Poll: Have you ever refused to take on a project because of the payment method?
Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
SITE STAFF
Mar 2, 2013

This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Have you ever refused to take on a project because of the payment method?".

This poll was originally submitted by Anne-Sophie Cardinal. View the poll results »



 
Thayenga
Thayenga  Identity Verified
Germany
Local time: 10:59
Member (2009)
English to German
+ ...
Yes, a few times Mar 2, 2013

In general, I decline payment by check from the U.S.A. because of the extremely high fees involved, consequently refusing the project. And personal checks are an absolute no-go.

Other than this, I'm pretty "flexible".


 
Muriel Vasconcellos
Muriel Vasconcellos  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 02:59
Member (2003)
Spanish to English
+ ...
Only once Mar 2, 2013

They could only pay me via Moneybookers and for some reason I was unable to open an account at the time.

 
Elías Sauza
Elías Sauza  Identity Verified
Mexico
Local time: 03:59
Member (2002)
English to Spanish
+ ...
Yes Mar 2, 2013

This week I received a job offer. The payment terms was 60 days after receipt of the invoice. The invoices would be sent first electronically to the PM. After approval from the PM, a paper invoice would be sent by snail mail. I believe this means payment 90 or more days after delivering of the job.

 
Alexander Kondorsky
Alexander Kondorsky  Identity Verified
Russian Federation
Local time: 12:59
English to Russian
+ ...
frequently Mar 2, 2013

I don't accept PayPal, Moneybookers or other webmonies altogether. With a new client I would not agree on doing a large project with delayed payment.

 
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida  Identity Verified
Portugal
Local time: 09:59
Member (2007)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
Same here! Mar 2, 2013

Alexander Kondorsky wrote:

I don't accept PayPal, Moneybookers or other webmonies altogether. With a new client I would not agree on doing a large project with delayed payment.


... and, like Thayenga, I decline payment by cheque from the U.S.A. because of the extremely high fees involved and I do not accept personal cheques.



[Edited at 2013-03-02 17:34 GMT]


 
Anna Villegas
Anna Villegas
Mexico
Local time: 03:59
English to Spanish
Some of them... Mar 2, 2013

I decline:
1. Payment by check from the U.S.A. (more than calendar 20 days to get cleared and, if so, with high fees).
2. Payment 60 days "net" (meaning 90-100 days "net" usually).
3. Payment by Moneybookers (too many conditions to withdraw my money, if I'm lucky).

In my opinion, the best way is a wire transfer directly to your bank account, especially for payments higher than 500 dollars. For less than that, I've been using PayPal for many years without any proble
... See more
I decline:
1. Payment by check from the U.S.A. (more than calendar 20 days to get cleared and, if so, with high fees).
2. Payment 60 days "net" (meaning 90-100 days "net" usually).
3. Payment by Moneybookers (too many conditions to withdraw my money, if I'm lucky).

In my opinion, the best way is a wire transfer directly to your bank account, especially for payments higher than 500 dollars. For less than that, I've been using PayPal for many years without any problem.




[Edited at 2013-03-03 02:26 GMT]
Collapse


 
Sheila Wilson
Sheila Wilson  Identity Verified
Spain
Local time: 09:59
Member (2007)
English
+ ...
Between occasionally and frequently Mar 2, 2013

Methods: I reject cheques, except for French ones in EUR and British ones in GBP, as those are acceptable to my banks - they take a little longer to clear but there's no charge; web-based methods and other non-bank transfers, with the exception of PayPal and MoneyBookers.

Currencies: I reject anything other than EUR, GBP and USD. I think 3 currencies gives enough flexibility and ask the client to pay in one of those. For a one-off job, I'd be prepared to convert my quote to their lo
... See more
Methods: I reject cheques, except for French ones in EUR and British ones in GBP, as those are acceptable to my banks - they take a little longer to clear but there's no charge; web-based methods and other non-bank transfers, with the exception of PayPal and MoneyBookers.

Currencies: I reject anything other than EUR, GBP and USD. I think 3 currencies gives enough flexibility and ask the client to pay in one of those. For a one-off job, I'd be prepared to convert my quote to their local currency, add processing costs and then request immediate settlement before the exchange rate alters significantly. But I'd never quote in another currency as so much can happen between quoting and being paid.

Terms: I reject anything more than 60 days out of hand, and only accept over 30 days month end if there are good reasons to.

But these things are often open to negotiation, even if the client at first says "We pay...". And during negotiations you get a good chance to get a feel for the company. I go a lot by that "feel".
Collapse


 
Yaotl Altan
Yaotl Altan  Identity Verified
Mexico
Local time: 03:59
Member (2006)
English to Spanish
+ ...
The black dog Mar 2, 2013

Yes, I listened and listened, then I said "ciao" while laughing.

"Well, once we have the translation you will send via e-mail, you MUST visit our offices (in the other part of the city....2 hours to get and 2 more hours to come back), yes, do you remember where is the Aztec Stadium?, OK, you keep driving 15 minutes, until you see the black dog in the Chinese restaurant, don't worry, "El Negro" is always there, it doesn't move, but no, no, it's not there, turn right and in the tiny g
... See more
Yes, I listened and listened, then I said "ciao" while laughing.

"Well, once we have the translation you will send via e-mail, you MUST visit our offices (in the other part of the city....2 hours to get and 2 more hours to come back), yes, do you remember where is the Aztec Stadium?, OK, you keep driving 15 minutes, until you see the black dog in the Chinese restaurant, don't worry, "El Negro" is always there, it doesn't move, but no, no, it's not there, turn right and in the tiny green door of the yellow house you knock 3 times and then Don Martín will receive you, he will pay you".

I don't know if Salvador Dalí visited Mexico but I think Paypal or bank transfers are better than the black dog way.



[Modifié le 2013-03-02 19:05 GMT]
Collapse


 
Triston Goodwin
Triston Goodwin  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 03:59
Spanish to English
+ ...
Credit/debit cards? Mar 2, 2013

I've been seeing a lot of companies making apps for smart phones that come with a credit card reader, even Paypal has one. Do any of you take credit/debit card payments?

I have a few local clients that I could charge this way, since it's a lot more convenient than checks or cash when dealing with a client in person.

Any thoughts?


 
Nikki Scott-Despaigne
Nikki Scott-Despaigne  Identity Verified
Local time: 10:59
French to English
French agencies Mar 2, 2013

Agencies in France offer 60 days end of the month as standard payment terms and have the audacity to delay beyond (usually maintaining that the reason is that their client has not paid on time). If an agent is there, then there is no privity of contract between the translator and the end client; both have privity of contract with the agent. I work with agencies about once every 3 years and never on terms beyond 30 days. With direct clients, it is payment upon receipt of invoice and my acc... See more
Agencies in France offer 60 days end of the month as standard payment terms and have the audacity to delay beyond (usually maintaining that the reason is that their client has not paid on time). If an agent is there, then there is no privity of contract between the translator and the end client; both have privity of contract with the agent. I work with agencies about once every 3 years and never on terms beyond 30 days. With direct clients, it is payment upon receipt of invoice and my account is generally credited within 10-15 days.

I prefer bank transfer. I accept cheques in EUR, GBP or CHF. I also accept PayPal. Nothing else.

[Edited at 2013-03-02 21:44 GMT]
Collapse


 
Christel Zipfel
Christel Zipfel  Identity Verified
Local time: 10:59
Member (2004)
Italian to German
+ ...
Payment terms beyond 30 days Mar 2, 2013

I systematically reject terms longer than 30 days, and if no agreement is found, I refuse the job.

I am not a bank.

I would also refuse payment by cheque or other expensive payment method, if I had to pay the expense.


 
Dmitry Kornyukhov
Dmitry Kornyukhov  Identity Verified
Canada
Local time: 05:59
English to Russian
+ ...
No for 60 days net Mar 2, 2013

I'm quite flexible with payment methods except for cheques due to higher fees. However I don't work with those clients who offer 60 days net. Every time I ask them one simple question: how often do you receive your pay-cheque? Twice a month? Then why am I supposed to wait for my payment much longer than that? The reason I'm working is because I've got to pay my fees. Rent, Internet, food, school, etc. I doubt that my landlord will be happy with 60 net terms. Simple as that.

 
Annie Sapucaia
Annie Sapucaia  Identity Verified
Canada
Local time: 05:59
French to English
+ ...
Having this problem now May 8, 2018

Dmitry Kornyukhov wrote:

I'm quite flexible with payment methods except for cheques due to higher fees. However I don't work with those clients who offer 60 days net. Every time I ask them one simple question: how often do you receive your pay-cheque? Twice a month? Then why am I supposed to wait for my payment much longer than that? The reason I'm working is because I've got to pay my fees. Rent, Internet, food, school, etc. I doubt that my landlord will be happy with 60 net terms. Simple as that.


I'm currently going through this because one of my main agency clients just changed their payment terms from NET30 to NET60 (they were acquired by a larger company). I find it immensely unfair that suddenly, after 4 years of working regularly with this agency, I suddenly have to wait much longer to get back. Sigh.


 
krishna sankar
krishna sankar
Philippines
projects on cryptocurrency Jul 13, 2021

Well who would not take it out? I mean if you have some projects on cryptocurrency, the best way to make sure it never fails is to take note of everything at the very least. That has been the main demand for all of us and I think it has never failed to put the spotlight on how we should really work well with the likes of the people who don’t have nothing to offer but bad things in life that can also affect the crypto as a whole too.

... See more
Well who would not take it out? I mean if you have some projects on cryptocurrency, the best way to make sure it never fails is to take note of everything at the very least. That has been the main demand for all of us and I think it has never failed to put the spotlight on how we should really work well with the likes of the people who don’t have nothing to offer but bad things in life that can also affect the crypto as a whole too.


Reference: https://bitcasino.jp/blog/the-distinct-characteristics-of-cryptocurrency/
Collapse


 


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:

Moderator(s) of this forum
Jared Tabor[Call to this topic]

You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

Poll: Have you ever refused to take on a project because of the payment method?






Protemos translation business management system
Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!

The system lets you keep client/vendor database, with contacts and rates, manage projects and assign jobs to vendors, issue invoices, track payments, store and manage project files, generate business reports on turnover profit per client/manager etc.

More info »
Trados Business Manager Lite
Create customer quotes and invoices from within Trados Studio

Trados Business Manager Lite helps to simplify and speed up some of the daily tasks, such as invoicing and reporting, associated with running your freelance translation business.

More info »