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Interpreting 101 · For clients

Hiring an interpreter for the first time? Read it in this order

Each chapter answers one question. The full detail sits in the guide linked from each chapter.

  1. 01

    Interpreting and translation

    Do you need someone for speech, or for documents?

  2. 02

    Choosing the mode

    Escort, consecutive or simultaneous?

  3. 03

    In person or remote

    On site, or over video?

  4. 04

    What sets the cost

    Why does one day of interpreting cost different amounts?

    MetaPret sets the amount for each request from the type of request, the location, the language pair and the urgency. The wider market's pricing is covered in the guide below.

  5. 05

    Reading a quote

    What should you check on a quote?

    Start with what's included. A MetaPret quote covers the test for your request, the match with the confirmed interpreter's profile, the interpreter's briefing book, domestic travel and a tax invoice.

    Then what's separate: VAT, and any time beyond the scheduled hours.

    Then payment and cancellation: a 50% deposit, the 50% balance after the engagement, and cancellation terms by timing on the pricing page.

  6. 06

    Checking skill

    How do you check skill beyond a résumé?

  7. 07

    Briefing

    What do you send the interpreter, and when?

  8. 08

    Equipment and the room

    Do you need equipment? Where does the interpreter sit?

    Consecutive needs no equipment: a seat where the interpreter can see and hear the speaker, and a surface to take notes.

    Simultaneous needs a booth or a transmitter-receiver set, and longer sessions use two interpreters who take turns. Who provides the equipment is settled at the quote stage.

    Whispered interpreting for one or two listeners puts the interpreter beside them. In a noisy venue a portable receiver set helps.

  9. 09

    On the day

    What helps the interpreting stay accurate in the meeting?

  10. 10

    Afterwards

    What happens once it's done?

    When the engagement ends, MetaPret sends the client a review link. Star ratings and the qualities you call out appear on the interpreter's public profile without your company or name. Anything that fell short is seen only by the interpreter and MetaPret.

    The balance is paid after the engagement, with a tax invoice for each payment.

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