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Solutions to Common Problems for Freelance Translators
Add Value Working as a freelance translator is often a
solitary business and usually our direct contact
with clients is limited. Nowadays it is not
uncommon to deal with our clients entirely over
the internet; never talking to them or meeting
them face-to-face.
However, sometimes situations
force us to interact with people on a level
that may make us rather uncomfortable, such
as calling a client about a late payment. In
such instances it is important that we know
how to deal or talk to our clients without taking
a risk of losing them or even worse ruining
our reputation.
Therefore, it is important to know how
to handle certain situations and deal with them
diplomatically so both parties hang up the phone
satisfied; leaving neither party angry or on
the defensive. Everyone who is a self-employed
translator, writer, consultant or professional
will have problems with a client. Any freelancer
who says I never have any problems
is either not telling the truth or has too little
business that problems havent come up.
1.
The client does not like your translation!
3.
The Client Cancels the Job Midway This thankfully does not
happen too often, but can especially with larger
projects. For large projects that are 10,000
words or more I recommend adding a clause in
your contract that outlines what happens if
a client cancels the project midway. For example
it can say Ivana Inc. has the right to
terminate at any time upon notice. In such event
Ivana Inc. will compensate the contractors for
hours/words/lines completed. Thus, if
the client cancels on Tuesday 9:00 am you have
the right to bill him for your time (words)
completed up to that point. -
be calm -
never threaten -
never be on the defensive
or make the client be on the defensive -
be friendly and polite - be flexible and offer solutions; add value A good attitude and professional behavior and some flexibility will get you a lot further and most of all it will pay off in the end. A client will always remember the professional, helpful translator, the one who seeks resolution, but know this, the client will never forget the uncooperative translator, the one who rants and raves.
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