Poll: Is loyalty to long-term clients still worth it in today’s market? Haria hasi duena: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Is loyalty to long-term clients still worth it in today’s market?".
View the poll results »
| | | | Liena V. 
Letonia
Local time: 09:42
Bazkidea (2014)
Frantsesatik Letonierara
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I'd say it is worth more than ever in today's market, but, as always, details matter. Blind loyalty when all circumstances have changed and things have taken an entirely different turn belongs to a cult and does not apply in a professional setting.
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I’m very loyal and thankful to my long-term customers. I can’t think of any better way to thank them for the loyalty and support they have shown me over the years. I do hope I’ll be able to keep them for some years in today’s strange market. One of them has been with me for over 20 years.
| | | | Lieven Malaise
Belgika
Local time: 08:42
Bazkidea (2020)
Frantsesatik Nederlanderara
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What is meant by loyalty? I'm loyal to my customers in a sense that I always go lengths for each of them. But at the same time I apply a strict first come, first served approach. I never privilege certain customers over others, even if there is a big difference in generated turnover.
If we are to talk about loyalty I believe you should rather say that customers become loyal to you if you meet all necessary criteria as a professional translator (quality, rates, availability, reliabil... See more What is meant by loyalty? I'm loyal to my customers in a sense that I always go lengths for each of them. But at the same time I apply a strict first come, first served approach. I never privilege certain customers over others, even if there is a big difference in generated turnover.
If we are to talk about loyalty I believe you should rather say that customers become loyal to you if you meet all necessary criteria as a professional translator (quality, rates, availability, reliability...). ▲ Collapse
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Michael Newton
Estatu Batuak
Local time: 02:42
Japonieratik Ingelesara
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| Loyalty to long-term clients | Apr 2 |
There is no loyalty to long-term clients who become bottom feeders.
| | | | Oscar Núñez Alfaro
Costa Rica
Local time: 00:42
Bazkidea (Oct 2026)
Ingelesatik Espainierara
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Loyalty to long-term clients keep my income stable and make me progress in my professional career. My main job is teaching, so long-term clients require creating a good educational plan for teaching grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening in the target language. That it means that I need a structure, resources and creative ideas to keep the class interesting, enjoyable, funny and effortless, among others.
| | | | Zea_Mays
Italia
Local time: 08:42
Ingelesatik Alemanara
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| the other way round | Apr 2 |
I would rather consider the opposite - clients being loyal. Are they?
| | | | Philip Lees
Grezia
Local time: 09:42
Grezieratik Ingelesara
Liena V. wrote:
I'd say it is worth more than ever in today's market, but, as always, details matter. Blind loyalty when all circumstances have changed and things have taken an entirely different turn belongs to a cult and does not apply in a professional setting.
I once had a very good client, a small agency in the UK that over a period of several years used to send me regular jobs, with reasonable deadlines and a good rate. We had a relationship that was both friendly and professional.
Then they were taken over by a big international agency. From that point on everything changed. I received automated mails with jobs beyond the scope of my specialties, and ridiculous deadlines that took no account of the time difference between the US and Europe. At the same time the pay rate dropped. When I got in touch directly with one of my previous contacts at the UK agency (now branch), I was told "Sorry", but there was nothing they could do.
I saw no reason to stay loyal to that client.
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Liena V.
Letonia
Local time: 09:42
Bazkidea (2014)
Frantsesatik Letonierara
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| Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (to be read in the voice of David Bowie) | Apr 3 |
Philip Lees wrote:
I once had a very good client, a small agency in the UK that over a period of several years used to send me regular jobs, with reasonable deadlines and a good rate. We had a relationship that was both friendly and professional.
Then they were taken over by a big international agency. From that point on everything changed. I received automated mails with jobs beyond the scope of my specialties, and ridiculous deadlines that took no account of the time difference between the US and Europe. At the same time the pay rate dropped. When I got in touch directly with one of my previous contacts at the UK agency (now branch), I was told "Sorry", but there was nothing they could do.
I saw no reason to stay loyal to that client.
Technically speaking, it is not even the same agency, so there is no ground for loyalty. In my book you still remain loyal to the old client.
I would never drop a decent client for someone I've never worked with before, but I've had similar situations like the one you describe. If it has been a good and dear client I will first try to save what can be saved by explaining things to them and seeing if any solutions can be found, if not then it's time to let it go and move on. It's still a business, not marriage, I've made no vows to them.
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