Are you selling words?

When asked about my price “per word” - usually by translation agencies, not so often by corporate clients – I always wonder how to get my point across most clearly and effectively. 

Financial Translation Hub provides bespoke services in a niche market and – by choice – only one specialisation (investments/finance), from English into Italian.

Price is only one factor in a list of other elements that I need to figure out before starting a collaboration.

I usually charge by project.

The price is based on the type of documents, as well as on a series of other important questions I asked myself - both for prospective and existing clients:

 ·       Are they (potentially) regular clients?

·       Are deadlines negotiable?

·       Are deadlines usually urgent?

·       Can I use my software and information systems to provide the service?

·       Do I have total control of the workflow? If not, is there a reputational risk?

·       Do I have control on the quality of the service provided?

·       Do they often request unexpected additional work at the last minute?

·       Do I have direct access to the person who requested the service?

·       Is my name associated with the translations provided?

·       Do they pay on time?

·       Is the relationship with the client transparent and collaborative?

Depending on the answers, the price may increase (or decrease) proportionally.

The reputational risk and the amount of additional work involved may even be too high to take a collaboration into consideration.

I am personally involved in the translation and revision process at Financial Translation Hub.

I do not sell words. I provide a professional service.

That's my business model, which may be different from a big translation agency or global language service. I am proud to believe that this is the main reason why I've been working with top-notch companies worldwide for almost 30 years on high profile projects for the Italian market.

I strive to build lasting relationships, through a professional and friendly approach. And I am proud that my clients frequently recommend Financial Translation Hub.