Seeking input on legitimacy of recent offers from London-based agencies Thread poster: OlafK
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OlafK
United Kingdom
Local time: 20:39
English to German
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I get more and more requests from agencies based in London (UK) looking for a German translator or editor to work in a client's London office. They usually address me by name, so it's not mass email, and sometimes state where they found me (CIoL Website for example). They are clearly looking for a qualified, experienced professional but they don't ask me how much I charge, they actually tell me how much they're willing to pay. Usually GBP20 per hour and today I received an email from an agency t... See more I get more and more requests from agencies based in London (UK) looking for a German translator or editor to work in a client's London office. They usually address me by name, so it's not mass email, and sometimes state where they found me (CIoL Website for example). They are clearly looking for a qualified, experienced professional but they don't ask me how much I charge, they actually tell me how much they're willing to pay. Usually GBP20 per hour and today I received an email from an agency that offered GBP15 per hour. We're talking about London here, one of the most expensive cities in the world, and they require a German linguist locally. I used to reply with my rates but I just delete these emails now. My question is: Are there any German translators in London working for that kind of money? Can you own up please? I'd like to have a word with you ...
Please not that the title was changed by proz staff. My original title was a bit snappier and I'm not really seeking input at all.
[Edited at 2013-01-23 23:29 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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The problem is that they're agencies, so they're probably charging a 100% markup. £30 or £40 an hour is fairly good money, but £15 or £20 is an insult. And unlike a good translation agency that goes through your work with a fine toothcomb, they're not adding any value.
Have you had any replies, by the way?
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Diana Coada (X) 
United Kingdom
Local time: 20:39
Portuguese to English
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| They can offer the pay they want | Jan 25, 2013 |
but it's up to us to charge what we think we're worth and back it up with experience and/or qualifications. The only people working for £15 an hour are the unqualified ''interpreters'' (in some cases they've only been to a 4 hour ''induction day'' run by the agency) that agencies use to increase their profits.
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OlafK
United Kingdom
Local time: 20:39
English to German
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TOPIC STARTER | no reply to my charges | Jan 25, 2013 |
In response to Phil: No, I've never received a reply when I mentioned how much I charge. The funny thing is, the 15 quid agency has lots of 5 point blueboard entries, athough their overall score is 4.8 (going down). Only one translator mentions low rates. I could now go on a rant as to why these agencies even exist but I'll spare you all.
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Seeking input on legitimacy of recent offers from London-based agencies
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