FAQ
What kind of interpreting services do we provide?
We provide all kinds of interpreting with or without conference equipment.
Do we provide interpreting equipment? We do not provide interpreting equipment ourselves, but we can advise our customers and recommend a reliable provider.
What kind of working conditions do we expect? We will ask you to provide water and access to the Internet (for simultaneous interpreting). We reserve the right to refuse to work in inadequate or hazardous environment (war zones, construction sites, loud noises, extreme temperatures, radiation or other hazards).
What kind of support do we require from the client? We can guarantee quality of interpreting only if the client provides all presentations, documents and other supporting materials for interpreters to study terminology in advance. All and any such materials will be considered strictly confidential, will be used for interpreting purposes only and will be destroyed or returned to the client once the interpreting task is completed.
How does simultaneous (conference) interpreting work? This is your first choice at large international events because it provides real-time interpretation into one – or a few – languages without any delay. The delegates can choose which language they will tune into. For every language, you will need two interpreters. Rates are calculated on a half-day (up to 4 hours including all breaks) or full-day basis (up to 8 hours including all breaks). The minimum charge is a half-day. A proportional hourly rate will be charged for each hour exceeding the standard 8-hour day.
In what situation can I book only one interpreter? In general, interpreting without conference equipment is provided by one interpreter. Interpreting without conference equipment can be consecutive, liaison, whispered interpreting (chuchotage), sight translation or a combination of the above. These forms of interpreting can be used in business negotiations, formal and informal meetings, or in workshops. Certified interpreting in court or in an arbitration hearing is also performed without any equipment. Rates are calculated on a half-day (up to 4 hours including all breaks) or full-day basis (up to 8 hours including all breaks). The minimum charge is a half-day. A proportional hourly rate will be charged for each hour exceeding the standard 8-hour day.
What are our payment terms? We charge on a half-day (up to 4 hours including all breaks) or full-day (up to 8 hours including all breaks). The minimum charge is a half-day. A proportional hourly rate will be charged for each hour exceeding the standard 8-hour day. basis. Payment is due within fourteen days from invoice date. We reserve the right to ask for an advance payment for an event which is longer than three days, or if the customer is an individual or an entity not registered in the EU. Statutory late payment interest will be charged on invoices from day one after the invoice is due.
What is our cancellation policy? Cancellation charges apply to any interpreting assignments cancelled 48 hours or later. 50% cancellation charge applies to any interpreting assignment cancelled between 48 and 24 hours prior to the beginning of the event. 100% cancellation charge applies to any interpreting assignment cancelled 24 hours prior to the beginning of the event or later.
Do we travel with our clients? We provide interpreting services in Prague and in the Czech Republic. We also accompany our clients abroad, mostly for business or diplomatic meetings, study tours, arbitration hearings, fairs etc. A full breakdown of costs will be provided in an estimate or a quote. As a general rule, clients are expected to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and meals or per diems for any assignments outside of Prague where the meeting schedule does not allow travel from Prague or back on the same day.
Does an extra charge apply to recording? Interpreting is protected by copyright and recording is permitted with an extra charge of 20%. Kindly notify us that you intend to record interpretation in advance.
Any claims regarding quality of interpreting services must be presented immediately, upon completion of the assignment. Claims made later will not be accepted. Damage caused by mistakes in interpreting or translations is restricted to the maximum amount of 100% of the fee charged for the provided services, and by using our services, the client expressly waives the right to damages higher than the stated amount, without prejudice to S. 2898 of the Civil Code of the Czech Republic, as amended. Loss of profit will not be compensated.
Terms and conditions of all and any services provided by Ina Maertens and Jiřina Holkupová jointly or individually can be found below. Issues which are not addressed in these Terms & Conditions directly are governed by applicable laws and regulations of the Czech Republic. Before each translation or interpreting assignment, we will provide a price estimate or a quote, depending on the nature of the assignment, and confirm availability. Any such estimates, quotes or confirmations become binding only after we confirm your reservation in writing.