Minimum fee 

As a rule, I charge a minimum fee of €10 (+VAT), regardless of the translation’s length.

Why apply a minimum fee?

It may seem logical to think that, say, a 10-word translation only takes a few seconds. In practice, that’s not how it works. In my experience, there is no translation that takes less than ten minutes, and many take much longer.

• First, the translator must make sure they understand the context and purpose of the text. Texts are not written in a vacuum: they are aimed at specific readers, within specific situations that are essential to grasp (for example, whether to use formal or informal address, personal vs. impersonal forms, the readers’ prior knowledge, etc.).

• It is also advisable—and often necessary—to check for similar documents from the client to ensure terminological consistency.

• Very short texts are frequently headings, labels or UI strings with little context. In these cases, it helps to know whether ISO standards apply, ensure legibility in other languages, or avoid false friends; there may also be space constraints, etc.

• Finally, any translation job involves communication overhead: email/phone exchanges, quoting and scheduling, delivery, invoicing and bookkeeping. Example workflow:

  • The client writes to request a quote and turnaround time.

  • I reply with a proposal.

  • The client confirms.

  • Possible follow-up questions from me or the client.

  • I deliver the translation.

  • Possible questions after delivery.

  • I invoice (and may need extra emails to obtain billing details, invoicing address, etc.).

  • I check that payment is received.

  • I record the transaction in my accounts.

Why €10?

The €10 figure is based on a large number of very short jobs I’ve handled over the years and on a comparison with what I would invoice for a longer job. It’s a realistic average rather than an arbitrary number.

Are there exceptions?

Yes. There are cases where I don’t apply the minimum fee. For instance, if after I deliver a translation the client asks me to change a single sentence, I will usually not charge the minimum for that change.

If a client sends many short translations frequently, we can bundle them or agree on another arrangement once the actual workload has been assessed.

© 2025 Alejandro Moreno Ramos, www.ingenierotraductor.com