Here are a few tips for dealing with direct clients and translation agencies (based on personal experience and accounts of colleagues):

1. Always get your client to sign a Purchase Order. A written confirmation by fax or e-mail will do the trick in most jurisdictions.

2. If the agency requires you to sign a contract for subcontractors, read it carefully. If there is only the slightest doubt in your mind, don't sign it. One example of a "delicate" clause that some agencies use is the "time of payment clause", as I call it: in it, the agency states that the translator will get paid once the agency has received payment from its end client. Under contract law, this is completely wrong and shou... Read more »

Over the past decades, due to the advance of technology but also that of globalization, translators have wittnessed a severe decline in rates and an increase in the number of customers looking for the lowest rates. But how much should you charge?

When you are quoting for jobs you will almost always be asked for your rates, which are usually given per word. In order to be able to do so, you will have to calculate exactly what your costs of living and running your business are. Take into consideration how much you could work per day and month and break this down to a price per word figure.

For example, if you are working from home and your rent is 600€ per month and you need another 1000€ for all additional costs (telephone, insurances, food, car etc.) you will need to make at least 1600€ per month. Ideally you could w... Read more »