Free template · 15 questions
Translator client questionnaire
Translation quotes go wrong on word counts, formats and terminology. Collect them before you price the job.
When to send it: Before the quote.
The text
- 1.Source and target languages, including the variant (e.g. Brazilian Portuguese, Canadian French).
- 2.Word count, or the files so I can count them.
- 3.File formats (Word, InDesign, XLIFF, subtitles, website strings)?
- 4.Subject area: legal, medical, technical, marketing, literary?
Quality
- 5.Is there a glossary, style guide or translation memory?
- 6.Who is the audience, and how formal should the tone be?
- 7.Do you need certification, sworn translation or proofreading by a second linguist?
- 8.Should names, product terms or slogans stay in the original?
Delivery
- 9.Deadline, and is a partial delivery useful?
- 10.Will there be updates to the text later, and how should they be priced?
Budget, timing and decisions
- 11.What budget range have you set aside for this?
- 12.Is there a hard deadline, and what happens if it moves?
- 13.Who else needs to approve the work or the contract?
- 14.How would you prefer we communicate (email, calls, messaging), and how often?
- 15.How did you hear about me?
Send it, and get the answers back
Stop copying answers out of email threads. With Clinch the questionnaire goes out with your proposal or contract, your client fills it in from their phone, and the deposit is paid when they sign.
Send this questionnaire freeQuestions about client questionnaires
When should a translator send a client questionnaire?
Before the quote.
Can I edit these questions?
Yes. Copy them, remove what does not apply and add your own. Shorter questionnaires get answered faster: keep only the questions whose answers change your price, your plan or your contract.
Should the questionnaire come before or after the contract?
Questions that affect price and scope belong before the proposal; the detailed ones (names, timelines, access) work best right after signing, when the client is committed and expects them.
How do I send it with Clinch?
Create a free Clinch account, paste the questions, and send them with your proposal or contract. Your client answers from their phone without an account, and the answers are saved on the client's record.