For an individual translation job a single unit price may be enough. In a corporate framework, however, the fee is defined by a structure of items: the unit, the volume tier, the repetition rate, urgency, typesetting and official charges each live separately. Two quotes obtained without knowing this structure cannot be compared.
The function of the model
The model shows which items the fee is made up of. A single figure is not enough. The structure is defined.
Why a single unit price falls short
A single figure treats different job types as the same. It does not reflect the real cost structure. A distinction is needed.
Items living separately
Each item is tied to its own condition. If the condition is not met, the item does not arise. The structure becomes transparent.
The comparability problem
Two quotes with different items cannot be compared directly. A comparison made before the scope is equalised misleads. The criteria are aligned.
The effect of scope on price
Whether revision and proofreading are included changes the fee directly. The scope is written in the quote. Clarity is ensured.
The effect of quality level
Jobs for information purposes and publication-ready jobs carry a different number of steps. The fee is formed accordingly. The distinction is written down.
The effect of language direction
The availability of resources differs for every language pair. The item is defined by direction. The list is set out in detail.
The effect of subject expertise
Texts that require narrow expertise are served from a different pool. The item may be separated accordingly. The structure becomes realistic.
The model lives in an annex
The list of items is usually drawn up as an annex to the contract. Updating becomes easier. The main text stays plain.
Stability throughout the period
The items apply throughout the contract period. There is no fresh negotiation for each job. Predictability results.
Contribution to budget planning
The organisation can estimate its annual spend. No surprise items arise. Planning becomes realistic.
Separating official charges
Notary and verification charges are not a service fee. These items are shown separately. The distinction is kept.
Third-party costs
Courier and similar costs are a separate item. They are passed on with the expense document. Transparency is ensured.
How tax is shown
Whether the fee includes or excludes tax is written explicitly. Uncertainty causes problems at the invoicing stage. The wording is clear.
Setting the currency
The currency in which the parties will work is written down. Where a foreign currency is used, an exchange rate rule is defined. The field is filled in.
Exchange rate rule
For fees in a foreign currency, which exchange rate is taken as the basis is determined. The date and the source are written. Argument is prevented.
Auditability of the model
The client should be able to see which item was applied and why. The invoice is explained item by item. Trust is built.
Writing down the calculation method
The tool with which the volume is measured is defined. A different tool gives a different result. The method is fixed.
Reviewing the model
At the end of the period, how well the items fit actual use is measured. An item that is never used is removed. The model matures.
The real purpose of the structure
The purpose of the item structure is not to complicate the price but to make visible the effort each job really requires; a single-figure quote looks simple, but by treating different jobs as the same it is bound to be unfair to one of the parties. That is why the structure is detailed. Transparency is the aim.
Information on amounts
This page explains what the items are; current amounts appear only on the canonical pricing page and in the quote. Figures are not repeated here. The rule is permanent.