I stuck out my neck and had a special agreement with an agency | Jan 11, 2017 |
They started off as one of those small, specialist agencies that are really great to work with. Then they started expanding and collaborating with a bigger one... and wanted me to use a specific CAT tool. (My fingers have just typed CAT TOIL twice, and that just about describes it. ) Then came the NDA/contract and the requests for information, not quite about the colour of my wallpaper and what I had for breakfast, but i... See more They started off as one of those small, specialist agencies that are really great to work with. Then they started expanding and collaborating with a bigger one... and wanted me to use a specific CAT tool. (My fingers have just typed CAT TOIL twice, and that just about describes it. ) Then came the NDA/contract and the requests for information, not quite about the colour of my wallpaper and what I had for breakfast, but it felt like it. The NDA included an open ended 'hold harmless' clause... covering 'each and every' person or instance remotely connected with the translation. In short, 'the butcher and his dog' as we used to say in the North... I wrote to my original contact, not the 'recruitment manager' or whatever the title was, and said no way would I agree to all that. My CAT or no CAT, and I did have indemnity insurance, but it was not as open ended as their clause. My contact, the founder of the original firm, was absolutely reasonable, and as I had worked for them for several years, she agreed to carry on as before. She did add that most of the work I did for them was not connected with their new business partner, so it was not a problem. Try going higher up the system - and say that if the client wants registered letters etc. you will invoice for the cost and administration. Sometimes you simply have to point out that you are not an office junior, you are a business partner, a specialist consultant, and you set your own terms too. Call their bluff, offer a solution that should be satisfactory to both parties, and see whether you can reach an agreement. At least it will give them something to think about. I give people my VAT number, which they can check in the Danish companies register. That is my business identity, and all they need to know. (I exist, am still in business, not bankrupt, and my taxes are duly paid.) Certainly no private details, passport number, or anything like that. ▲ Collapse | |