[Interpreting FAQ]
Q 1.
How much are the interpreter’s travel expenses?
A 1.
You will be invoiced the actual cost. The cost of travel expenses will be included in our quotation.
Q 2.
How much are the interpreter’s travel expenses between work locations (from one interpreting site to another)?
A 2.
You will be invoiced the actual cost. The cost of travel expenses will be included in our quotation.
Q 3.
Who is responsible for the interpreter’s food and drink costs?
A 3.
The interpreter is, in principle, responsible for covering the cost of their own breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, if there is nowhere to eat or drink nearby, it will be necessary for the interpreter to eat at the work location or client’s site. We may ask that the client cover the cost of meals in such cases.
Furthermore, if food and drink costs occur when interpreting at a banquet or dinner party, we ask that the client cover the cost. The interpreter is not normally in a position to eat much during work, however, we ask that the client cover any such costs when necessary.
Q 4.
How much are accommodation costs for an interpreter?
A 4.
You will be invoiced the actual cost. If the interpreter is required to stay the night before the job, or if unable to return home on the day of the job, we ask that the client cover accommodation costs. The cost of accommodation will be included in our quotation.
Q 5.
What is the unit for interpreting fees?
A 5.
Half a day is the minimum unit.
Q 6.
Could you tell me about your past successes?
A 6.
Most requests we receive are from TSE listed companies. We have much domestic and overseas experience in providing interpreting services for conferences, technical seminars at plants, plant tours, and exhibitions.
Q 7.
Can you provide an interpreter as soon as tomorrow?
A 7.
There may be rare cases where this is possible, however, we often find that interpreters’ schedules are full one week in advance. It is therefore difficult to arrange an interpreter at such short notice.
Q 8.
Can your interpreters do translation work on site?
A 8.
This may be possible provided that it is within the contracted work time. As the contract is for interpreting and not translation work, there may be times when a separate fee is required.
Q 9.
Is it necessary to prepare a lunchbox for the interpreter?
A 9.
The interpreter is, in principle, responsible for their covering the cost of their own breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, if there is nowhere to eat or drink nearby, we ask that the client prepare something for the interpreter to eat at their own cost.
Q 10.
What is the situation with regards to the interpreter’s day(s) off if the contracted period is longer than one week?
A 10.
In principal, the interpreter will not work on Sundays, however, if this is not possible, we ask that the schedule be arranged to give the interpreter the seventh day off from the commencement of the contracted work period.
Q 11.
What languages can you handle?
A 11.
We handle English, Chinese, and all other major languages (official languages).
Q 12.
Can you use glossaries if so requested?
A 12.
Yes. However, we ask to be provided with any such reference material up to one week in advance. We also ask that any other relevant material such as schedules, conference details and so on be provided up to one week in advance.
Q 13.
Can you provide profiles of interpreters?
A 13.
Due to internal company regulations and legal provisions, we are unable to disclose such information. At Initiate, we take into consideration the job content, conditions and environment in order to select the best possible interpreter to meet our clients’ requirements.
Q 14.
Can I remit payment by bank transfer?
A 14.
Yes.
We generally require our clients to pay by bank transfer.
Q 15.
What is the procedure for payments from overseas?
A 15.
We ask that payments be remitted by bank transfer. We inform the client after confirming receipt of payment.
Q 16.
Can you prepare estimates listing all charges as a single interpreting fee?
A 16.
We prepare easy-to-follow estimates individually detailing all required costs such as the interpreter dispatch fee, travel expenses, expenses for moving between locations, food and drink costs, and accommodation costs.