Doing Business

Rates

Translation rates vary depending on a number of factors: the language combination, the length of the translation, the delivery deadline and the complexity of the text, to mention just a few. As a general rule, the rarer the language, the higher the rate. Translators and interpreters may occasionally charge a minimum fee that equals the fee of one translated page or several hours of interpreting. The rate is usually determined by counting the number of characters (letters and spaces) in the completed translation. It is essential to clarify in advance whether punctuation marks and spaces count as characters or not.

An extra fee is charged in the case of rare languages or specialist areas, urgent translations (pricing is typically 30% above the normal rates), or if you need editing or proof-reading by a native speaker. Translation services from English, German, French or Russian into Hungarian are charged at normal rates. An additional fee ranging from 25% to 200% of the normal rate will be charged for other languages. Translation services from Hungarian into English, German, French or Russian will be 20-50% above the normal rates; in the case of other target languages, an additional fee of 25-200% may be incurred.

Interpreting services are charged by the hour (or day). The rate varies depending on the language and type of interpreting you require, as well as a number of other factors (including geographical location, qualifications of the interpreter and nature of the assignment).

As the rates and the number of language combinations vary for each translation company, it may be useful to request a free, no-obligation quote from several translation companies to choose one based on a comparison of the best quotes.

Payment methods

Agree on the payment method before the start of the translation project. Discuss all relevant details, including an estimate of the translation fee, the payment deadline and the contents of the invoice to be issued. Though a written agreement is not mandatory, it may give a sense of security for both parties in the case of large projects. The agreement should preferably include the name of the parties, a description of the translation project, the rights and obligations of the parties related to the assignment, the deadline and method of delivering the translation, the applicable rate, and the payment method. Clients may sometimes accept an invoice for office activities other than translation, but you are encouraged to discuss this before the start of the assignment.

It is not uncommon that the client is not completely satisfied with the translation and therefore refuses to pay. In such cases, the translator may refer to professional associations or organizations; but in practice the parties' interests are only protected by the general rules of business ethics.

Deadline

Depends on the length and content of the translation, the language combination and other ancillary services provided. The time required for the work, the starting and completion dates will need to be discussed with the translator. An extra fee is usually charged for urgent translations. It is advisable to inform the interpreter in advance of the nature and type of the interpreting assignment, to allow sufficient time for the interpreter to learn the necessary terminology.