FAQS

WHAT IS YOUR RATE FOR INTERPRETER SERVICES?

It depends on the type of an assignment. The normal rate starts at around $75 for a simple hearing, such as a pretrial conference or attorney-client meetings. There is usually a 2-hour minimum. Round-trip mileage is charged at the rate of $0.58/mi, and parking is charged at cost. Assignments such as depositions, arbitration and conference will be charged at a higher rate. Contact me for more information.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

Check or cash payment will be free of transaction fees. Credit card and ACH payment is accepted with a 3% online transaction fee. Other digital form of payment, such as Venmo or Zelle can be accepted, but stipulation in advanced is required.

WHAT IS YOUR RATE FOR WRITTEN TRANSLATION?

I usually charge by the word count in English, whether it's the target or source language, starting at the rate of $0.17 per word. If the source document is only in Chinese, an estimate can be given after evaluation. 

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Sometimes, a source document is in PDF format and in a complicated form, additional fee will be charged based on the time required to edit the translation at my usual hourly rate. It's best to email me a copy of the document to be translated, so that I can give you a more accurate quote.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

24 hours or 1 weekday is required to cancellation a 2-hour assignment without any late cancellation fee. Any longer assignment will require 48 hours or 2 weekdays of notice. 

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The late cancellation fee is the hours booked. If a 4-hour assignment booked, then (hourly_rate x 4) will be the late cancellation fee.

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Rescheduling under the minimal required time frame is also considered late cancellation.

DO I NEED TO SUPPLY THE INTERPRETER EQUIPMENT?

A court usually has interpreter equipment to borrow for free, and it's usually not needed for consecutive interpretation. 

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For a conference, such equipment is a must, and you can either secure your own equipment, or we can set it up for you with additional charge. It's pretty complicated, so be sure to communicate with us fully about the equipment before the conference.

DO I REALLY NEED TWO INTERPRETERS?

If you anticipate that your event will last than more than 2 hours, yes, it's in EVERYONE's best interest to have a team of 2 interpreters. Research shows repeatedly that it's needed in that situation, and our experience is definitely a testament of such a principal. 

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It helps your proceeding flow quicker, more accurate, and it can therefore be done quicker, which means you also save some money. 

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Keep in mind that the time required for an event can almost double because one more person needs to speak, meaning the interpreter. If you think you and your client will need 1.5 hours directly, it will probably take almost 3 hours with an interpreter on board.