Poll: How often do you get feedback from your clients? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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| | Rebecca Garber 
Local time: 08:12
Member (2005)
German to English
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| It depends on the client | Aug 8, 2008 |
I have one client that always sends a proofed version for me to confirm. We've been known to have 5 exchanges using Word's comment boxes to agree on terminology.
I have others that I hear nothing from. 
Frankly, I love getting feedback, because it helps me improve as a translator.
| | | | Sanmar
United Kingdom
Local time: 13:12
Dutch to English
I would love to get feedback more often, especially the positive kind! Having said that, I also appreciate constructive feedback (as opposed to the 'malicious' proofreader sort), so that I can get a better idea of the style/terminology preferences of particular clients and also to improve as a translator. Of course, when a client keeps returning with more work you assume that they must be happy but it very rarely happens that a client lets you know that they are particularly pleased with your wo... See more I would love to get feedback more often, especially the positive kind! Having said that, I also appreciate constructive feedback (as opposed to the 'malicious' proofreader sort), so that I can get a better idea of the style/terminology preferences of particular clients and also to improve as a translator. Of course, when a client keeps returning with more work you assume that they must be happy but it very rarely happens that a client lets you know that they are particularly pleased with your work. When they do, it sure tends to make my day! ▲ Collapse
| | | | Monica_mdq (X)
Argentina
Local time: 09:12
Spanish to English
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| Importance of Feedback | Aug 8, 2008 |
Hi Rebecca,
I´ve read your post and agree fully about the importance of feedback from the client. From my point of view, it´s a sign of customer loyaly. ¨)
Best,
Mónica
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| Varies from client to client | Aug 8, 2008 |
As Rebecca says, it depends on the client. I have one regular client who regularly gives feedback - always a word of thanks and often more detailed (positive) feedback, which I find motivating and encouraging. Clients I know less well tend to give less feedback. Some haven't even confirmed receipt of the translation - I wouldn't know they'd had it if it weren't for the arrival of their payment.
| | | | Lisa Roberts
France
Local time: 14:12
Spanish to English
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I have one client that gives feedback - quite detailed - for every single translation, and then it's a bit hit and miss with various other clients. When I outsource work on the odd occasion, I always try and give a bit of feedback - or at the very least express my thanks for a job well done - it means so much to the translator, particularly with translation being such a thankless profession.
| | | | Interlangue (X)
Angola
Local time: 14:12
English to French
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A client who has complaints always reacts.
Positive feedback is not as systematic: agencies seldom relay that kind.
I said "sometimes", because I got a general comment and could view the final text of each translation on the portal of this one customer.
| | | | AWa (X)
Local time: 14:12
English to German
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| "When nobody says anything... | Aug 10, 2008 |
... assume everything's alright"
That's what my grandfather used to say when my grandmother asked the family's opinion on her cooking. And I guess he was right, if anything was out of the ordinary (better or worse than usual) someone would mention it.
Nowadays I apply this quote to my translations.
When I take on a job I will do it well. I don't expect any praise for something that goes without saying. Do you call a craftsman who worked at your place and... See more ... assume everything's alright"
That's what my grandfather used to say when my grandmother asked the family's opinion on her cooking. And I guess he was right, if anything was out of the ordinary (better or worse than usual) someone would mention it.
Nowadays I apply this quote to my translations.
When I take on a job I will do it well. I don't expect any praise for something that goes without saying. Do you call a craftsman who worked at your place and praise him for the work he's done? Or your doctor to thank him for curing your cold?
If a translation shouldn't meet their standards the client will certainly get in touch to let me know. If the translation is exceptionally good or done at short notice most clients thank me for my support when confirming that they received the text. I appreciate this courtesy - who doesn't like praise? - but I certainly do not expect it.
The best ways for clients to show that they like my work is to come back with new jobs and to recommend me and my work to others. ▲ Collapse
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Joan Berglund
United States
Local time: 08:12
Member (2008)
French to English
I would like to get detailed feedback of the kind Lisa Roberts refers to, but I really only get that from one client. I sometimes even ask for feedback/corrections if I have an ongoing pile of work on the same subject for the same client, but I seldom get it, which is too bad. I agree that it does help one improve as a translator. I do sometimes get comments from agencies like "the client especially liked your last job" or "asked for you particularly" but they usually precede asking me to wor... See more I would like to get detailed feedback of the kind Lisa Roberts refers to, but I really only get that from one client. I sometimes even ask for feedback/corrections if I have an ongoing pile of work on the same subject for the same client, but I seldom get it, which is too bad. I agree that it does help one improve as a translator. I do sometimes get comments from agencies like "the client especially liked your last job" or "asked for you particularly" but they usually precede asking me to work evenings/weekends or meeting a very tight deadline, so I take these with a grain of salt. It's better than hearing negative comments, though! ▲ Collapse
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