How to choose my rates as a biginner Thread poster: Sameh Rabaaoui
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Hello everyone,
I'm fairly new to freelance translating and I'm not sure how the rating process works exactly.
I have an idea about the standard rates from English to Arabic, but as a beginner shouldn't I rate less than those who have more experience ?
I know that some clients will not consider a translator that has low rates because it might hint to a low translation quality, however rating the same way as a "professional" translator when quoting may not get you the jo... See more Hello everyone,
I'm fairly new to freelance translating and I'm not sure how the rating process works exactly.
I have an idea about the standard rates from English to Arabic, but as a beginner shouldn't I rate less than those who have more experience ?
I know that some clients will not consider a translator that has low rates because it might hint to a low translation quality, however rating the same way as a "professional" translator when quoting may not get you the job.
I haven't started responding to jobs on this site, as I said I'm a beginner and just recently passed my exams for my translation master degree (the process of officially obtaining the degree takes time, though) I have a bachelor degree in English and translated for amnesty but that is it. I'm mostly trying to learn how this whole freelancing process works on this site or in general by reading in the forum (Freelancing is not a common career choice where I live).
[Edited at 2016-03-28 13:27 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Sheila Wilson 
Spain
Local time: 21:07
Member (2007)
English
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| Why you should not quote too low | Mar 27, 2016 |
You already know that many clients won't touch too-cheap translators. You really don't want those clients if you have qualifications etc. Look at the Community Rates tool here on ProZ.com. The statistics come from our own profiles and they give a range. By all means start near the bottom of the range, but no lower.
Why? Well, you'll aim to provide a translation that is perfectly fit for purpose. So why should the client pay less? OTOH, to get that result you're unlikely to do 250-5... See more You already know that many clients won't touch too-cheap translators. You really don't want those clients if you have qualifications etc. Look at the Community Rates tool here on ProZ.com. The statistics come from our own profiles and they give a range. By all means start near the bottom of the range, but no lower.
Why? Well, you'll aim to provide a translation that is perfectly fit for purpose. So why should the client pay less? OTOH, to get that result you're unlikely to do 250-500 wph as an experienced translator would. 150 wph is more realistic. You may also pay for a proofreader out of your earnings. So you'll be on a very reduced rate per hour. As you get more experienced you'll earn more per hour, charging the same rate. You won't have to raise your rates (a risky business) for several years. ▲ Collapse
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Sheila Wilson wrote:
You already know that many clients won't touch too-cheap translators. You really don't want those clients if you have qualifications etc. Look at the Community Rates tool here on ProZ.com. The statistics come from our own profiles and they give a range. By all means start near the bottom of the range, but no lower.
Why? Well, you'll aim to provide a translation that is perfectly fit for purpose. So why should the client pay less? OTOH, to get that result you're unlikely to do 250-500 wph as an experienced translator would. 150 wph is more realistic. You may also pay for a proofreader out of your earnings. So you'll be on a very reduced rate per hour. As you get more experienced you'll earn more per hour, charging the same rate. You won't have to raise your rates (a risky business) for several years.
What is WPH means? My friend
| | | | Sheila Wilson
Spain
Local time: 21:07
Member (2007)
English
+ ...
| A translator needs to develop certain essential skills | Mar 29, 2016 |
Of course, the absolute minimum is to be able to speak two languages fluently. But that's a long way from qualifying you to earn a decent living as a translator. Some people manage without a skill or two. For example, most of us need to be reasonably good at marketing and negotiation, otherwise we wouldn't get enough clients, but if you're exceptionally well-known in your specialised subject area before entering the profession, maybe clients will flock to your door.
But what's norma... See more Of course, the absolute minimum is to be able to speak two languages fluently. But that's a long way from qualifying you to earn a decent living as a translator. Some people manage without a skill or two. For example, most of us need to be reasonably good at marketing and negotiation, otherwise we wouldn't get enough clients, but if you're exceptionally well-known in your specialised subject area before entering the profession, maybe clients will flock to your door.
But what's normally regarded as second only to language skills is the ability to research unknown terms. And acronyms are high on the list of terms that often need to be researched. So please understand my good intentions in preferring not to answer your question:
Chilly li wrote:
What is WPH means? ▲ Collapse
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Sameh Rabaaoui
Tunisia
Local time: 21:07
English to Arabic
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