As we all know, many translation jobs involve one-time or first-time clients. This is true even for the most seasoned translators with developed client lists, or agencies depending on repeat business. And because so many jobs involve an unknown client, we can find ourselves with more exposure to risk than other, non-freelancing professionals. What is this risk, exactly? Well to put it un-delicately, getting a bad client.
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What makes a client “bad”?
A bad client doesn’t necessarily have to be an unprofessional one. True, not getting paid for work that you completed according to specifications, or seeing those specifications mysteriously change without warning, can put a translator’s frustration level right up there near the top. Sometimes, though, all it takes is an unrealistic expectation. Like no warning that the English to German translation was actually old English, or that the ten pages due tomorrow were in 0.2 size font. Fortunately for us, most companies – whether they have an online presence or not – have an online reputation. They key is looking beyond their company website and digging into the places where other translators go.
Places to do your due diligence
The best way to make sure you are dealing with reputable companies is to participate in the community. Since most professional communities these days, particularly in the translation industry, tend to have a global reach, the best places to do this are sites dedicated to translation professionals in particular, or freelancers in general. They don’t have to be job boards per se, but any place where contractors can provide feedback on the clients they work with is likely to be a good source for checking out a potential client. Other sources of information include user-generated and third party-moderated databases like the Better Business Bureau (limited to North American companies), or sites that connect freelancers with companies that outsource.
Some of these sites are:
- The Blue Board from Proz – A searchable database of language job outsourcers with feedback from service providers.
- Hall of Shame and fame from Translator’s Café – A forum where you can provide rating and feedback on companies and translators. You need to have a paid membership to use it.
- oDesk
Even if you tend to cross industries, like many freelance professionals do, checking out a client before you accept a job is always a good idea. The same goes for agencies that employ many contractors, although some of these already maintain internal databases of approved clients. Of course if you’re a contractor, the reverse is also true – your potential client might read up on you!
