Join in if you are self-employed and work from home

starxtrouble

Have attempted to negotiate with the agency. The problem with dealing with agencies as opposed to direct clients is that the agencies are normally unwilling to go back and renegotiate with their clients, which leaves me a bit stuck. My current deadline is the 23rd October. Apparently their deadline with the client is 28th October... which doesnt really give me any more time compared to the size of the project.. they would still need a few days after I was finished with it before it would be ready for the client. I dont really know what to suggest to them now. I dont want to suggest that they get someone else in to finish the job, but they dont seem to be able to give me any more time.

Any ideas you lovely people?

nzmegs

Thanks for that starx. That proz one sounds really dodgy. My dad used to call prostitues "prozzies". (not that he was an expert!!) I am guessing that is just a NZism but people might wonder exactly what they are bidding on:)

nzmegs

With regards to the agency problem - try getting on to the sites you reccomment to me and "subletting"some of the work. I know it is going to mean less money for you but at least you will save face and will be able to get work from them in the future. A little time invested now to find a good person who works as well as you could be well worth it.
Is it translation work? On an international site you might find someone from the country involved and they may be quicker ( I am assuming it is a second language for you).
I hope that helps.

starxtrouble

proz.com is one of the leading translation portal sites! thats where i get 90% of my work from. I could subcontact the work.. but I dont have any contacts reliable enough, and id still have to check all the work and prolly reword it so it sounds like my writing style. Also the agency wouldnt like it and its quite easy to spot if 2 different ppl have done 2 parts of the same translation. I'm going to put my thinking cap on 2nite and talk to them again 2moro.

Thanks

Star

starxtrouble

oh also with regard to getting someone from the country which the language the doc is in... in translation you always translate into your mother tongue.. so thats out too

TCM_3

Star, how much extra time do you think you need? Look at it practically, you cannot work 24 hours a day, you have to eat, sleep etc but if you had say an extra week would that let you away? Or as Nzmegs says, contract out a little bit of it. Would it be appropriate to find out who the client is and approach them directly or is that a no no? Perhaps if they could see the quality of the work they could give a bit of extra time? Or have you anyone (friends/family etc) that could give you a hand out?

Horace, you're a trooper! And a bargain hunter! I got some free Avon gifts today from a customer which was completly unexpected - I shall smell and look like a scented candle tonight!

Absolutely cracking days sales today, long may it continue

starxtrouble

Approaching the client directly is a big no no... and I also have no way of finding out who they are anyway with this job. With some of my agencies I have lovely clauses in my contract that allow them to claim 10k euro damages if I try and work/contact the client directly!! I am working out how much extra time I think I need and if its possible to pull it back etc.

Unfortunately my work is so specialised that I dont have anyone who could give me a hand. (surprisingly non of my family are fluent in german, understand the principles of translation and tax law! )

thanks for all the suggestions guys... sorry i seem to be ungrateful and shooting them all down!!

Star x

moneymabel

Sorry I have no ideas for you Star but hope it all works out for you, hopefully the doc will help you . I suffer from depression as well so I feel for you.
Well done on the bargain flowers Horace!
Hi to Nzmegs and TCM :-)
Have been proactive and emailed the people that filled in my draw forms yesterday offering them a free garter charm if they spend £30 ( as a thankyou for entering the draw)
I have 2 people I need to email regarding link exchanges too.

mills2009

Hi everyone,

Mind if I join in. I am not strictly self employed and working from home...yet, but if all works out, it will be part of the Grand Plan (alongside another career).

I am another jeweller maker, mostly beaded stuff, but I am experimenting with new stuff at the moment. It is well received (I mostly make it as gifts for people at the moment and have done a few school/craft fairs).

My problem is that I am a crap businesswoman so want to get my bum into gear and get more organised should I decide to go down this route..

So just wanted to say hello to everyone really!

Horace- Webbs is not too far from me- I sometimes take my mum out for cake and coffee and have a mooch around hobbycraft. I agree about the buses though- bonkers!

moneymabel

Hi Mills :-) I make wedding jewellery, have my own website and did my first wedding fair yesterday! Work part time as well but can't wait to escape! You'll get some great advice on here I know I have- everyone is so nice.
Welcome to the thread :-)