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Poll: How do you handle clients who send uneditable files?
เธรดต่อผู้เขียนข้อความ: ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
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Aug 16

This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "How do you handle clients who send uneditable files?".

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Ricardo Aries
Ricardo Aries  Identity Verified
อินโดนีเซีย
Local time: 21:50
สมาชิก (2020)
ภาษาอังกฤษ เป็น ภาษาอินโดนีเซีย
+ ...
My Workflow for Charging File Prep Surcharges 00:39

When I receive non-editable files from clients—like flattened PDFs, low-res scans, or image files—I always explain that converting them into a workable format requires an extra layer of technical preparation. Depending on the document's condition, this involves running high-accuracy OCR, manually transcribing degraded or handwritten sections, and performing Desktop Publishing (DTP) to ensure the target layout, tables, and branding match the original. Because of the extra time and technical e... See more
When I receive non-editable files from clients—like flattened PDFs, low-res scans, or image files—I always explain that converting them into a workable format requires an extra layer of technical preparation. Depending on the document's condition, this involves running high-accuracy OCR, manually transcribing degraded or handwritten sections, and performing Desktop Publishing (DTP) to ensure the target layout, tables, and branding match the original. Because of the extra time and technical effort involved, I apply a modest file-preparation or DTP surcharge on top of standard translation rates. To give clients flexibility, I typically offer two options: a full layout reconstruction so the final deliverable looks identical to the original file, or a simplified dual-column format with bracketed placeholders (e.g., [Stamp], [Signature]) for a lower formatting fee. ▲ Collapse
 
Thayenga
Thayenga  Identity Verified
เยอรมนี
Local time: 16:50
สมาชิก (2009)
ภาษาอังกฤษ เป็น ภาษาเยอรมัน
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Other 09:38

I politely ask for an edible copy and inform them that, should one not be available, there will be a surcharge. Usually, this does the trick, especially when I send them a page converted via OCR which hardly ever renders a clean copy. Or I never hear from them again - which could be considered my win.

[Edited at 2026-08-17 14:44 GMT]

WolfgangS
Christine Andersen
 
Jeff Whittaker
Jeff Whittaker  Identity Verified
สหรัฐอเมริกา
ภาษาสเปน เป็น ภาษาอังกฤษ
+ ...
I say thank you and.. 14:33

I say thank you and translate the document as I always have. I started translating from curly thermal paper faxes in the early 90s, so I have no problem working with a "non-editable" text and I do not add a surcharge.

[Edited at 2026-08-17 14:36 GMT]
 


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Poll: How do you handle clients who send uneditable files?






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