The Spanish Translation Career Handbook

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The Financials of a Spanish Translator Business

Once the Spanish translator finishes their studies, the major components of a Spanish Translation business are the following:

First investments:

Commercial grade computer $ 1,000
– Dell desktop computers are great computers for translators. They are trustworthy, affordable and come with many of the features a translator will need.
Software $ 1,000
– Including Windows, MS Office, a CAT tool (translator support software), backup software, accounting software, etc.
Commercial grade Laser printer $ 350.00
– You will end up printing large quantities of documents, even when you are concerned with the nature. Settle for a laser and you will save time and money in ink cartridges. The tonner and drum for a laser printer is costlier than ink cartridge, but the cost per printed page is much lower.
Backup hardware $ 200.00
– OneTouch Maxtor external drives with 250MB and up are recommended
Professional desk $ 500
– The larger the better. Some translation jobs will involve several hardcopy dictionaries, hardcopies of the text, etc.
File cabinets $ 120
– Although you should keep a digital copy of everything you do, the old paper may be your savior when computers and hardware do not work the way they were supposed to
Bookcase $ 350
– Ten dictionaries, translation theory books and other materials will easily occupy an entire bookcase
Printer table $ 100
– A separate table for printing will help you keep things organized
Lightning $ 100
– Your sight is a treasure gave by God that you will want to keep sharp for as many years as possible
Office Equipment $ 250
– Stapler, organizers, etc. There is an infinitude of accessories that will make your profession easier.
Mail Box $ 120
– It is good to keep a separation of your home and business.
Others $ 500
Total: $ 4,590.00

Most people will start with used equipment, postponing most of this first investment. It may not be possible to start with a professional grade computer, but once the translator has reached the conditions for that they should immediately buy one. The quality and processing speed of a computer has a great impact in the production of a translator. In the long run, most investments in Information technology will bring a high return in production and income. It is worthy to remember that a single crash may cause a lost in a full day of work.

Monthly Expenses

Room dedicated for business $ 300 to $ 800 a month
A new computer every other year $ 500 a year or $ 41.67/month
Software upgrading every other two years $ 500 a year or $ 41.67/month
Telephone / Internet / FAX bundle $ 120 a month
Accounting $ 150 a month
Mailing $ 100 a month
Association fees distributed $ 20 a month
Paper, toner, etc. distributed $ 30 a month
Others $ 100
Total: $ 903.34 to 1,403.34

Copyright © BBSpanish 2009