Unrealistic Schedules for Translation Projects

When we receive a request to quote a translation project clients sometimes also mention their schedule requirement, or at least a goal. When the desired schedule is unrealistic do we still quote the project? Yes of course.

Even if we know we can’t meet a client’s schedule objective we still send a quote with the most favorable schedule then available. A new client contact is often times just as important as an actual project. So when a request comes in from a prospective new client we want to do what we can to strengthen that connection, even if the immediate project is not awarded to us.

We don’t quote projects over the phone. Instead we ask to receive the document(s) by email for review and to determine a realistic schedule. Each step in the interaction between our company and clients serves to strengthen the connection. For example:

1) A prospective new client contacts us by telephone or email.

2) They email us or upload their source file.

3) We prepare a formal quote and send it to them within just a few minutes.

4) The emailed quote is received and read.

Maybe that’s as far as things go for the immediate future. However, if we’re in business for the long term (and we are) then a connection at some level was still made and a possibility exists for future business.

So … unfortunately dear client we can’t competently translate your 100,000 word document by day after tomorrow … however here’s what we can do schedule-wise and why that is. We’ll be here if you need us.