20:33, hhannahh wrote:
I don\'t think that I want to cut 1/3 of my rate. It would mean that I was much too expensive from the start. And also that it would apply to all divisions of that same company for whom I am doing translations.
It doesn\'t necessarily mean that you are too expensive. It may just mean that they are trying every excuse to cut costs. Besides, you have ... See more Quote:
On 2003-02-19 20:33, hhannahh wrote:
I don\'t think that I want to cut 1/3 of my rate. It would mean that I was much too expensive from the start. And also that it would apply to all divisions of that same company for whom I am doing translations.
It doesn\'t necessarily mean that you are too expensive. It may just mean that they are trying every excuse to cut costs. Besides, you have no way to know whether what they say is true. \"Other translators charge less, so you should lower your costs,\" is an old story.
Fortunately you have enough other work, so you can tell them that they are free to engage the 2/3 translators instead of you if they choose to. If they value the quality that you provide, they may even return to you (at your price) if they have a bad experience with someone else. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Eventually they'll go back to you | Feb 19, 2003 |
I had a very similar situation. The client said they had found other translators with lower rates and asked me to lower mine, which I did not, so I \"lost them\"... for some time though.
After their second or third sour experience with \"not so good\" translations, I got a call asking me if I would still be willing to accept their jobs. We negotiated and I gave them a \"discounted rate,\" but not as low as they had proposed at first.
I agree that they are probably trying to k... See more I had a very similar situation. The client said they had found other translators with lower rates and asked me to lower mine, which I did not, so I \"lost them\"... for some time though.
After their second or third sour experience with \"not so good\" translations, I got a call asking me if I would still be willing to accept their jobs. We negotiated and I gave them a \"discounted rate,\" but not as low as they had proposed at first.
I agree that they are probably trying to keep you, otherwise they would just go with the others and wouldn\'t even bother asking for lower rates.
I would advise you to point out the \"pluses\" you have to offer them (fast turnaround times, meeting tight deadlines, expertise on their subject, availability, etc.) to make them feel they\'re getting their money\'s worth, which is often times what purchasers want to ensure.
Good luck! ▲ Collapse
| | | | Nenija Hasanic (X)
보스니아-헤르체고비나
Local time: 04:23
영어에서 보스니아어
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| It is up to you! | Feb 19, 2003 |
Actually,they did not ask you to cut your rate for 1/3 of what you charge. They\'ve just used it as an argument. They are entitled to! However, there is no agency that is cheaper than a freelancer. That is almost impossible by a definition! You should reconsider your relationship with that client, and if you find it worthwhile, you can offer some (acceptable) discount. My advice is to try to keep every cliet you have. It is rather easy to lose a client, but it takes a lot of time and efforts to ... See more Actually,they did not ask you to cut your rate for 1/3 of what you charge. They\'ve just used it as an argument. They are entitled to! However, there is no agency that is cheaper than a freelancer. That is almost impossible by a definition! You should reconsider your relationship with that client, and if you find it worthwhile, you can offer some (acceptable) discount. My advice is to try to keep every cliet you have. It is rather easy to lose a client, but it takes a lot of time and efforts to win a new one. ▲ Collapse
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| at the same time | Feb 20, 2003 |
at the same time, do not forget that a good translator is not a commonality. No agency likes to lose a good translator, because this is the very foundation of their good business. My experience is that, eventually they come back to you, If, you are good.
| | | | | Tell them politely that it cannot be done. | Feb 20, 2003 |
If they can find someone cheaper, then let them try. When they see they are not getting their money\'s worth, they\'ll be back.
If not, then it\'s best for them to get lost. You don\'t need them.
| | | | | Two-way street | Feb 20, 2003 |
I agree that this is an excuse and a tactic.
How would the company react if you RAISED your rates?
So why should they expect you to react any differently when they want to LOWER yours?
Stick to your guns and your rate and you will come out on top in the end.
[addsig]
| | | | | Instead of a lower rate: differentiation | Feb 20, 2003 |
If I were you, I would suggest a differentiated rate structure: now you have an experience of several years regarding the types of documents, the terminology and the tastes, so you can probably establish (without making it public) that
- this is the portion/kind of the work that does not really require efforts, therefore, I am ready to offer a discount here (for repetitions, for instance),
- this is the portion I hate anyway, so let the cheapies get it  ... See more If I were you, I would suggest a differentiated rate structure: now you have an experience of several years regarding the types of documents, the terminology and the tastes, so you can probably establish (without making it public) that
- this is the portion/kind of the work that does not really require efforts, therefore, I am ready to offer a discount here (for repetitions, for instance),
- this is the portion I hate anyway, so let the cheapies get it 
- and stick to the rest of the job, at the same rate!
On the whole, if your suggestion is accepted, the client will come to lower costs and you will still have your huge (or no more too huge) work loads twice a year. At any rate: don\'t cut your rates by one-third... you\'re right - it looks as if you were overpaid!
By the way, I would not argue with \"my time\" (who cares, when there are plenty of other people with plenty of time available?), I would argue with \"my quality\" - for a four-star hotel, a rocketing number of Bed & Breakfast is not dangerous... ▲ Collapse
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... I was maybe not clear enough, sorry. It is not a translation agency, it is a \"direct\" client.
thanks for you input.
| | | | Egmont
스페인
Local time: 04:23
아프리칸스어에서 스페인어
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| AS USUAL.... | Feb 20, 2003 |
in any business...
[addsig]
| | | | Marc P (X) 
Local time: 04:23
독일어에서 영어
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If you are not losing at least some work because of your prices, you are not charging enough.
Marc
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Quote:
On 2003-02-20 12:08, MarcPrior wrote:
If you are not losing at least some work because of your prices, you are not charging enough.
Marc
Now that is by far the most to-the-point description of the principles of supply and demand I\'ve seen for quite a while... 
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| Recent trends | Feb 20, 2003 |
I have noticed in the last year or so a lot more cost-cutting and bargaining going on. Fair enough if the global economy is slumping somewhat, but what we must not do is work too cheaply: it is bad for business, for the trade generally, and it belittles our expertise and unique, and, quite amazing skills.
We don\'t ask plumbers, electricians and grocers to lower their prices. Why then should we be expected to? (Although I have on occasion for one reason or another)
... See more I have noticed in the last year or so a lot more cost-cutting and bargaining going on. Fair enough if the global economy is slumping somewhat, but what we must not do is work too cheaply: it is bad for business, for the trade generally, and it belittles our expertise and unique, and, quite amazing skills.
We don\'t ask plumbers, electricians and grocers to lower their prices. Why then should we be expected to? (Although I have on occasion for one reason or another)
cheers
S
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| | | | Maya Jurt
스위스
Local time: 04:23
프랑스어에서 독일어
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| Say "sorry, we are full..." | Feb 20, 2003 |
Quote:
I am working full time in the service sector and time is a problem
You are working full time somewhere else. You get a full salary, and you are moonlighting for this company? Your husband is working. So, what\'s the problem? If time is a problem, time to do their translations, decline. Time is worth more than money that you probably can do without.
If you are giving your free time to ... See more Quote:
I am working full time in the service sector and time is a problem
You are working full time somewhere else. You get a full salary, and you are moonlighting for this company? Your husband is working. So, what\'s the problem? If time is a problem, time to do their translations, decline. Time is worth more than money that you probably can do without.
If you are giving your free time to this company, just because you love translating and you do it well, do it if they pay well. Otherwise satisfy your passion with pro bono work for humanitarian organizations.
My two cents worth.
Maya
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| | | | | Here are some arguements you could use in your favor.... | Feb 20, 2003 |
Here are some arguements you could use in your favor....
- You know the company inside out (you used to work there). The agencies do not. This inside knowledge means more accurate and reliable translations.
- You are an individual. Most agencies cannot guarantee that the same translator will be used for two consecutive jobs from the same customer. This means that your terminology and phraseology (could be) more consistent than any agency. (i.e. better qu... See more Here are some arguements you could use in your favor....
- You know the company inside out (you used to work there). The agencies do not. This inside knowledge means more accurate and reliable translations.
- You are an individual. Most agencies cannot guarantee that the same translator will be used for two consecutive jobs from the same customer. This means that your terminology and phraseology (could be) more consistent than any agency. (i.e. better quality)
- Following on from the above - you know what terms have been agreed in the past for translation use. Unless the company is diligent about its terminology record-keeping (most aren\'t), then you have an advantage over any agency.
They\'re the points that immediately spring to my mind in dealing with a problem like this.
As mentioned above, you MUST use the quality angle to defend your pricing policy.
HTH
Alison
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