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Poll: Do you offer a lower rate to attract a new client?
Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
EvaVer (X)
EvaVer (X)  Identity Verified
Local time: 08:03
Czech to French
+ ...
Sometimes Nov 14, 2016

My rates may be unacceptable to some local clients, I try to be reasonable. Just today, a technical journal in one of my main fields of expertise asked me to work for them - but their normal rates are very low. We found a compromis in between - this is interesting work and I want to do it. I say no if it's a) very low, and/or b) boring, and/or c) in a field that is not my priority, and d) in a language pair I dislike (which is in the example I quoted, but the other factors are OK).
 
Anton Konashenok
Anton Konashenok  Identity Verified
Czech Republic
Local time: 08:03
French to English
+ ...
I quote a HIGHER rate Nov 14, 2016

My reason to attract new clients is to increase my earnings, so I quote a slightly higher rate than I charge my existing clients. Once the new higher-paying clients start sending a steady stream of work my way, I can announce a rate increase to the lower-paying ones, or drop them altogether if they disagree.
 
DZiW (X)
DZiW (X)
Ukraine
English to Russian
+ ...
Of course Nov 14, 2016

Yes, I don't offer lower rates to new clients, why?
 
Mario Freitas
Mario Freitas  Identity Verified
Brazil
Local time: 03:03
Member (2014)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
No - Undue action Nov 14, 2016

It is one of the most common mistakes translators make. If you offer a lower price for a new client, that will be your eternal price for that client. You will never be able to go back to your regular rate with that client. So if you really need work, it may be a way out of the crisis, but it's not adviseable at all.
 
Alexandra Villeminey
Alexandra Villeminey  Identity Verified
Spain
Local time: 08:03
Member (2010)
Spanish to German
+ ...
I don't but I guess it depends Nov 15, 2016

I guess it depends on how many clients and work volume you have normally. I only accept new clients if they pay more than my current clients because I have more than enough work.
But I know that there are many translators who hardly get any jobs and I don't understand why they insist upon their ideal rates. It's better to go one step back, lower the rate a bit and at least have some work instead of spending the day in translators forums complaining how evil clients are...
 
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Poll: Do you offer a lower rate to attract a new client?






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