I want to start-up my own translation business

dizzybuff

Hammyman wrote: »

My brothers Danish ex-missus didn't need to when she was over here. The only reason to use it is because you don't know the language. How do you know that what you got the first time is correct?

Its more a fact if you get the same client over and over again , you can be consistant in your translation . The software converts pre translated and fuzzy wordws , I belive I may know more than you and I dont even use it .

it saves time and effort for the translator and makes the document consistent with other material already translated and approved by the client.

Fly_Baby

Hammyman wrote: »

My brothers Danish ex-missus didn't need to when she was over here. The only reason to use it is because you don't know the language. How do you know that what you got the first time is correct?

I don't think you read my post carefully. Trados is not a translation tool - it is a translation memory. It does not translate for you, it doesn't have an in-built dictionary - it just remembers YOUR translation and enables you to refer to it in subsequent works (for terminology queries or repetitions).

cjscott10

Hammyman wrote: »

Give up now. If you're going to be needing to use translating software, you're not suitable to do it. Software quite often makes some massive embarrassing mistakes and it'd make you look incredibly amateurish and likely to cost your clients money.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that! Just because I can't afford the software, doesn't mean I can't use it. I have some skills with this software that need improving.

cjscott10

Hello,

Seems I've started an argument about the merits of CAT tools!

So just to be clear:

I have a degree in translation and interpreting and experience in the business (though not a great deal of it). I know very well what CAT tools are and whether I like them or not is irrelevant- the majority of customers seem to want them to be used.

I have worked in a translation company and decided that I would much rather work for myself.

MY QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT HOW TO START A BUSINESS, NOT ABOUT HOW TO TRANSLATE!

Thanks for all your responses!

dizzybuff

cjscott10 wrote: »

Hello,

Seems I've started an argument about the merits of CAT tools!

So just to be clear:

I have a degree in translation and interpreting and experience in the business (though not a great deal of it). I know very well what CAT tools are and whether I like them or not is irrelevant- the majority of customers seem to want them to be used.

I have worked in a translation company and decided that I would much rather work for myself.

MY QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT HOW TO START A BUSINESS, NOT ABOUT HOW TO TRANSLATE!

Thanks for all your responses!

Like I said start small and register with big companies to start with . Big word , star etc and do some test translations and try and get a client base sorted and have funds available maybe from a full time job . Register with HMRC as self employed . get affiliated with MITI , this will involve an exam at your own cost . Be warned its hard and only about 9% of candidates pass every sitting. This will put you in better stead for the buisness aspect of it .

You can either do the above make sure you have a cliebt base or go in hell for leather and fail myserably .

MITI are a good place to start as I think they have a guide to going freelance.

Then its a matter of purchasing the translation memory tools which again is an innitial outlay .

Id suggest attempting to establish yourself as a translator first , if you have worked in the translation industry you will know suppliers will use the same translator if they are consitiant and meet deadlines . So get yourself established then look at starting the buisness full time.

Just a few suggestions and remarks

Fly_Baby

dizzybuff wrote: »

Register with HMRC as self employed . get affiliated with MITI , this will involve an exam at your own cost .

MITI are a good place to start as I think they have a guide to going freelance.

By MITI, do you mean Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)? MITI is Member of ITI.

Or is it something else?

Any

Hammyman wrote: »

Give up now. If you're going to be needing to use translating software, you're not suitable to do it. Software quite often makes some massive embarrassing mistakes and it'd make you look incredibly amateurish and likely to cost your clients money.

Some people are just so narrow minded....
Yes you are right about that, BUT and it is a big but, it does a lot of work for you. Of course you have to go back and proof read it and pick up on these mistakes, but with help of translation software you cut your time spent on the project massively!!!!!!

It's the same thing as saying to an accountant - if you need a Sage accounting software give up. If you can't do it by hand you are not suited for the job.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Any

Hammyman wrote: »

My brothers Danish ex-missus didn't need to when she was over here. The only reason to use it is because you don't know the language. How do you know that what you got the first time is correct?

As an accountant, I can account for one company by hand no problem. But on business scale I could take on more clients with help of software.

You have no idea what you are talking about.

dizzybuff

Fly_Baby wrote: »

By MITI, do you mean Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)? MITI is Member of ITI.

Or is it something else?

Becoming a member you have to take the exam , which will stand you in good stead and proves your qualifies, just affiliating means you just pay a fee.