Poll: On average, how much time do you spend screening a new potential client? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
|
|---|
This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "On average, how much time do you spend screening a new potential client?".
View the poll results »
| | | | | Less than 20 minutes | Aug 14, 2022 |
Proper due diligence is a must, though over the years I’ve developed a sixth sense for scammers. It usually takes less than 20 minutes, but if I can't really find anything about them and it doesn't feel good, it stops there. I always turn down a job from a potential client if something sounds fishy or too good to be true: better safe than sorry!
| | | | Samuel Murray 
Netherlands
Local time: 09:13
Member (2006)
English to Afrikaans
+ ...
I check the Blue Board, the WPPF list and often also the PP site for any entries. If there aren't any entries, I spend time adding an entry and asking for responses. It can take a day or two for responses to roll in, so in the mean time I deal with the client in presumed good faith until I know more info... See more I check the Blue Board, the WPPF list and often also the PP site for any entries. If there aren't any entries, I spend time adding an entry and asking for responses. It can take a day or two for responses to roll in, so in the mean time I deal with the client in presumed good faith until I know more information. But on average, less than 20 minutes. ▲ Collapse
| | | |
I don't think an average is a meaningful concept for something like this. I've dumped clients after years of collaboration when something has changed - often they've been taken over and have gone bad as a result. So in a sense, the screening never stops.
I suppose my usual precautions with potential clients take less than 20 minutes most of the time, but I wouldn't call that an "average". My initial "screening" lasts until I've been paid for the first job, however long that takes.
| | |
|
|
|
| They are often already screened | Aug 15, 2022 |
Clients I actually work for are often already screened - recommended by a colleague or someone I know.
On many occasions it takes far less that twenty minutes to decide that I am not going to work for a possible client, so I stop screening and send a quick mail to turn the offer down. Unless it is obviously a scam, in which case I delete and move on.
If there is no obvious reason to doubt a European client after a quick check, and they offer a reasonable rate and deadli... See more Clients I actually work for are often already screened - recommended by a colleague or someone I know.
On many occasions it takes far less that twenty minutes to decide that I am not going to work for a possible client, so I stop screening and send a quick mail to turn the offer down. Unless it is obviously a scam, in which case I delete and move on.
If there is no obvious reason to doubt a European client after a quick check, and they offer a reasonable rate and deadline or ask me to suggest them, I normally accept small jobs. In spite of all the stories of scammers, the great majority are honest people, and I have rarely had trouble getting paid.
[Edited at 2022-08-15 07:56 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | |
I don’t bother. It’s always obvious whether they are legit when they first contact you.
| | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Poll: On average, how much time do you spend screening a new potential client? | TM-Town | Manage your TMs and Terms ... and boost your translation business
Are you ready for something fresh in the industry? TM-Town is a unique new site for you -- the freelance translator -- to store, manage and share translation memories (TMs) and glossaries...and potentially meet new clients on the basis of your prior work.
More info » |
| | Anycount & Translation Office 3000 | Translation Office 3000
Translation Office 3000 is an advanced accounting tool for freelance translators and small agencies. TO3000 easily and seamlessly integrates with the business life of professional freelance translators.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
