Poll: When I discuss rates / money matters with clients, I'm Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "When I discuss rates / money matters with clients, I'm".
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| | | | | Forthright ... | Sep 14, 2007 |
... suppose being a lawyer helps in this department, but I'm straight to the point about rates and payment terms, regardless of whether the job is translating, editing or legal consulting.
Can't see any point in pussyfooting around issues like this.
[Edited at 2007-09-14 16:44]
| | | | | A-one quality level entails "forthright". | Sep 14, 2007 |
Lawyer-Linguist wrote:
... suppose being a lawyer helps in this department, but I'm straight to the point about rates and payment terms
Can't see any point in pussyfooting around issues like this.
[Edited at 2007-09-14 16:44]
Couldnt agree more . I believe that both "forthright" and "matter-of-fact" are two sides of the same coin, interrelated and each envolves the other.
When it comes to rates, there is no point in being "timid", "squeamish" nor "bold and daring". I deliver an A-one-quality-level output, and in return, nothing other than appreciation, fair and timely payment is expected.
[Edited at 2007-09-14 17:34]
| | | | Parrot 
Spain
Local time: 08:12
Spanish to English
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| Forthright II | Sep 14, 2007 |
I didn't see "matter-of-fact", but I identified sufficiently with forthright.
I mean, it's your time you're selling.
(Now I'm wondering if being a lawyer's daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter has anything to do with it -- not to mention the only one in a family of lawyers who didn't take up law).
[Edited at 2007-09-14 21:28]
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| Bold and daring | Sep 14, 2007 |
Always bold and daring....straight to the point. No hassles gets you everywhere. We have to survive somehow.
Rob
| | | | Els Spin
Netherlands
Local time: 08:12
Dutch to English
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My attitude very much depends on my perception of the person at the other end of the telephone line. Depending on the audience, I play timid, bold, matter of fact, etc. in order to get the best rate. In that sense, I am like any salesperson
| | | | | Matter-of-fact, fortright, AND bold and daring, all at once. | Sep 15, 2007 |
I sometimes even make people believe they are talking to my secretary!
| | | | John Cutler
Spain
Local time: 08:12
Spanish to English
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| It depends 2 | Sep 15, 2007 |
My number one client is a company I’ve worked for, for the past 6 years. I have a contract that stipulates the rate. I was “forthright” enough with them before signing it to ask that it include a clause about an annual cost of living increase. If I hadn’t been like that, I’d still be receiving the same rate as 6 years ago!
My second main client is a public institution and so has set rates, which means there’s no negotiating.
[Editado a las 2007-09-15 06:22]
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John Cutler wrote:
My number one client is a company I’ve worked for, for the past 6 years. I have a contract that stipulates the rate. I was “forthright” enough with them before signing it to ask that it include a clause about an annual cost of living increase. If I hadn’t been like that, I’d still be receiving the same rate as 6 years ago!
My second main client is a public institution and so has set rates, which means there’s no negotiating.
[Editado a las 2007-09-15 06:22]
... I'd imagine you'd be forthright enough to send them packing if the rate wasn't worthwhile - right?
| | | | John Cutler
Spain
Local time: 08:12
Spanish to English
+ ...
Lawyer-Linguist wrote: John Cutler wrote:
My number one client is a company I’ve worked for, for the past 6 years. I have a contract that stipulates the rate. I was “forthright” enough with them before signing it to ask that it include a clause about an annual cost of living increase. If I hadn’t been like that, I’d still be receiving the same rate as 6 years ago!
My second main client is a public institution and so has set rates, which means there’s no negotiating.
[Editado a las 2007-09-15 06:22] ... I'd imagine you'd be forthright enough to send them packing if the rate wasn't worthwhile - right?
You betcha I would!
| | | | | Forthright and matter-of-fact | Sep 15, 2007 |
I am forthright and matter-of-fact about pricing, deadlines and terms of business generally - why on earth not be? I've wasted too much time and energy on difficult clients and late payers in the past. We are in business - not a penpalship or anything like it. We are professionals and do not want and should not expect to work for nothing or offer free credit. I see no reason not to be straightforward and honest about such matters and my clients seem to be quite happy with this. Why be tim... See more I am forthright and matter-of-fact about pricing, deadlines and terms of business generally - why on earth not be? I've wasted too much time and energy on difficult clients and late payers in the past. We are in business - not a penpalship or anything like it. We are professionals and do not want and should not expect to work for nothing or offer free credit. I see no reason not to be straightforward and honest about such matters and my clients seem to be quite happy with this. Why be timid and squeamish and then, perhaps, end up worrying and complaining about bad rates of pay, late or non-payment, etc.?
Courage, mes braves!
Jenny. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Irene N
United States
Local time: 01:12
English to Russian
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| Sometimes the answer could be pretty strange | Sep 15, 2007 |
There are certain locations in this world where I would go and do interpreting work on terms that would allow me to extend the trip to a small vacation and balance off at 0.
For example, once there was a job here that could take me to Portugal (yes, US En-Ru) for 2 weeks on a sight-seing trip and a few informal business meetings! They were looking for locals (escort speaking English and Portugal was a separate person) but meals and lodging on the road were covered. If I could go a... See more There are certain locations in this world where I would go and do interpreting work on terms that would allow me to extend the trip to a small vacation and balance off at 0.
For example, once there was a job here that could take me to Portugal (yes, US En-Ru) for 2 weeks on a sight-seing trip and a few informal business meetings! They were looking for locals (escort speaking English and Portugal was a separate person) but meals and lodging on the road were covered. If I could go at the time I would have offered them to fly myself in. The trip would have cost me ~$1800 air/hotel in Lisbon (deductible) but 14 days even at a half-price of miserable 180-200 euros/day(ouch!:-)) would have covered it all. I bet ya, I couldn't have had it any cheaper as a tourist, and I doubt that I will ever undertake such trip on my own. In other words, I wouldn't have been all that forthright negotiating for this trip. Oh well, it never happened... but I always keep options like this in mind. Speaking of undercutting - if they did pay more to whoever got the assignment, I'll eat my skirt:-). I'm not even sure they paid that much...
Yes, I know, it would have been very hard work and I probably would have needed another 3-4 days catching my breath at home but a 2-week tour of Portugal would be worth it. At least for me. ▲ Collapse
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Beatriz Galiano (X)
Argentina
Local time: 03:12
English to Spanish
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| Take it or leave it. | Sep 15, 2007 |
That's how it is with me, no fuss about it...
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