| Pages in topic: [1 2] > |
Poll: Are video calls part of your contact with clients? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
|
|---|
This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Are video calls part of your contact with clients?".
View the poll results »
| | | |
I don’t use video calls professionally, they are limited to family members and friends. My communication with customers is always via email and they know that this is the best way to reach me. I can’t remember the last time I got a phone call from a client.
| | | |
Tom in London
United Kingdom
Local time: 23:45
Member (2008)
Italian to English
|
Kay Denney 
France
Local time: 00:45
French to English
I skyped once with a client, but it was also a former colleague so I don't think that really counts. I don't think we even discussed any work during that call, the negotiations had already happened over email. It was more of a catch-up conversation replacing a coffee or lunch rather than a business meeting.
| | |
|
|
|
Video calls no, and I cannot think of any reason that merits a video call. Usually, communication is done via emails or SKYPE but not video calls. I find that invasive. And I hate it when a client contacts me via telephone/mobile unless there is a valid reason such as an urgent job which the client needs and so calls to make sure I've received the email and answered or needs something clarified so instead of going to and fro, a client calls but not video calls. I feel that is acceptable but not ... See more Video calls no, and I cannot think of any reason that merits a video call. Usually, communication is done via emails or SKYPE but not video calls. I find that invasive. And I hate it when a client contacts me via telephone/mobile unless there is a valid reason such as an urgent job which the client needs and so calls to make sure I've received the email and answered or needs something clarified so instead of going to and fro, a client calls but not video calls. I feel that is acceptable but not for everyday, mundane communication.
[Edited at 2020-05-18 09:33 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | |
There are times when an ordinary phone call is a good idea, because it goes much faster than mail if we need to discuss details or negotiate, check customer requirements etc.
In fact I use the landline for business, so it is not possible to make video calls.
The mobile is strictly for private use!
Otherwise I use e-mail to communicate with clients.
| | | |
Thomas Pfann
United Kingdom
Local time: 23:45
Member (2006)
English to German
+ ...
I currently have two clients who I regularly meet via video call. Both are monthly team meetings with the client and the team of translators. These meetings are useful opportunities to discuss terminology and product features, raise problems or issues we might be facing, find out about upcoming work and so on.
And yes, of course, those attending the meeting are paid for their time.
| | | |
Geraldo Santos
Brazil
Local time: 19:45
Member (2020)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
Only one customer is part of my contact to discuss several issues, but with other customers we use it via email.
| | |
|
|
|
My customers only communicate via email.
| | | |
Aline Amorim
Brazil
Local time: 19:45
English to Portuguese
+ ...
| Once or twice | May 18, 2020 |
My customers only communicate via email and WhatsApp.
| | | |
Yaotl Altan
Mexico
Local time: 16:45
Member (2006)
English to Spanish
+ ...
|
Liena Vijupe
Latvia
Local time: 01:45
Member (2014)
French to Latvian
+ ...
My clients usually communicate via e-mail. Sometimes phone calls may happen, either as a part of "onboarding" procedure for new clients or in extremely urgent cases.
Video calls have never been required (at least not explicitly) until... just minutes ago when I received an e-mail asking if I could schedule a video call next week!
| | |
|
|
|
Sanjin Grandić
Croatia
Local time: 00:45
Member (2020)
French to Croatian
+ ...
| A few phone calls for a particular project.. | May 18, 2020 |
I received a phone call only once directly from an agency.
It was for a consecutive Intereptation/Liaison project.
They needed me urgently and since I still have a full-time job (8h-16h) I don't check my private mail as often as I do when I am at home, but in two short phone calls all was arranged for the projecf to take place.
The next day I received an SMS from the clients with instructions where we should meet in the city.
An email is better but I encorage my ... See more I received a phone call only once directly from an agency.
It was for a consecutive Intereptation/Liaison project.
They needed me urgently and since I still have a full-time job (8h-16h) I don't check my private mail as often as I do when I am at home, but in two short phone calls all was arranged for the projecf to take place.
The next day I received an SMS from the clients with instructions where we should meet in the city.
An email is better but I encorage my clents to sdnd me an empty SMS and I ll take a look in my inbox rjght away since at work I just can't check y inbox as much as I x like to. Every employer hates when you use his premises to conduct your independent business... ▲ Collapse
| | | |
I want every decision in writing so there's a record in case any questions arise.
I had one client who phoned me occasionally, but the calls were so vague that I always wrote an email to confirm what was said.
Video would be crazy.
| | | |
Kaisa I
Canada
Local time: 18:45
English to Finnish
+ ...
Only once, to discuss the workflow for when I started evaluating other linguists as part of my work for a specific client. It was a good idea to have a call instead of email, as I had a lot of questions. However, my camera was off, while the client's was on, and neither one of us made any comment about it! We also have a 12 h time difference - it was late night for me and late morning for them.
| | | |
| Pages in topic: [1 2] > |
Login to reply/comment 
