ProZ.com Translation Forums

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | Making the top of a long list

Kevin Lossner — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:42:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Kevin Lossner
Post title: Making the top of a long list

Over the course of any given year we work with a large number of agencies, most of them repeat customers, many of whom have been customers for years. On the whole we have extremely positive experiences with these companies - the ones who are reasonable get weeded out quickly, and the ones that remain are all honest and have nice (if not always technically competent) PMs, mostly reasonable payment practices and everything else one would expect of a business partner.

I do have definite favorites. The ones at the very top of the list are not even close to the best payers (rate-wise). Some of the "best" in fact pay the lowest rate we accept, largely because we get so much additional value out of the relationship that these are the last companies I will hit with a rate hike. There is a steady flow of information shared in both directions with these partners, which goes beyond individual jobs and helps both sides deal with technical and business planning issues. They help me learn new things, work more effectively and recover from the occasional technical disaster. These are all smaller agencies, which I generally find to be more personable and fun to deal with. I also find that the smaller shops often have more real interest in the benefit for the end customer and are willing to work just as hard as we do to deliver a superior product.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | agencies/people with a human touch!

Ross McCalde (X) — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:11:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Ross McCalde (X)
Post title: agencies/people with a human touch!

All other things being equal, I much prefer to work for people/agencies where I feel I have some kind of personal rapport. Yes, business is business, but let's not lose sight of the fact we are human beings first.

I like Victoria’s point about being treated like a machine – because sometimes that’s what it can feel like! I think sometimes people are cold and standoffish in order to conform to some spurious notion of professionalism, or because they fear that people won’t take them as seriously if they show their human side (or just because they don't know any better). I think that’s a real shame because it would make all our lives more enjoyable if people just showed a bit of mutual respect.

I’m not asking for Mr. or Mrs. Nice, but it costs nothing to be a little kind and courteous (though I am reminded by reading some of the more cutting remarks on Kudoz that not everyone shares my point of view). Ultimately, I am a true believer that a little amiability makes working not only more enjoyable but also more effective!

The freelance world can be an isolated one, so a genuine ‘wie geht's Ihnen' and a heartfelt ‘merci!’ go a long way in my book.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | Interaction Agency-Freelancer and vice-versa

Philippe Maillard — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:56:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Philippe Maillard
Post title: Interaction Agency-Freelancer and vice-versa

That's the most important point as far as I'm concerned.
To be in a team, each member having its role. This is what produces quality results.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | a good idea

Marius Valiukas — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:57:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Marius Valiukas
Post title: a good idea

Drew,

Thanks for the questionnaire. It is a really good idea. Please prepare more like that - these are VERY interesting. And would be nice to see the results.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | Survey started to gather ProZ.com community oppinions on this very topic

Drew MacFadyen — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:12:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Drew MacFadyen
Post title: Survey started to gather ProZ.com community oppinions on this very topic

[url removed]

I have created a survey asking users to rank on a scale the relative importance of variables in determining whther or not to accept work from an agency. It is not comprehensive, and just informal at this time - but we do address Payment (terms, currency etc) project details (type of service, length of work) and variables related to the communication style. We will compile all the results and provide an average score for each variable along with the standard deviation between user responses.

These results will be presented here in this forum, along with an article in the April newsletter.

Please take a moment to complete this survey - [url removed]

Thank you very much. Great thread - hope to quantify the answers for you.

P.S. Next month we will perform the same type of survey to gather from agencies what variables or factors they consider when hiring a freelance translator.

Regards,

Drew

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | Teamwork

José Henrique Lamensdorf — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:20:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: José Henrique Lamensdorf
Post title: Teamwork

Their PMs have their roles, I have mine, but all of us work for a common purpose, and communicate openly whenever it will improve the process, and do our best to help each other.

Some actual examples:
[list]
* I set my rates. They know my work, they can judge if the cost/benefit I offer is worthwhile, or if it's better to hire someone else.

* I turn down any subject outside my areas of knowledge but, whenever possible, I refer them to specialized colleagues I know personally, that are good choices to do it.

* They most always team me up with one specific colleague as a proofreader (and we often swap translator-proofreader roles). She is 6 hours behind me, the agency is 2 hours behind me. All of us do our best to take advantage of different time zones for faster turnaround time.

* The translating-proofreading setup os open: we communicate directly in English, with copy to the PM who will intervene if necessary. Our m.o. is two heads think better than one so, instead of just hunting for typos and/or mistakes in each other's work, we use the process to exchange ideas. It's just a matter of accepting the other's suggestion or not, considering ourselves as equally competent translators. It's our job that we'll be equally proud of, regardless of each one's role.

* I try to deliver as much before the agreed delivery as I can. They try to pay me as soon as they can, often before the due date. We tried different payment methods, until we found which one worked best for both.

* If I find any serious flaw in the original text, I advise them pronto, so they can tell the teams working into other languages.

* If due to different software versions (I mean MS Word) formatting gets compromised, the PM now and then steps in to fix it, in spite of not knowing our usual target language. Likewise, when some graphic image editing was needed, I did it before asking, so they could offer it to their (frequent of ours) end client at no charge.
[/list]

In a nutshell, we are all working together for a comon goal. There is no intention whatsoever of one party trying to take undue advantage of the other, we are all in the same boat, each one trying to make a living honestly.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | Many factors

Erik Hansson — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 10:27:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Erik Hansson
Post title: Many factors

There are several factors:

- an honest attitude towards the translator: same eye-level when discussing the project
- if the translator has neglected to take on the job, because it's not within his/her fields, the agency doesn't try to convince the translator to take on the job (e.g. by offering a higher rate)
- well prepared source files: the translator can start right away with the job
- good communication during the project if any important questions have to be clarified
- payment within the agreed timeframe

Maybe this is something for a ProZ.com instant poll?

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | Understands the whole concept of translation

Madeleine MacRae Klintebo — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:31:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Madeleine MacRae Klintebo
Post title: Understands the whole concept of translation

Everything you stated in your initial posting, but also, an agency which understand the whole concept of translation. I.e. the importance of context, cultural differences, issues relating to the length, etc.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | organised

biankonera — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 18:26:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: biankonera
Post title: organised

- Id have to go with organised too. When there is chaos even the best things in the world can become a very big pain in the behind.

- The other thing I highly appreciate is an agency who doesnt think they are something equal to God but treat me as an equal to them.

- Also such agency sends me projects only related to my fields of expertise and not just any project that comes their way in my language pairs.

- And of course there have to be standard attributes like good communication (working with no response from the other side can become annoying), promt payments, reasonable deadlines and interesting projects.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | Well organised

Eleni Makantani — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:29:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Eleni Makantani
Post title: Well organised

Well organised is the first thing that matters to me. Clients that don't forget to do the assignment until after the end of the deadline ("what? Are you sure I didn't call you yesterday to give you this project?"). It gives me the certainty that I'm dealing with serious people who take me seriously.

The second most important criterion is to be given interesting projects. Of course, this is not objective, and no PM really has to know what I like and make sure he/ she can have it for me...

Then, I really appreciate it when the people of an agency are friendly. This shows a lot about the agency's policy towards its employees, which is quite often the same with its collaborators - freelancers, too.

Timely payment is important, too. However, if a client/ agency has all the qualities mentioned above, I don't really mind having to wait a little more for the money.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | People who treat translators like associates and who are well organized

Viktoria Gimbe — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:49:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Viktoria Gimbe
Post title: People who treat translators like associates and who are well organized

My favorite client treats me like a person, not like a machine. They ask me for advice on some jobs (processes), they ask me how long I think it will take me to perform a task (I have some say in the deadline), they respond to initiatives taken by translators (if I propose something that will help do the work better or faster, they often accept and round up the invoice amount - lately, I created a TDB of my initiative and they were happy with it).

The same client is very well organized - their files are orderly, they have an entire team assisting translators, they provide help and they make sure you can spend all your time translating and avoid having you format documents, etc. They have a serious QA process in place and have their translators, editors and proofreaders collaborate directly, which really helps in delivering quality documents and in feeling less lonely (team work). You always know what to expect with these people and can therefore better organize your work.

These same clients are not very fast payers, but I think what I described above makes up for that plenty. I, too, like prompt payments - but there are cases where that isn't a priority.

In short, working with these people is rewarding. That, to me, is a major factor.

[Edited at 2008-04-05 15:53]

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | Clear communication

Textklick — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:14:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Textklick
Post title: Clear communication

Those that I trust to have already done their homework before sending a job.
Those that say "We thought that this was your kind of job."
Those that trust me to have done my homework.
Those with whom a quick phone call can clarify any issues immediately.
Those where I know that we are "singing from the same song sheet".

As Elisabete says: professionals.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | Honesty

Nesrin — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 08:56:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Nesrin
Post title: Honesty

is the first attribute I thought of.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | Interesting jobs

Heinrich Pesch — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:04:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Heinrich Pesch
Post title: Interesting jobs

A certain diversity is needed to keep me interested. But it easier to tell what I hate in agencies.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | at least four factors

Stanislaw Czech, MCIL CL — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:26:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Stanislaw Czech, MCIL CL
Post title: at least four factors

Prompt payments, reasonable deadlines, good communication and interesting projects - in that order :-)

Best
Stanislaw

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | In two words: highly professional

Elisabete Cunha — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:31:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Elisabete Cunha
Post title: In two words: highly professional

To me the most important thing is that the agency is highly professional: an agency who pays a fair rate, who gives a reasonable deadline to complete the project and is always willing to assist you when you have questions. That would be my definition of a good agency to work with.

[Edited at 2008-04-05 01:53]

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | The one that provides me with finance-related jobs!

Jurate Janaviciute — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:08:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Jurate Janaviciute
Post title: The one that provides me with finance-related jobs!

I could do them for free. And I often do if they broaden my horizons in this field. It is very pleasurable to do the work that allows me to contribute some of my knowledge to the public and at the same time to learn something new. This combination is hard to find.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | No-stress is good

Amy Duncan (X) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:02:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Amy Duncan (X)
Post title: No-stress is good

I like to work with agencies that are friendly and patient and fair (in the sense of not always siding with the client when an issue comes up - I like to have a chance to state my case). It's also good if they are well-organized and don't make unnecessary demands (like renaming files before sending them, expecting me to keep track of everything, etc.). When I'm really busy, all those extra details just waste time. I have worked with all kinds.

Amy

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you? | Payment within a reasonable timeframe

Jan Willem van Dormolen (X) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:01:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Jan Willem van Dormolen (X)
Post title: Payment within a reasonable timeframe

There's nothing that frustrates me more then an agency with long payment terms that exceeds even those payment terms.

What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?

Marius Valiukas — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:41:00 +0000

Forum: Translation Theory and Practice
Topic: What is the main attribute of "the best translation agency" for you?
Poster: Marius Valiukas

Just wanted to share your opinions about what thing you appreciate most of all about a translation agency (not the end client) where you could tell "Well, these guys are the best - I appreciate working for them and will always give them a priority"? Things like "good rate", "prompt payment", "professional staff" etc. are more or less natural. But there are many more things that are "aside" from the technical issues like payment and rates. Can you let me know your thoughts mentioning just 1 most important thing in one sentence?

Mine would be "A most appreciated agency is a well organized agency that gives a reasonable piece of time for completion of a job offered" (a "no-stress" agency).

[Edited at 2008-04-04 20:42]