Poll: Do you ask for advanced payment before starting an assignment for a new client?
Muriel Vasconcellos United States Local time: 15:36 Member (2003) Spanish to English + ...
Directly clients only
Feb 6
I often get direct clients who have found me via ProZ, and the jobs are usually small. If get the feeling that they might have difficulty getting payment to me, or there might be other challenges, I suggest that they make a 50% down payment. I've done this three times that I can remember, and no one ever complained.
P.S. I do this rarely. It just gives me peace of mind when I think that things are getting squirrely. I wouldn't do it with an established translation bureau or an official from a recognized institution.
[Edited at 2012-02-06 10:59 GMT]
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Allison Wright Portugal Local time: 23:36 Member (2010) German to English + ...
Yes. Some clients offer!
Feb 6
aceavila - Noni wrote:
I note that "advanceD payment" is the form being used on some GB websites, but to me that extra "d" grates and sounds odd. Any comments? ....
Yes, I liken phrases such as these to the experience of having to take aspirin without water.
This example definitely falls into "aspirin in the mouth" category!
On the rare occasion that clients offer to pay 100% in advance, I naturally accept.
After getting burned for over US$1,200 last year (outsourcer with aliases a-plenty, now banned from ProZ), I notice my tone regarding payment in e-mail discussions is generally much firmer.
I translated a big book last year. Although the terms were fair, this experience has galvanised me into requiring a greater proportion of the money sooner for the next large project.
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Mario Chavez United States Local time: 18:36 Member (2005) English to Spanish
It's 'advance payment' in the U.S.A.
Feb 6
aceavila - Noni wrote:
I note that "advanceD payment" is the form being used on some GB websites, but to me that extra "d" grates and sounds odd. Any comments? And what is standard usage in the US/Canada/Oz etc?
Agree with many of the comments so far made - John, Teresa, Neil....
Good point, and I didn't notice the d, hahah.
Back to topic: I haven't yet asked for advance(d) payment but I would agree with my fellow translators in asking for some sort of deposit for very large projects. Otherwise, I usually bill as I go, which has been fine with my clients.
This discussion has given me food for thought as to other kinds of payments: deposits. For example, conference interpreters charge by the hour and have at least a 2-hour or a half-day minimum, correct? This is a bridge topic for discussing a cancellation policy. Does anyone have a cancellation policy for translation services?
Sorry, moderator, I will suggest this topic for another poll.
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patriciacharnet United Kingdom Local time: 23:36 English to French + ...
yes
Feb 6
I'm leaning towards that way - had a £400 loss then a €257 loss with proz.com outsourcers and a £98 unsure with a bounced cheque and have just recovered in extremis a £1,200 with a lawsuit so I'm afraid I'm taking that avenue gradually. I'm double checking everybody now even regular clients before taking new jobs.
For clients who pay well and no problem with fake quality problems, I'm offering a normal 30 day credit but I'm much firmer now because too many people are taking translators for a ride and many translators let it happen with them getting scot free!
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Nina Khmielnitzky Canada Local time: 18:36 Member (2004) English to French
If the client is an agency, I check in the Blue Board first
Feb 6
If the agency has a solid reputation, I don't ask for a advanced payment. If they're rated below 4 with lots of bad comments, I ask for one or simply say I am not available. It's not worth the risk. There are plenty of good agencies.
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Rebecca Garber United States Local time: 18:36 Member (2005) German to English + ...
No, but then...
Feb 6
I check the BlueBoard first. If the client has a poor payment history, then I don't work for them. I don't need the hassle.
I was *offered* a three-part payment for one book project, which I happily accepted.
I am currently working on another book, which has a single payment upon finishing. However (das große aber), I know the people personally, so I'm not worried about getting stiffed.
On the flip side: there is one agency that I will *ONLY* work for if they pay me up front. They agreed to my payment conditions (30 days), then casually blew past the deadline. They only paid when they had another project they wanted me to work on.
I also get the "we have a huge project so quote us a really low rate and we'll pay you, we promise" emails. I'm generally busy enough with projects that pay a living wage that I simply delete them unanswered. If someone else wants them, they're welcome.
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Irene Koukia Greece Local time: 01:36 Member (2008) German to Greek + ...
No... but I am careful
Feb 6
I usually do not ask for a deposit or prepayment, only from direct, one-time customers. For new clients I usually check the Blueboard and keep the balance low till I am sure they do pay as agreed. I think that the key is to keep the balance low so that it does not hurt if something goes wrong...
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Elena Novski Canada Local time: 18:36 Partial member Russian to English + ...
Not really,
Feb 7
but I never take over large assignments from new clients, to minimize the risk.
Also, there are some small but eloquent details, judging by which you may have an opinion of what to expect from them.
...Well, if the client offers 10% - 30% prepayment, I agree to accept it
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Marcus Malabad Canada Local time: 18:36 Member (2002) German to English + ...
Payment
Feb 7
....upon receipt
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