Poll: Do you accept to undergo translation tests from new potential clients? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Do you accept to undergo translation tests from new potential clients?".
This poll was originally submitted by Stefania Corvi. View the poll results »
| | | | neilmac
Spain
Local time: 04:12
Spanish to English
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Nowadays I already have enough clients and a pretty steady workflow. Most new contacts come to me by word-of-mouth recommendation.
However, back in the day, I would only do translation tests if I really wanted the work, and only if they were a reasonable length.
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I’m not looking for new clients, but if I happen to be really interested in that particular job or organization, I'll be happy to do a short translation test (preferably paid), providing we have already agreed on pricing and terms and there is no deadline set for the translation, so I can do it in my own time. These tests are compulsory to answer calls for tender by some international organizations. They may also be useful for agencies to sort out the wheat from the chaff. In some cases they h... See more I’m not looking for new clients, but if I happen to be really interested in that particular job or organization, I'll be happy to do a short translation test (preferably paid), providing we have already agreed on pricing and terms and there is no deadline set for the translation, so I can do it in my own time. These tests are compulsory to answer calls for tender by some international organizations. They may also be useful for agencies to sort out the wheat from the chaff. In some cases they have led to long term relationships. I must say also that a test goes both ways: the way it is handled is usually a good indicator of how organized the potential client is. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Tom in London
United Kingdom
Local time: 03:12
Member (2008)
Italian to English
| Le mot juste | Jul 15, 2021 |
ProZ.com Staff wrote:
This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Do you accept to undergo translation tests from new potential clients?"
"Undergo" is the right word (because it implies suffering and harsh treatment).
I have occasionally had to ...undergo... a translation test in order to get a job. Sometimes I've been successful and got the job; at other times I haven't. And the tests are always tricky - peppered as they are with false friends and badly constructed phraseology, etc. I do them because I like translating tricky texts.
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| If they are short | Jul 15, 2021 |
I don't object to tests if the agency or client seems legitimate and respectable, and if they agree to my rates beforehand. Since I don't have a linguistic degree, such a test is an opportunity for me to show what I can do, and for the client to see that I fit into their particular project (or not).
| | | | Kevin Fulton 
United States
Local time: 22:12
German to English
| An hour devoted to marketing | Jul 15, 2021 |
I haven't looked for work in years, but when I was actively seeking to expand my client base, I would perform short (< 500 words) tests, since I considered them a marketing activity. However, I rarely set aside existing tasks to do these tests.
| | | | AnnaSCHTR
United States
Local time: 21:12
English to Czech
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| Yes if it is short | Jul 15, 2021 |
Kay-Viktor Stegemann wrote:
I don't object to tests if the agency or client seems legitimate and respectable, and if they agree to my rates beforehand. Since I don't have a linguistic degree, such a test is an opportunity for me to show what I can do, and for the client to see that I fit into their particular project (or not).
Exactly this.
What I do not accept are requests for references. Our clients information is confidential, and shall remain so. Any time in the past when I allowed myself to be manipulated into providing references (live-and-learn) I regretted it.
On the other hand, most tests resulted in paid projects and long-term relationship.
| | | | Mario Freitas
Brazil
Local time: 23:12
Member (2014)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
| Yes, up to 300 words | Jul 15, 2021 |
And I always thank those who refuse to do them.
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Like Teresa, if it's short and I already know that the pay and conditions are acceptable. And usually. if the latter is true, they are the kind of client who will send me a short, paid translation to do. It's about more than just the quality of the text; it's also about the working relationship--on both sides.
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