Defining terms and conditions within a 'devis' Thread poster: Chopkins
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Chopkins France Local time: 14:05 French to English
Hello fellow colleagues, I should first say that I originally made another post concerning the same issue in French. I hope I will get more replies in English I have recently started contacting companies/individuals directly and offering my translation services. I have a semi-serious inquiry but was asked to first submit a 'devis.' I have almost finished completing it but I am in a particular ... See more Hello fellow colleagues, I should first say that I originally made another post concerning the same issue in French. I hope I will get more replies in English I have recently started contacting companies/individuals directly and offering my translation services. I have a semi-serious inquiry but was asked to first submit a 'devis.' I have almost finished completing it but I am in a particular situation where I would like to trust this potential client, but too often I hear stories of freelancers completing assignments and not being properly paid for their services. Aside from possibly stating that I would like to use the text as a future reference and payment penalties (for extreme tardiness), I would like to know what other 'conditions' do you think are necessary in order to ensure a stable pact (without scaring off a potential client). Do I need to provide a terms and conditions agreement that goes along with the devis, or would simple and compact phrases within the devis be sufficient? Thanks for your input!!! -Courtney ▲ Collapse | | |
Surely devis... | Jan 12, 2017 |
...just means price? They want to know how much it will cost and how long it will take. One sentence should be enough.
[Edited at 2017-01-12 18:15 GMT] | | |
[Edited at 2017-01-12 18:20 GMT] | | |
Chopkins France Local time: 14:05 French to English TOPIC STARTER
philgoddard wrote: ...just means price? They want to know how much it will cost and how long it will take. One sentence should be enough.
[Edited at 2017-01-12 18:15 GMT] For example, certain quotes have binding words towards the end in case a potential client decides to take on the services. I've come across devis which state at the end: "Ceci est un devis des biens nommés, soumis aux conditions indiquées ci-dessous : (Décrivez toutes les conditions liées à ces prix et toutes les conditions supplémentaires de l’accord. Il est conseillé d’inclure les dépenses imprévues qui affecteront le devis.) Pour accepter ce devis, signez ici et renvoyez-le :" | |
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Michael Beijer United Kingdom Local time: 13:05 Member (2009) Dutch to English + ...
Is "devis" a French word? What does it mean? Michael | | |
Michael Beijer United Kingdom Local time: 13:05 Member (2009) Dutch to English + ... aha, googled it | Jan 12, 2017 |
you mean a quote/quotation Hmm. Depends. I never use 'em myself, and neither do I have any T&Cs. Never had a problem in 20 years, but I'm sure many people would be horrified to work like this. Wait a minute, I have made a quote a few times, using the facility in TO3000. I made one as an example: Michael | | |
Chopkins France Local time: 14:05 French to English TOPIC STARTER Seems pretty standard | Jan 12, 2017 |
Maybe it's always best keeping things simple without getting technical. It is after all a quote/quotation. Thanks for your help and sample template. I think I may integrate some of your elements into mine. | | |
Sheila Wilson Spain Local time: 13:05 Member (2007) English + ... All sorts of possibilities if it's a massive job | Jan 13, 2017 |
I never bother with a special document unless the client insists. It can just be the price or it can cover all sorts of other things, particularly for a big job: Penalties for late payment Terms for accepting complaints/queries Cancellation by client Inability to complete the job ... In other words, your T&C. Mine are very simple as I prefer it that way. I avoid clients I don't trust. | |
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Chopkins France Local time: 14:05 French to English TOPIC STARTER Though worthy in its respects, sometimes things would be a lot easier if they were shorter. | Jan 13, 2017 |
Sheila Wilson wrote: I never bother with a special document unless the client insists. It can just be the price or it can cover all sorts of other things, particularly for a big job: Penalties for late payment Terms for accepting complaints/queries Cancellation by client Inability to complete the job ... In other words, your T&C. Mine are very simple as I prefer it that way. I avoid clients I don't trust. Thank you very much for your input, Sheila! | | |
Chopkins France Local time: 14:05 French to English TOPIC STARTER Ah, the good old service-public page! | Jan 13, 2017 |
Firstly, thank you John for providing me with the two links. Coincidentally, I went through the service-public's page last evening and was able to get a clearer picture of what should be included in the quote/quotation. Worth noting though, you've helped me enormously by providing me the CGV link. Now back to formatting. Thanks again! | | |
John Fossey Canada Local time: 09:05 Member (2008) French to English + ...
[Edited at 2017-01-13 13:41 GMT] | |
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I always ask for an upfront payment! | Jan 13, 2017 |
Chopkins, Whenever a potential direct client contacts me for the first time, I always request a 30% or 50% upfront payment to begin working, depending on the assignment, and the pending balance upon completion of the job. It always works; if te client is not to trust, he won't reply (which means we would not be willing to pay even less than half of the total price). Fortunately I always receive the upfront payment and the remainder on time! | | |