What if Your Translation Job Can Not Be Delivered on Time?
by: Bill Ross
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Word Count: 544
First, honestly determine the cause of the delay. The purpose is not to place blame, but rather, to identify the best solution to the problem. Doctors can not cure a patient if they misdiagnose the malady. Possible explanations are many:
The client may have an unrealistic picture of how long it takes to translate or format the text.
The client may have changed or added materials after the engagement was defined.
The client may not have provided all the information, files or formats necessary to complete the job.
The client may not have provided the materials timely.
The client may not have provided clear instructions about certain specifics of the job.
The translator may have a failure of equipment, electricity or Internet connection.
The translator may have become ill or had a death or illness in the family.
The translator may need to change the priority of the project to accommodate an emergency project for this or for another client.
The translator may have been lazy, disorganized, distracted or depressed.
Second, enter into immediate contact and communication with the client. No matter why the delay occurred, the fact of the delay is important information for the client. The “why” may just serve to help the client adjust to the news. It is tempting to postpone breaking bad news to a client, in hopes that the problem might go away by itself. This is a mistake. The sooner the client is aware of the problem, the more options will be open to resolve it. If an extension of the deadline is possible, obviously that will be the best outcome.
Third, be prepared to shift into “turbo” mode. If an extension is not possible, the translator may have to go into a more intense work mode or bring additional translation resources into play. If the translator can not overcome the problem in such a way, it will be up to the client to find additional (or substitute) translation services.
Fourth, avoid unreasonable clients. If the delay results from some failing by the client, and if the client can not resolve it or refuses to do so, the translator is best advised to decline the job as unworkable. It’s a fair bet that if the project goes forward, it will be late. The client will blame the translator and withhold payment. If you are not going to get paid anyway, why do the work?
Fifth, make prompt, clear and cordial communication with the client a top priority and a business habit. It will almost always lead to a satisfactory solution to a scheduling problem. It will also help to cement a solid working relationship between the translator and the client, and lead to productive and satisfying work in the future. Like so many other resources in the business world, you can not create this environment at the moment you have a crisis. It needs to be put in place ahead of time.
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About the Author
Bill Ross writes for Green Crescent Translations, a translation firm that has served international businesses for almost 10 years. Mr. Ross is part of a professional team that translates in over 100 languages, in technical and literary fields. Website localization and subtitles are also supported, as are all major office, DTP and Web formats. To reach him, click this link to Green Crescent's web site: Translation and go to the contact page.
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