Charging for Rush Translations

It’s interesting to note the variety of ways in which different translators handle rush jobs.

It’s interesting to note the variety of ways in which different translators handle rush jobs: some people don’t charge anything extra, while some translators double their price. Some translators waive rush charges for their loyal clients, while others apply rush charges to everyone. Some people charge rush rates for translations due in less than 24 hours, while others consider a rush job to be a project requiring the translation of more than 2500 words per day.

What Constitutes a Rush Translation?

So, what constitutes a rush translation? Is it one where the translator is required to rearrange their schedule in order to meet the client’s deadline; or is it an assignment whereby the translator is required to translate more than a certain number of words per day - and how many words are we talking about? Perhaps a rush assignment is a project that must be turned around in less than 24 hours?

The Difference between Rush and Overtime

So then the question arises: What’s the difference between rush and overtime? Are we really translating faster when we’re asked to complete a rush assignment, or are we simply working longer hours? And what sort of levy should translators charge for a rush project? Should it be a 10% levy due to the inconvenience, or 100%? And what about workers who are paid by the hour: if they receive time-and-a-half for overtime, then why don’t translators? What portion of the project should the rush charge be applied to – the whole project, or just the portion which requires extra work on behalf the translator?

Obviously, there are no hard and fast answers to these questions, but it is interesting how translators have determined their own pricing methods. Most translators will admit that subjective factors, such as the desperate tone in their client’s voice, can enter into the rush charge equation.

Suggestions for Beginner Translators

If you’re a beginner translator and you’re still trying to work this issue out for yourself, our suggestion is that, if it’s a short translation you’re being asked to do for a regular client or a client you’d love to have as a regular client, then try to fit it in without charging extra. However, if a new or infrequent client asks you to complete a big translation project on a rush basis, then perhaps one-and-a-half-times your regular rate would be appropriate – or, to put it in perspective, you could refer to it as time and a half!

Many translators dislike rush work because you’re required to answer the call to action immediately with a yes or no answer and a firm quote, and there’s a definite pressure to omit quality assurance steps in order to get the translation back on time. That being said, there will always be rush jobs, so maintain your quality control as much as possible and ensure that you’re adequately compensated for the extra hours you work by rewarding yourself the following day with time off.

How to Select a Translation Services Provider

There are certain factors to take into account which will determine the success of your translation project.

When selecting your translation services provider, you need to remember that there are certain factors to take into account which will determine the success of your project –

• The first factor to take into account is that the project must be priced correctly;
• The second factor is that it must be delivered to you by the agreed due date; and
• Finally, the completed translation must be accurate and high-quality.

So, with this information in mind, you need to consider the following points when you’re looking for translation services, regardless of whether you decide to use an agency or a freelance translator –

The Price: How Is the Price Calculated?

Unfortunately, there’s not a straightforward answer to this question. There are agencies who calculate translation quotations by the number of lines, the number of pages, and sometimes even by the number of characters; but generally, most agencies and freelance translators calculate by the number of words in the source language. So let’s complicate this a little further! Some agencies and freelance translators set their rates based on the target language, but of course this can only be estimated beforehand and it’s only once the project has been completed that you will know the exact cost. And, if you need to allow for proofreading or VAT, then these figures will increase.

Turnaround Time

Don’t be too pushy when it comes to the delivery date. If possible, you should try and go with the standard turnaround time in order to give the translators concerned sufficient time to check and re-check their work. By giving the translators ample time to produce a high-quality translation you can be assured of receiving an accurate translation without any cost increase: remember that rush fees can increase the cost of a translation by between 50% and 100%. If you do demand a speedy turnaround, the quality of the project can be affected because it could well mean that your project needs to be split into different sections and given to different translators for completion.

The Quality of the Delivered Translation

If you don’t speak the language it may not be easy to assess the quality of your translation, but it’s not completely impossible. Check the following aspects of your project –

• What qualifications does your translator have, and how does the selection process work?
• What experience does your translator have, and do they have expertise in your industry?
• Will the linguists be translating in their native language?
• Will the translation be proofread?

Customer Service

Whether you choose a translation agency or a freelance translator, are they happy to accept your feedback and do whatever is necessary to ensure that you’re 100% satisfied? Do they willingly accept your criticisms, and are they prepared to change the way they do business with you, if necessary?

A top-quality translation agency/freelance translator welcomes feedback and considers both criticisms and praise a vitally important part of the translation process.