| Pages in topic: [1 2] > | Poll: What do you do if you already have work and get a job offer from a new client? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "What do you do if you already have work and get a job offer from a new client?".
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Negotiate the deadline.
Why is this not one of the response choices?
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but this is a stupid question.
It depends entirely on how much work you have, what the job is, who the new customer is, etc etc.
| | | | Marjolein Snippe 
Netherlands
Local time: 10:36
Member (2012)
English to Dutch
+ ...
Chris S wrote:
It depends entirely on how much work you have, what the job is, who the new customer is, etc etc.
Exactly. If I have room for it, of course I will accept it - assuming this is a client I know, the rate is ok, subject is ok, etc. If I only accept new projects after finishing the current one, I would have a lot more time on my hands and a lot less money to spend!
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If I can negotiate the deadline, that's fine, but I won't kill myself.
When I turn down work because I'm already committed (which happens a lot), I bend over backwards to let the prospective client know that I would have really liked to take the job and ask them to keep me in mind for the future.
There are very few colleagues' whose work/demeanor I know well enough to refer the new client to them. It's bad enough if the colleague makes a mistake, but sometimes I've had... See more If I can negotiate the deadline, that's fine, but I won't kill myself.
When I turn down work because I'm already committed (which happens a lot), I bend over backwards to let the prospective client know that I would have really liked to take the job and ask them to keep me in mind for the future.
There are very few colleagues' whose work/demeanor I know well enough to refer the new client to them. It's bad enough if the colleague makes a mistake, but sometimes I've had egg on my face because the colleague rubbed them the wrong way.
I also don't outsource. I once lost a major client that way--but that's off-topic. ▲ Collapse
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I replied the easy answer, turn down the job.
But in certain circumstances I can't ignore, I ask a surcharge (50-100%).
[Edited at 2014-10-24 09:26 GMT]
| | | | Ben_ (X)
United Kingdom
Local time: 09:36
German to English
I don't like saying no unless I absolutely have to, but earlier this week I just had to say no to one of my favourite clients because there weren't enough hours in the day to get his work done and the work I was already doing.
When it comes down to rush jobs and extra-tight deadlines because of having more than one job on the go I'd rather be honest and turn down work than run the risk of handing in something which I know I could have done better.
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If the job and the client seem interesting, I will accept the job and accommodate (or negotiate) the deadline. Depending on the particular circumstances, all the other options, but one ("Accept the job and ask for a surcharge"), might work as well…
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| Two ways to accommodate | Oct 24, 2014 |
Amel Abdullah wrote:
Negotiate the deadline.
Why is this not one of the response choices?
Some translators accommodate it in the client's way, i.e. they burn the midnight oil to do both jobs within the time frame both clients have requested.
I accommodate the 'new' job to my schedule: I tell the prospect the earliest I can deliver what they are requesting, and that I never miss translation deadlines (at least, I haven't missed any since 1973). If it's good enough for them, I'll take it. If it's not, they'll have to find someone else to do that job.
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I don't usually like to turn down offers unless I really have no choice. It happens sometimes that I cannot accept a project under the terms requested by the client and, in this case, I express my interest in working at it, explain why I can't do it as they request and try to negotiate the deadline. Last week it worked out and I managed to secure one tiny job plus huge amount of follow-up translations. Few months back, it didn't and I lost a client!
This is freelancing; we somehow depend o... See more I don't usually like to turn down offers unless I really have no choice. It happens sometimes that I cannot accept a project under the terms requested by the client and, in this case, I express my interest in working at it, explain why I can't do it as they request and try to negotiate the deadline. Last week it worked out and I managed to secure one tiny job plus huge amount of follow-up translations. Few months back, it didn't and I lost a client!
This is freelancing; we somehow depend on the client and the urgency of the job so, there is no real one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
[Edited at 2014-10-24 09:52 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | neilmac
Spain
Local time: 10:36
Spanish to English
+ ...
It depends. If it is a new client, I might try to find someone else who can take the job on if I am not able to do so.
A couple of weeks ago I was approached by an agency saying they liked my profile and asking for my rates etc. I'm afraid I haven't even had time to draft an email reply to explain that I'm not currently available. I wouldn't mind them offering me work occasionally, but I would not be able to guarantee my availability every time they happen to have work on offer. ... See more It depends. If it is a new client, I might try to find someone else who can take the job on if I am not able to do so.
A couple of weeks ago I was approached by an agency saying they liked my profile and asking for my rates etc. I'm afraid I haven't even had time to draft an email reply to explain that I'm not currently available. I wouldn't mind them offering me work occasionally, but I would not be able to guarantee my availability every time they happen to have work on offer.
PS: I also hate saying "no" to work offers, but sometimes there's no other option, especially when everyone wants everything done "urgently" i.e. by yesterday...
[Edited at 2014-10-24 09:57 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Thayenga
Germany
Local time: 10:36
Member (2009)
English to German
+ ...
It depends on several factors, size of the new job, deadline; and also on whether the request comes from a long-standing good client.
I always try to acommodate my clients, and am also trying my best to accept jobs from new clients. In case I really cannot accept the job, I explain my reasons.
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| In the unlikely event of this happening, | Oct 24, 2014 |
I would turn it down and recommend a colleague.
| | | | 564354352 (X)
Denmark
Local time: 10:36
Danish to English
+ ...
| Agree with Chris | Oct 24, 2014 |
Chris S wrote:
but this is a stupid question.
It depends entirely on how much work you have, what the job is, who the new customer is, etc etc.
...although I would say the same thing slightly less offensively. 
| | | | | Try to fit it in | Oct 24, 2014 |
I almost always have work in hand, but clients come and go.
Even the best regulars were new once, and most of the jobs I do are small, so I can accommodate a couple of thousand words with a realistic deadline.
If the client comes with a recommendation from a trusted colleague, I really make an effort to fit them in...
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