Poll: How often do you outsource work? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "How often do you outsource work?".
View the poll results »
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neilmac Spain Local time: 02:20 Spanish to English + ...
I don't usually outsource work per se, but sometimes I might pass work on to another translator if I'm too busy or not interested in the job. And I sometimes ask a colleague to check ("proofread") my texts before delivery, but I don't really consider that outsourcing either. | | |
Other (very irregularly) | Jan 28, 2020 |
I don’t outsource work from English, French, Spanish and Italian into European Portuguese (my work languages), but I have outsourced work when my clients have requests for languages I don't cover and I have been working with the same tested, approved and trusted translators for ages (some are Prozians). When the request comes from a potential new client and I’m not available or I don’t cover that particular language combination I prefer recommending specific translators. | | |
I have done it once or twice, but I really prefer to recommend a colleague to the client and let the client work directly with my colleague. | |
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only within the family | Jan 28, 2020 |
I answered Never, but then I remembered that I recently shared a job with my son. It was about artefacts in a museum from the First World War, which is one of his specialities, so I knew he would get it done easily. I did check it before delivery to the client. For medical jobs I ask my daughter .... So not really outsourcing so much as family collaboration. | | |
My work is at least 95% for agencies, and I cannot outsource that. I am the guy people outsource to. | | |
I can recommend other translators if I don't have the time to do an assignment, but I don't want to split my income. | | |
90% of what I get | Jan 28, 2020 |
Been doing it for 7 years. The initial pitfalls soon disappear when you build up an efficient and competent team of people you can turn to time and again. You give them work, they give you quality. Everyone's happy. It's not for everyone, but it definitely opens up new avenues in terms of the variety of clients you can deal with and the quantity of work you can handle, not to mention the obvious financial aspects. | |
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Tom in London United Kingdom Local time: 01:20 Member (2008) Italian to English
I would never outsource work to another translator working in the same language pair. All translators working in the same language pair as me are my competitors. I would never do anything to help my competitors. Sorry folks, but that's the way it is.
[Edited at 2020-01-28 15:29 GMT] | | |
Tina Vonhof (X) Canada Local time: 18:20 Dutch to English + ...
Large agencies usually have their own pool of translators but if it concerns a document that needs to be certified, most private clients and small agencies are happy when I recommend someone. There are only about 4 o5 certified translators in my language pair in all of Canada and a private client may not easily find one. The colleague I usually refer to I consider my friend, not my competitor. | | |
I have done it twice and have DEEPLY regretted it. | Jan 28, 2020 |
Never again. | | |
Ventnai Spain Local time: 02:20 German to English + ... Not permitted | Jan 28, 2020 |
I am not allowed to outsource work as I have signed agreements which forbid it. | |
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Mario Freitas Brazil Local time: 21:20 Member (2014) English to Portuguese + ...
It happens every now and then that a client has a huge project and a tight deadline, and I suggest one or two collegues to divide it. And many colleagues do the same with me. But the only acceptable way to do that is agreeing with the client in advance and copying them in all emails. There is no way you can accept a job then send part of it to someone else without the knowledge and approval of the client. That is dishonest.
[Edited at 2020-01-28 20:57 GMT] | | |
I did it once about 18 years ago, though I wasn't supposed to, and lost the client. I had kept 20% of the payment to cover the cost of reviewing the document, which had a number of problems - mainly material that was skipped. My outsourcee got upset that she didn't get 100% and told the client. Never again! | | |