Today's Get Rich Slowly post on saving money on insurance got me thinking about benefits in general. This is one of the most common questions I hear from beginning or aspiring freelancers: how to handle health insurance/retirement planning/disability insurance, and so on. Here's an overview of the … [Read more...] about Providing your own benefits
Money
Ensuring payment from direct clients
In the past few weeks, I've spoken with a few freelancers who would like to work with direct clients but are afraid that they won't get paid. One commented that she really enjoys working with agencies because of being able to check Payment Practices or a similar resource in order to determine the … [Read more...] about Ensuring payment from direct clients
Ethical dilemma: when services cost less than you expect
Thoughts on Translation is back from a relaxing camping vacation in the deserts of Western Colorado. This vacation was completely unplugged; I didn't take my laptop or netbook and only turned my cell phone on once a day to check my office messages. In other words, a real vacation! I highly recommend … [Read more...] about Ethical dilemma: when services cost less than you expect
Responding to a request for quote
When you receive an "out of the blue" request for a quote from a potential translation client, what's the best next step? Is it more advantageous to call the client, e-mail them, ask for more information or send them a rate sheet...or something else entirely? The beauty of impromptu inquiries from … [Read more...] about Responding to a request for quote
Potential clients and sticker shock
Wiktionary defines sticker shock as "Disgust, shock or fright upon learning the price of an item offered for sale," and this roughly describes the reaction of many would-be translation buyers when they learn the price of a professional translation. This leaves the professional translator with a … [Read more...] about Potential clients and sticker shock