Translation Prices

I used to have strong misgivings about giving prices online. Even wrote a rant on the subject which stayed up at the top of Google results for "translation prices" for quite a while, proof that more than a few translators felt the same way about providing fixed prices. You can still read that article here: What determines translation prices? (The Cliffnotes version: prices vary and there are good reasons for it)

While it still as valid today as it was when I first wrote it, I understand that this is not the answer you are looking for and well, you do need to have an idea of the costs, so I will foolishly attempt to give you some kind of a price list I use as a guideline when giving a quote on a “run-of-the-mill project”.

*Source words or Target words: translation prices are usually quoted on the number of words. However depending on the language, translation providers count either “source words” or “target words”. “Source words” is the number of words in the original document. “Target words” is the number of words in the translation.

The difference can be significant. For instance, a French translation will typically have 15% - 25% more words than the English original. In other words, € 0.10 per target word and € 0.12 per source word are pretty much equivalent.

This is sometimes used as a trick by some agencies which use this fact to quote “lower prices” while actually charging pretty much the same. Remember, at the end of the day, what matters is the figure at the bottom of the invoice, not so much the way it is calculated.

Unless otherwise requested, we charge per source word. This allows us to give you the exact costs when you ask for a quote. There is no surprise at invoicing time.

Pricing FAQ

1. I don't see the languages I need

This list is not complete. It's just a list of the most common language pairs we deal with. If you need another language pair, just ask.

2. Will there be any "surprises" at invoicing time?

In short, no. When you send in your document(s), you will be told the exact cost of the service(s). And that's the price you will have to pay.

3. Do you have a 30-days guaranty?

Satisfaction guaranties are often offered for software (where the cost of selling an extra copy is insignificant) or for physical products which can be returned in a good condition.

Services in general (and specifically Translation Services) don't work that way. Once the service is done and delivered, work has been done and translators have to be paid for their time. The same is true of most service providers (dentists, lawyers, medical doctors, consultants, etc.).

However, we do our best to provide high quality translations and have a review process to deal with quality-related complaints (specifics must be provided). When you order from us, you can feel confident that you will receive the translations you need.

4. Why are your prices so cheap?

Because I don't like money. Because we have less overhead costs than most translation agencies based in the Western world, and we use that competitive advantage to our benefit... and yours (unless of course you are a competitor, but well, that's how things work, isn't it?). We try to provide good professional translations at an affordable price. That's our job.

5. Why are your prices so outrageous?

Now I liked the other question better. ;) You see, there are 2 main types of translation agencies: The translation agencies who do their job honestly and those who don't. Unfortunately, there are quite a few agencies on the market running what is fundamentally a translation scam. We aren't the cheapest translation provider around, but if you think the prices above are outrageous, you have more than likely been getting your prices from one of the many scam agencies online. (If you honestly believe a professional French translator will work for $5 an hour before taxes, call me, I have a Bridge you can buy over in Brooklyn).

6. It's way too much for me, I want a BIG discount because... I want one

Can't blame you for wanting the best prices, but seriously, no. Don't even bother. We are not kids making a few bucks on the side. We are professionals; we do this for a living.

7. My question is not here.

Feel free to ask. We are here to help you.