Poll: Do you think freelancers can not only compete but outperform large companies? Təhdid postu: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Do you think freelancers can not only compete but outperform large companies?".
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It seems like comparing apples and oranges. It depends entirely on what the client wants. A seasoned freelancer could offer a more customized and effective solution for some clients and projects. The first factor in the debate between freelancers and agencies is usually a price comparison. In general, hiring an individual freelancer will be cheaper than hiring an agency. A freelancer will also have more flexibility regarding scheduling or project changes. But if the client is interested in multi... See more It seems like comparing apples and oranges. It depends entirely on what the client wants. A seasoned freelancer could offer a more customized and effective solution for some clients and projects. The first factor in the debate between freelancers and agencies is usually a price comparison. In general, hiring an individual freelancer will be cheaper than hiring an agency. A freelancer will also have more flexibility regarding scheduling or project changes. But if the client is interested in multiple projects running simultaneously and translated into several languages, the solution lies not in a freelancer but in an agency... ▲ Collapse
| | | | IrinaN
United States
Local time: 13:28
English to Russian
+ ...
Speed relative to volume, diversification, range of subjects, range of languages, connections, availability, replaceability, instant technical support, annual income of the whole agency vs a single freelancer?
NO to each. Please, what does "outperforming" mean?
Gain, and keep a fat direct client on a leash? Some do . Is that what "outperforming" implies? Well, one could say that such freelancer had outper... See more Speed relative to volume, diversification, range of subjects, range of languages, connections, availability, replaceability, instant technical support, annual income of the whole agency vs a single freelancer?
NO to each. Please, what does "outperforming" mean?
Gain, and keep a fat direct client on a leash? Some do. Is that what "outperforming" implies? Well, one could say that such freelancer had outperformed the entire translation world
As for the "compete" part - what else do freelancers do? They compete with the rest of the whole wide world of legal and physical entities. ▲ Collapse
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If under 'freelancers' in the question, structured groups of individuals (PR -> unprofessional apocalyptic front desk -> pagemaking - > those what's their name?, ah, translators) are meant, they still will be unable to compete with incorporated organizations, because an organization is a farm, and a freelancer is a small glade in the thick woods
[Редактировалось 2024-07-07 07:05 GMT]
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Kay Denney 
Fransa
Local time: 20:28
French to English
I suppose "large companies" means "large agencies"? We don't offer the same service at all. Agencies thrive on efficiency, which involves getting work done quickly, and using CAT tools and AI and whatever else to get it done ever more quickly.
I am efficient too, but while I'm sure my direct clients appreciate it, what they appear to appreciate most is the quality of my work. They'll say things like "we haven't really worked very hard on this text, so it's a bit rough and ready, b... See more I suppose "large companies" means "large agencies"? We don't offer the same service at all. Agencies thrive on efficiency, which involves getting work done quickly, and using CAT tools and AI and whatever else to get it done ever more quickly.
I am efficient too, but while I'm sure my direct clients appreciate it, what they appear to appreciate most is the quality of my work. They'll say things like "we haven't really worked very hard on this text, so it's a bit rough and ready, but we're not publishing the French version, only your translation, so please could you work the same kind of magic on it as always?". I give them a tailored service: I get to know them as well as possible so I know exactly what's important in their text, which notions I might be able to sacrifice if I need to streamline a bit, which ideas might be worth emphasising more. I'm at the limit of transcreation a lot of the time and I'm fine with that because these clients pay me well. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Kevin Fulton
United States
Local time: 14:28
German to English
When I was active, I offered a limited number of services: one language pair/direction only, no DTP, very limited graphics translation, etc. I never took more than two jobs at a time. I turned down larger projects with relatively short deadlines, since putting together a team was generally difficult. as most of my trusted colleagues were usually occupied. I couldn't compete on the basis of availability, due both to the limited number of tasks I'd undertake, as well as the amount of time I'd take... See more When I was active, I offered a limited number of services: one language pair/direction only, no DTP, very limited graphics translation, etc. I never took more than two jobs at a time. I turned down larger projects with relatively short deadlines, since putting together a team was generally difficult. as most of my trusted colleagues were usually occupied. I couldn't compete on the basis of availability, due both to the limited number of tasks I'd undertake, as well as the amount of time I'd take off (only about 4-5 weeks/year, but my vacation times could generally not be rescheduled). My competitive advantage was in the quality I provided as well as price, not in the range of services nor in my ability to take on complex engagements, important factors when dealing with well-paying industrial clients who prefer working with agencies. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Daryo
United Kingdom
Local time: 19:28
Serbian to English
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| What is "performance"? | Jul 8 |
As already said it's like like comparing apples and oranges.
If you need the same text in 15 languages, one freelancer is not much of any use.
If you want consistency in an ongoing exchange with a major client then nothing can beat a direct contract with a good freelancer.
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