Interpreting fees | It really depends on the arrangement

Teymur Suleymanov — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:23:00 +0000

Forum: Interpreting
Topic: Interpreting fees
Poster: Teymur Suleymanov
Post title: It really depends on the arrangement

In my experience some clients wanted to pay only for the pure time of my work no matter where I travel. I think most of businesses, being money-oriented would probably consider this to be their ideal scenario.

However, I would always inform them that traveling and being away from my home and family is no no way as much fun as one may try to entice me with. This is not a tourist voyage, this is a job and business only, and should be viewed as such.

That being said, I usually add a little surplus to either the hourly rate, or the entire flat fee, if applicable.

Example: simultaneous/conference interpreter charges minimum $50/hr at a standard local event. In case if travel is involved, I'd add another 25%-50% surcharge to that price.
If you make 450$-500$ daily at a conference, then on voyage it would be around 600$ - 650$ per day. This way you are covered for having the inconvenience of traveling and being away from your office, plus having some expenditures you wouldn't have on a normal day.

But again, companies consider it ideal, when they can just pay interpreters and translators same rates and fees as in case of local events, except having covered just the airfares and accomodations.

Personally, I always try negotiating travel surcharges. Have them ready on your rate-sheet (at least negotiably), you never know...

Hope that helps,
Teymur

Interpreting fees

hHold — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 09:13:00 +0000

Forum: Interpreting
Topic: Interpreting fees
Poster: hHold

Hi,

A client of mine wants me to follow him to England on a two-day business trip. I have never done this before and don't know how much I should charge him. Can anyone provide me with a price range? Obviously accommodation and flights are paid by the company.

Thanks

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Interpreting fees | It really depends on the arrangement

Interpreting fees