Fóruns sobre o ProZ.com » Poll Discussion »
Poll: How do you handle clients who send uneditable files?
Tópico cartaz: ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
EQUIPE DO SITE
Aug 16

This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "How do you handle clients who send uneditable files?".

View the poll results »
 
Ricardo Aries
Ricardo Aries  Identity Verified
Indonésia
Local time: 18:15
Membro (2020)
inglês para indonésio
+ ...
My Workflow for Charging File Prep Surcharges 00:39

When I receive non-editable files from clients—like flattened PDFs, low-res scans, or image files—I always explain that converting them into a workable format requires an extra layer of technical preparation. Depending on the document's condition, this involves running high-accuracy OCR, manually transcribing degraded or handwritten sections, and performing Desktop Publishing (DTP) to ensure the target layout, tables, and branding match the original. Because of the extra time and technical e... See more
When I receive non-editable files from clients—like flattened PDFs, low-res scans, or image files—I always explain that converting them into a workable format requires an extra layer of technical preparation. Depending on the document's condition, this involves running high-accuracy OCR, manually transcribing degraded or handwritten sections, and performing Desktop Publishing (DTP) to ensure the target layout, tables, and branding match the original. Because of the extra time and technical effort involved, I apply a modest file-preparation or DTP surcharge on top of standard translation rates. To give clients flexibility, I typically offer two options: a full layout reconstruction so the final deliverable looks identical to the original file, or a simplified dual-column format with bracketed placeholders (e.g., [Stamp], [Signature]) for a lower formatting fee. ▲ Collapse
 
Thayenga
Thayenga  Identity Verified
Alemanha
Local time: 13:15
Membro (2009)
inglês para alemão
+ ...
Other 09:38

I politely ask for an edible copy and inform them that, should one not be available, there will be a surcharge. Usually, this does the trick, especially when I se them a page converted via OCR which hardly ever renders a clean copy. Or I never hear from them again - which could be considered my win.

[Edited at 2026-08-17 09:57 GMT]

WolfgangS
Christine Andersen
 


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

Moderador(es) deste fórum
Jared Tabor[Call to this topic]

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

Poll: How do you handle clients who send uneditable files?






CafeTran Espresso
You've never met a CAT tool this clever!

Translate faster & easier, using a sophisticated CAT tool built by a translator / developer. Accept jobs from clients who use Trados, MemoQ, Wordfast & major CAT tools. Download and start using CafeTran Espresso -- for free

Buy now! »
Pastey
Your smart companion app

Pastey is an innovative desktop application that bridges the gap between human expertise and artificial intelligence. With intuitive keyboard shortcuts, Pastey transforms your source text into AI-powered draft translations.

Find out more »