Why do translators send bad email applications?

Tomás Cano Binder wrote:

Raffaella: Don't you think that there is a risk that this company is using your lovely smile (I mean it) and qualifications to attract customers whose texts will be translated by some low-cost person in China or in Asia? Are they offering you, but delivering a much lower quality?

Maybe Ann wants to explain how the heck they manage to pay you 14 cents and only charge the customer 7 cents.

Tomás Cano Binder wrote:
Maybe Ann wants to explain how the heck they manage to pay you 14 cents and only charge the customer 7 cents.

Raffaella Panigada wrote:


What I'm having trouble with is that, as things are right now, it appears I'll be willing to offer my services for $0.07. My rates, which I clearly stated right from the start, amount to almost twice as much if you consider the current exchange rate,

annm wrote:

Thanks for your replies.

I wrote the post not to complain but highlight the problem.
I think highlighting this problem will help those new to translation business.
I know we all make mistakes but when applying for a position of this nature I think particular attention should be made to the application email.
Would you turn up for an interview as Chef with dirty fingernails and grubby t.shirt?
With the excuse you were in a hurry and did not have time to check.


In all my ads for translators I have stated $0.07 was the applied rate.
Im sorry people did not read this.
We are trying to aim for the small business starters sector specifically small minorities..people that do not have large financial resources. We are trying to give them a good service.. good translators..ect at an affordable cost.
Especially in this present global finacial meltdown people will find it harder to get credit and finances will be limited.
Raffaella I will remove you from our website as soon as possibe.

Also I stated 'we are a new firm' I don't know if you understand the dynamics of starting a new internet site but one thing you must realise is you dont get into the top ranking positions overnite. When you are at the bottom of the ladder it is difficult for clients to to find you. Much the same as a new translator finding work.

The main advice, given to new website owners, to get an higher ranking is to post on forums. Thus your website url adress will be embedded on the page and Google spiders wil detect it and judge it on the relevence of the site it is on. Thus the higher the site relevence the higher the ranking. The higher the ranking the more people log onto your site. Thus I have better chance of finding work for translators.

Which is why I find it strange some people complain and want my post deleted.
I have people commenting they have not had assignments and while I'm trying to do something about it translators compain. Odd.
I think as long as it is a constructive post it does no harm. However if this is the site protocal then I will respect this in future posts.

While have been striving to achieve a higher ranking I have been trying to assemble a realiable team ready for the time when applications arrive.

We have just entered top 20 for 'chinese interpreter beijing' search keywords on Google.
I thought I was near completion until I received my first request from Columbia
for a Spanish / Chinese interpreter.
I did not have one on our database.

So I get in touch with Proz. Post an add. However becuse im posting on a computer in Hungary and our registered office is in UK Proz does not allow my add to be accepted.
I have to go through the procedure of explaining Ive just had a baby and cannot travel at the moment ect... This takes time and the client will go elsewhere.

So that is why I get translators on our website beforehand. I want to be able to contact them straight away before the job is gone.

Maybe I should have stated more clearly that assignments would not be immediate.
If I had paid $1000's in advertising costs I would have got a higher ranking sooner and you would have had assignments quicker Raffaella. However I do not have a large budget so the procedure is slower.

If any other translators feel they are not getting paid enough then let me know and I shall remove them.
On the other hand if newly qualified translators who haven't the experience want the chance we would would glady give you due consideration . Just make sure there are not to many errors in your application.

Kind Regards
Ann

Sandra Petch wrote:

Hi Raffaella

I would be a little concerned that one of your regular clients might see this claim and wonder why you were charging them "double"? I'd say this needs clarifying with the agency if not already done. Best of luck - Sandra


[Edited at 2008-09-19 07:28]

Raffaella Panigada wrote:




No Tomàs, they did ask permission to add me to their team of translators and use my picture, so that clients can decide what translator suits their needs best.
What I'm having trouble with is that, as things are right now, it appears I'll be willing to offer my services for $0.07. My rates, which I clearly stated right from the start, amount to almost twice as much if you consider the current exchange rate, that's why I hypothetically said in my previous post that this might be a special rate for customers who also have their web site designed and pay an additional $0.07 a word TO THE AGENCY for having it translated, but that doesn't mean that's what the agency pays its translators.

Not having received any assignment these are only speculations, but I will certainly ask for clarifications.

Have a nice day. Raffaella

Tomás Cano Binder, CT wrote:



Raffaella, are you saying that they put your picture in the website and claim that you are one of their usual team members.... without asking you and without asking for your permission to use your name?????

Tomás Cano Binder, CT wrote:

Maybe Ann wants to explain how the heck they manage to pay you 14 cents and only charge the customer 7 cents.