How do you set your consecutive interpretation rates?
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One of the main factors that influence your consecutive interpretation rates is the language pair and the demand for it in the market. Some languages are more common and competitive than others, while some are rare and specialized. The more demand there is for a language pair, the higher the rates you can charge. However, you also need to consider the supply of interpreters who offer the same language pair and their qualifications and experience. You can research the average rates for your language pair and region by checking online platforms, professional associations, or agencies.
Another factor that affects your consecutive interpretation rates is your experience and credentials as an interpreter. The more experience you have, the more confident and skilled you are in delivering accurate and fluent interpretations. You can also demonstrate your professionalism and quality by having relevant credentials, such as certifications, degrees, or memberships to reputable organizations. These can help you stand out from the crowd and justify higher rates. It's also a good idea to update your portfolio and testimonials regularly to showcase your previous work and feedback from clients.
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In this case I think the honest truth is we can’t base skills on credentials. I know and continue to work with so called professionals who are more qualified than me on paper yet lack the speed of translation in their head, lack transitions between thoughts, lack coherence or become very literal in their sentences. Yet, time and again appropriate experience isn’t valued above the qualifications which can be had by almost anyone with the funds to pay for their course. Genuinely, skills and talents should be worth far more, and once clients have seen the relevant proof of a persons skills, an interpreter should be paid appropriately for their work.
The third factor that influences your consecutive interpretation rates is the complexity and preparation involved in the assignment. Some topics are more technical, sensitive, or specialized than others, requiring more research, terminology, and background knowledge. You may need to spend more time and effort to prepare for these assignments, such as studying the materials, glossaries, or speakers' profiles. You may also need to use specific equipment or tools, such as a notebook, a recorder, or a headset. Factor in these aspects when setting your rates and communicate them clearly to your clients.
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Usually if I think I will need a lot of prep time for an assignment instead of asking for a higher rate I will ask for paid prep time, even a little can go a long way. One semester when interpreting a tough class my team and I asked for an hour prep each week, which gave us 30 minutes before the start of each class to discuss the lesson and PowerPoint and think of how we'd be able to interpret it. Also it's a good idea to have a few options ready to negotiate with the agency or contractor, they won't give you an hour? How about 30 minutes? And be able to articulate how providing that time will better serve the client.
Another factor that affects your consecutive interpretation rates is the duration and location of the assignment. Depending on the length and schedule of the job, you may need to charge by the hour, by the day, or by the project. Also consider the travel time and expenses, such as transportation, accommodation, or meals. Set a minimum fee and a cancellation policy to protect yourself from short and cancelled assignments. And always clarify the working conditions and expectations, such as breaks, overtime, or team work.
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For this kind of stuff I charge each thing as its own line item, if a job is too far away (which you can determine by distance or drive time) ask for travel time to be added, the amount of time you think it will take to get there. If accommodation and meals are needed you can either use a per diem rate (your state and county should have a per diem rate on their website) or keep your receipts and have them reimburse you. I like to have them reimburse or pay for the hotel and do per diem for meals, if this is what is needed to interpret an assignment and they are unwilling to provide it my business practice is not to take it, if they need you that badly that far out of your area that means they can afford to get you there.
Different clients may have different budgets, needs, and preferences, such as government agencies, private companies, non-profit organizations, or individuals. You may need to adjust your rates according to the type and size of the client, the purpose and scope of the assignment, and the relationship and trust you have with them. Also consider market trends and fluctuations, such as supply and demand, competition, or economic situation.
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TALK TO OTHER INTERPRETERS!! Find out what people are charging in your area, if you are an experienced interpreter make connections with new interpreters and help them determine what is appropriate for new interpreters to be charging. The nature of the freelance world can make us feel pitted against each other as we are all competing for the same pool of work, but the truth is that by not making connections we are leaving the rates to be all over the place and agencies will use cheaper interpreters, which will pull everyone's rates down.
You should not only consider your costs and expenses, but also your skills and benefits as an interpreter. Highlight how your consecutive interpretation services can help your clients achieve their goals, solve their problems, or satisfy their needs. And be confident and flexible in negotiating your rates with your clients, taking into account their expectations and constraints. You should always have a written contract or agreement that specifies your rates and terms.
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One thing I like to do is not think only of hourly rates, think also about your cancelation policy, minimums, travel time, milage, and differencials. And think of ways you can scale this up and down, which will give you more negotiating power. One example; say you want a 72hr cancelation policy, but an agency wants to give you 24hrs, can you meet them in the middle at 48? Can you ask them for 24hrs for jobs 4hrs or less, 48 for 4-8hrs, 72 for anything over 8hrs? Can you negotiate if they are business or calendar hours?
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