Whether you work as a freelance polish translator or own your own translating company, it is important to keep your rates competitive to attract business and maintain loyalty from customers.
However, these days, rates seem to be plummeting, thanks to a rise in artificial intelligence (AI) and polish translators trying to compete with computer-generated content. Despite this, it is essential interpreters maintain their fees.
Here are the main reasons why.
Demonstrates credibility
While AI translations are becoming more available, they are no substitute for the real thing. Professional businesses not only translate, but they interpret, providing context and tone to the content.
If you drop your rates to be inline with AI-generated translations, this could discredit your services, as people will assume you provide as much – or as little – as what they find online.
Maintain the industry
If everyone starts to drop their prices, others will be forced to do the same in order to continue to get business. This will, in the end, be unsustainable for the industry, as translators cannot work for very low rates.
The most qualified will leave first, leaving those just starting their career or amateurs who do not have the skills or qualifications to translate or interpret to a high standard. Therefore, the quality of Polish translation services will decline, leaving those in need of them unable to find professionals able to do the job.
The rise in cost of living
As a professional polish translator, it is important to feel under pressure to lower your rates, especially as the cost of living is continuing to increase.
According to the government’s minimum wage, adults over 23 should be earning at least £10.42 per hour. However, as working hours can be blurred when self-employed, many translators might find they are earning less than minimum wage for the number of hours they are putting in.
The price of energy, food, and mortgage rates are still sky-high, so it is essential not to undersell yourself, as you need more than ever these days.