leveraging our database
How Payment Practices Works
our system
We Provide Objective LSC Reliability Scoring From Real Translators and Interpreters
The Payment Practices™ database consists of three main components: information about the language service companies (LSCs), payment reports, and information reports. The system is structured to make the information provided as objective as possible, keeping subjective opinions to a minimum. All payment reports and information reports are reviewed and clarified if necessary to ensure the highest quality and avoid legal problems such as charges of libel.
our system
We Provide Objective LSC Reliability Scoring From Real Translators and Interpreters
The Payment Practices™ database consists of three main components: information about the language service companies (LSCs), payment reports, and information reports. The system is structured to make the information provided as objective as possible, keeping subjective opinions to a minimum. All payment reports and information reports are reviewed and clarified if necessary to ensure the highest quality and avoid legal problems such as charges of libel.
Use the Payment Practices List to Search 13,900+ LCSs
Searching Our Database
When a subscriber searches the database, the hits are displayed and the link to the LSC may be opened to view the LSC’s information, payment reports, information reports, and ratings for that LSC.
News Alerts
Alerts are sent via email to all active members about breaking, time-sensitive news such as the filing of bankruptcy proceedings or when an individual or LSC is reported to have serious payment problems.
How the Payment Practices
Reliability Score Works
LSCs are given two ratings based on the payment reports by freelancers: the PP Reliability Score (PPR Score™) shows the LSC’s reliability in terms of making on-time payments; the Translator Approval Score (TA Score™) is assigned to each payment report based on the translator’s or interpreter’s willingness to work with that LSC again. Used together, these two scores make it easy for you to decide whether to work for a particular LSC.
PP Reliability Score (PPR Score™)
The PPR Score indicates the LSC’s adherence to the agreed payment terms, i.e., did they pay on time.
About the 10-Day Grace Period
The 10-day “grace period” permitted for a 5 rating allows for things such as postal delays, holidays, internal accounting procedures and other normal events that may delay payment slightly.
How Unilaterally Reduced Payments Affect PPR Scores
Payments that are reduced unilaterally by the agency (usually for alleged “quality problems”) are automatically given a 1 rating. Note that this does not include reductions due to bank fees or currency conversion. If the agency discusses the reduction with the freelancer and the freelancer accepts such a reduction, then the response is rated based on when payment was received.
How Payment Terms Affect PPR Scores
Also note that the rating system is based on the number of days late as per the agreed terms. If the agreed terms were net 90 days, then any payment made up to 100 days from the invoice date/receipt of invoice, would receive a 5 rating. If no payment terms were specified or agreed upon in advance, then the rating is based on the information available. This may be the agency’s standard terms, customary terms for the country in which the agency operates, or the freelancer’s terms as stated on their invoice.
Translator Approval Score (TA Score™)
The TA Score indicates the freelancer’s willingness to work with that LSC again and is based on the following factors: rates, effective payment terms, ease of working relationship/communication, and the level of bureaucracy.
Use Our Reliability Score to Make an Informed Decision on Potential Clients
So what kind of scores should you look for? That is your decision and only you can make it. Naturally, an LSC with an average PPR Score and TA Score of 5 or close to it is certainly a candidate. But you might also be willing to accept small delays in payment if the LSC has a strong TA Score but the PPR Score is closer to 3 or 4. It’s your choice. Read the payment reports, and the information reports in particular, and then make your decision.