Name the languages you translate between and the fields you know, such as business, education, or technical material. Explain whether you provide translation, editing, interpreting, or certified work; only claim certification you hold. Ask clients about word count, source format, audience, deadline, and required terminology.
For an unfamiliar subject, request a representative source file with personal or commercially sensitive details removed, then explain the review process and any terminology questions you need answered. State whether editing, certification, formatting, or only translation is included; these are different deliverables. Agree the file format and handover date in writing, and never claim accreditation or subject expertise you do not hold.
Keep a glossary for recurring client terms and confirm uncertain phrases with the client before finalising the translation.
For jobs with a fixed delivery date, ask when the translated file will be reviewed or used and leave time for terminology queries. Clarify whether the customer expects proofreading by a second linguist or formatting that matches the source. Confirm how you will handle an unreadable scan before counting it as a standard document project.
Set confidentiality and file-transfer practices before receiving sensitive documents. Clarify revisions, formatting, and rush fees in writing. Create a KobStore page to present your translation services and the information needed for a quote.
