Trados discount on proofreading file? Thread poster: Iris Shalev
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Iris Shalev 
Israel
Local time: 13:49
English to Dutch
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Hello all,
I would like some advise or opinions on something. I just received a job offer for proofreading a large file (12500 words). The client applied a Trados discount schedule, saying that for repetitions and 100% matches he will pay 20% of the full rate, for 99-95% matches 20%, for 75-94% matches 30%, and for 0-74% matches the full price.
I was kind of surprised by this schedule, as I don't really see how this applies to proofreading. He says he will send me an u... See more Hello all,
I would like some advise or opinions on something. I just received a job offer for proofreading a large file (12500 words). The client applied a Trados discount schedule, saying that for repetitions and 100% matches he will pay 20% of the full rate, for 99-95% matches 20%, for 75-94% matches 30%, and for 0-74% matches the full price.
I was kind of surprised by this schedule, as I don't really see how this applies to proofreading. He says he will send me an unclean file, which I then have to proofread. But it doesn't matter if it is a 100% match or not, because I will have to go through it all the same, isn't that right? And anyway, it is all already translated, so it everything is supposed to be 100% matches, isn't that right? I am confused! I have never used Trados for proofreading before. I would be grateful for any comments.
Thanks and regards,
Iris Shalev
English to Dutch. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | What a load of rubbish! | May 11, 2010 |
It's amazing what some clients will do to save money! Personally, I would just turn down the job.
| | | | Kevin Fulton
United States
Local time: 06:49
German to English
| Proofreading/editing/checking paid by the hour | May 11, 2010 |
There's no telling how much rewriting you'll have to do, so this type of work should be paid on an hourly basis. Applying the "Trados discount" to proofing/editing/checking is unfair and should be refused.
| | | | | Trados discount on proofreading file? | May 11, 2010 |
Iris Shalev wrote:
Hello all,
I would like some advise or opinions on something. I just received a job offer for proofreading a large file (12500 words). The client applied a Trados discount schedule, saying that for repetitions and 100% matches he will pay 20% of the full rate, for 99-95% matches 20%, for 75-94% matches 30%, and for 0-74% matches the full price.
I was kind of surprised by this schedule, as I don't really see how this applies to proofreading. He says he will send me an unclean file, which I then have to proofread. But it doesn't matter if it is a 100% match or not, because I will have to go through it all the same, isn't that right? And anyway, it is all already translated, so it everything is supposed to be 100% matches, isn't that right? I am confused! I have never used Trados for proofreading before. I would be grateful for any comments.
Thanks and regards,
Iris Shalev
English to Dutch.
Is it a joke? So far I know, proofreading is always taken on an hourly basis.
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| Quite agree with Kevin | May 11, 2010 |
If you find an error that is repeated in all the 100% matches, your client presumably wants you to correct it every time it occurs.
It is possible to get the TM to register this (assuming you have the TM) and then insert the corrected segment at each point where it is repeated, but you still have to find and open each segment. Or else you have to run a Find and Replace in the text and re-check.
Either way, you do NOT save time, though it may be worth doing for other re... See more If you find an error that is repeated in all the 100% matches, your client presumably wants you to correct it every time it occurs.
It is possible to get the TM to register this (assuming you have the TM) and then insert the corrected segment at each point where it is repeated, but you still have to find and open each segment. Or else you have to run a Find and Replace in the text and re-check.
Either way, you do NOT save time, though it may be worth doing for other reasons (consistency) if the change is more than a single typo.
You cannot use the Track Changes together with Trados, but find some way of registering the time spent on the job, and insist on a hourly rate.
If the client does not agree, you could also make a note about it on the Blue Board.
I think we have to stand firm on this, because this must not become ´accepted practice´. Proofing is a demanding and time-consuming job, and there is no reason to do it at sweat-shop rates. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Iris Shalev
Israel
Local time: 13:49
English to Dutch
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TOPIC STARTER
Thanks for your replies... I understand, then, that this is not common practise! I will (obviously) ask to see the file before I make a decision. I am curious now to see what this translation will look like.
| | | | | Unless text is clearly marked, you end up reading it... | May 11, 2010 |
If the client has text that is not to be altered, because it has already been checked and approved, or for whatever reason, then it must be marked clearly, so you know where to spring over.
You do need a clear agreement with your client about how much you are expected to do, and it is NOT clear enough if they say ´just remove the worst errors´.
If a document is a draft, or for internal use only, they may not need you to spend time fiddling with formatting, for instanc... See more If the client has text that is not to be altered, because it has already been checked and approved, or for whatever reason, then it must be marked clearly, so you know where to spring over.
You do need a clear agreement with your client about how much you are expected to do, and it is NOT clear enough if they say ´just remove the worst errors´.
If a document is a draft, or for internal use only, they may not need you to spend time fiddling with formatting, for instance.
If you are the last person to check before a glossy document goes to print and then is intended to impress customers at a big trade fair... proper formatting might be an important issue. A surprising number of people notice sloppy formatting, and it spoils the general impression!
If you are proofing an uncleaned file, you cannot be responsible for formatting.
Etc. Etc.
Happy proofreading! ▲ Collapse
| | | | Iris Shalev
Israel
Local time: 13:49
English to Dutch
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TOPIC STARTER
Christine, thanks very much for your comments. I'll have to decide whether this is worth it for me. I'll write to the client and I'll ask for more specific instructions, and to see the file.
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imatahan
Brazil
Local time: 07:49
English to Portuguese
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| Iris I would refuse | May 11, 2010 |
This, unhappily, is not a joke and I have experienced many of such purposes, even in my case, that do not have Trados.
What if you have the same word? It may have dozen meanings!
It is unfair and lacks decence.
| | | | Iris Shalev
Israel
Local time: 13:49
English to Dutch
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TOPIC STARTER
Just an update:
I have seen the translation now, it looks like a good translation that doesn't need much work. I have come to another agreement with the client; a certain sum for the entire job, that we both can live with.
Thanks for sharing your views, everyone - it was very helpful!
| | | | | lumpsum for the entire job | May 12, 2010 |
Iris Shalev wrote:
I have seen the translation now, it looks like a good translation that doesn't need much work. I have come to another agreement with the client; a certain sum for the entire job, that we both can live with.
Can you let us know if agreeing on a lumpsum works out for you?
Cause normally if you assess a text for proofreading at first glance everything looks alright, untill you actually start editing the text.... then it can take much more hours than envisaged; hence the hourly rate - and why you cannot agree on a fixed price beforehand...
| | | | Iris Shalev
Israel
Local time: 13:49
English to Dutch
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Rifraf wrote:
Cause normally if you assess a text for proofreading at first glance everything looks alright, untill you actually start editing the text.... then it can take much more hours than envisaged; hence the hourly rate - and why you cannot agree on a fixed price beforehand...
Yes, I suppose there is that danger... Well, I'll have to find out. I'll let you know.
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