Poll: When working with translation agencies, which do you generally prefer? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "When working with translation agencies, which do you generally prefer?".
View the poll results »
| | | | | Smaller-sized | Aug 27, 2022 |
I have a clear preference for smaller-sized agencies. I like the close professional relationship I have built with some boutique agencies. Usually, they offer a more personalized approach, are less bureaucratic, more responsive, more friendly, more faithful, more flexible…
| | | | | Smaller Agencies, By Far | Aug 27, 2022 |
I prefer those that actually call me to see if I'm available before they reach into what seems to me like the miles-long lists of names (impersonal) that so many of them have in those dreaded translator databases. Here in the US, I have been called, more than once, by one in Miami. I have even been called by a few that were or are headquartered in Belgium, England, and Ireland. If they call me, I know that they want me, in particular, before anyone else (in other words, they're serious about me)... See more I prefer those that actually call me to see if I'm available before they reach into what seems to me like the miles-long lists of names (impersonal) that so many of them have in those dreaded translator databases. Here in the US, I have been called, more than once, by one in Miami. I have even been called by a few that were or are headquartered in Belgium, England, and Ireland. If they call me, I know that they want me, in particular, before anyone else (in other words, they're serious about me), to do the project for them. I see that as a great advantage in terms of possibly working for them in the future (in fact, I have). BTW: I just realized that I should qualify my comments, although every so slightly, by stating that I received a call from one of the agencies abroad that I ended up working for several times, even though it does have a very large database..
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| | | | | Medium-sized | Aug 27, 2022 |
I don't like the large ones, they often have too many rules and procedures and try to get away with low rates.
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| small agencies | Aug 27, 2022 |
Small agencies get to know us better in my experience.
| | | | Alex Lichanow
Germany
Local time: 12:40
Member (2020)
English to German
+ ...
| No real preference | Aug 28, 2022 |
I work for whoever offers me good conditions, no matter how large or small their company is.
That said, one thing that always makes me wary is large companies buying smaller ones in droves. Not calling any names here, but one of the largest offenders has been going full locust swarm in the past years.
| | | | Kay Denney 
France
Local time: 12:40
French to English
The smaller ones tend to be friendlier, with fewer changes in staff, so we get to know each other very well. They are also less likely to impose working with a management portal or using a CAT tool or MT, and small agencies have never pressured me to lower my rates. If I'm too expensive they simply find someone else. Then come back to me when they can afford it.
It's the same difference as buying your cheese at a stall in the market set up by the woman who milked the goats and made... See more The smaller ones tend to be friendlier, with fewer changes in staff, so we get to know each other very well. They are also less likely to impose working with a management portal or using a CAT tool or MT, and small agencies have never pressured me to lower my rates. If I'm too expensive they simply find someone else. Then come back to me when they can afford it.
It's the same difference as buying your cheese at a stall in the market set up by the woman who milked the goats and made the cheese herself as opposed to buying it from a supermarket. And we all know that the local market cheese is far superior in taste to the bland industrial stuff that ants know not to eat. ▲ Collapse
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