posted 09 September 2003 17:44            

This is my first post here, but I have known about Translatortips for a long time now, and have appreciated this resource.

I have a question for everyone.

What kind of conversion rates do you all see between visitors that actually make a translation quote request to you, to those that actually become clients.

1 out of 5, 10, 50, 100?

I have a fair amount of experience regarding these figures, but my samples come from too few of Agencies to have a big picture view, and would love to hear what each of you see in general.

This could be helpful for everyone here to have an idea of what they are up against, and seeing if their individual conversion rates are under scoring or doing well.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing your responses.

posted 09 September 2003 20:02            

What do you think is the greatest factor in actually converting the quote requests you receive into actual clients?

And what do you see turns off a potential client the most?

I know that no situation is ever the same as another, but I am very interested in exploring these thoughts - for the benefit of everyone here.

Thanks again,

posted 12 September 2003 13:19            

Very good question!

My personal "conversion rate" is somewhere around 95%. This is because the majority of people who call me with jobs have already got a go-ahead from their client, so the job is already a "goer" before it filters down to me. It doesn't mean I take on everything I'm asked to quote on, just that I'm told the job is mine if I want it!!

I wonder whether language combination has anything to do with it. Most of my languages are less common than the Big Four (French, German, Italian, Spanish), so clients tend to be looking for people who are free to work, rather than someone who will offer them the best price. I think if you were to survey people translating the Big Four, you'd get a different answer.

quote:

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What do you think is the greatest factor in actually converting the quote requests you receive into actual clients?

And what do you see turns off a potential client the most?

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To answer your first question: being nice, being helpful, quick response, looking efficient even if I'm not!!

And the second: late response, complaining about certain aspects of the job (yes, I can use Trados, but I don't really want to...), moving the goalposts without good reason, nitpicking!

Price is a factor, of course, but in most of my languages no-one has ever turned me down on the basis of "you're too expensive". Sure, a couple of them have had a moan about prices (usually the ones who want something for nothing...), but I'm always willing to negotiate if necessary. Although most people don't bother trying for some reason?? Nothing ventured and all that.

Does this answer your questions?

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posted 12 September 2003 18:40            

Thanks for your response.

It seems natural that you would land a good percentage of jobs that come from agencies that have already landed the job with a client (at least one would hope so!)

My challenge and question refers to landing these clients in the first place.

Anyone here deal with this direct marketing challenge, and have any conversion rate figures to share?

Any observations regarding this process would also be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tim