Set Rates for translator Job

For many translators, pricing is a touchy subject that they do not want to discuss in detail, because it seems too - well, business-like. That is a mistake - unless you plan on running a non-profit, price is one of the most fundamental things you need to focus on. Even if you have been trained that price is something for the business folks and that the humanities people like yourself should focus on the finer aspect of languages, you need to re-think that strategy. Start treating price discussions and negotiations as an integral part of your translation business. It might not be your favorite part of the businesses, but you are most likely the only one who can and will do it.


With time, you might grow to love pricing strategies, because you will be able to see instant rewards. In general, a modern economy works because the seller sets the price, not the buyer. Think about this for a second. As the seller, you set the rate. Setting your own translation price is not only paramount to getting what you want out of your business - in terms of professional, financial, and personal success - but is also a critical corner point in negotiating. If you do not set your own translation price, you are sending the message that you must be a weak negotiating partner.



Price setting is an art and not a science, and there are exceptions to the rule. For instance, if a client comes to you with a very large translation job requesting a lower rate than you usually charge, you might consider it if the project is highly lucrative overall. In that case, the buyer would indeed be setting the price, and it is still up to you whether you agree to it or not. The larger the seller's company, the more likely they are to do price setting. For instance, many large companies will buy consulting and accounting services for all their subsidiaries from the same vendors. In return for that significant amount of business, the client will oftentimes state that they would like to pay a certain amount of money.

Please be careful with discounts.You could offer something that is a soft cost to you. For instance, you could suggest turning the document in a day earlier than requested if the client seems to be rushed or offer a free review of their source document if it sounds like this is something the client would be interested in. In extreme cases, offer to apply the non-profit price. It is just another way for you to give back to the community.

You could send out notices once or twice a year about special offers that you offer on a select number of occasions. For instance, offer a holiday special for all new translation jobs during the month of December. Figuring out your ideal price can be complex, and in translation price negotiations, north shying is black or white. Give yourself some room to maneuver and show your potential customer that you are trying to work with them.