Why Does Word Count Matter?
In some instances, clients are charged per hour. In other situations, translators decide the rate after going through a document. Such methods can be unfair for both parties. The same project can be difficult for one translator and easy for another. In such a situation, one of them will need longer to finish the task, while others would be able to complete it quickly. If the clients were being charged hourly, that would be unfair to them, and the rates might vary from one expert to the next for the same task. Fixed rates help clients, but they also allow translators to maintain fairness in their dealings. It becomes easier for clients to figure out if they are being offered good services at affordable rates.
How Do We Count Words in Documents?
There are different methods of counting words in a document. Some agencies count the words in the source document. This way, it is easier for clients to understand the pricing. If a file has 200 words, then they can calculate the price based on the per word rate. But if the words are counted after completing the translation, then the rate becomes unpredictable. For instance, in English to Spanish translation, the word count will be greater in the final document. Those that charge, according to the word count of the target file, can create problems for their clients.
In order to make our clients feel safe and comfortable about the pricing, our rates are based on the word count of the source text. This way, there are no complicated calculations involved. People will be able to figure out easily if a service is in their budget or not. The straightforward method is also in favor of companies who can get paid before starting a project.