Frequently asked questions

Q. What is your deposit refund and cancellation policy?

We recommend booking and confirming interpreters about 30 days ahead of the event. A deposit of at least 50% of the order total is required no later than 21 days before the event to confirm the interpreter. If you have to cancel the assignment:

• 20 to 14 days before the event, we retain 40% of the deposit as a cancellation fee
• 13 to 7 days before the event, we retain 80% of the deposit as a cancellation fee
• less than 7 days before the event, we retain the entire deposit as a cancellation fee

If the assignment involves travel, and travel reservations have been confirmed with the service provider before we receive your cancellation notice, we can refund only the amount the provider refunds to us under its own policies. We do not keep any travel expenses as cancellation fees.

Q. What can I do to make sure my presentation is interpreted accurately?

The subjects covered at scientific conferences, technical exchanges and similar events can be so specialized, and the language so arcane, that it is essential for the interpreters to prepare beforehand, mainly by reading the relevant documents in advance. That background material may include the agenda, a glossary where one exists, copies of papers and documents that will be discussed, and the speakers' presentations: in other words, everything the organizers have at their fingertips anyway. It is also essential that the interpreters have the names and titles of all participants and of anyone who will be introduced, because a mangled introduction is an embarrassment nobody needs.

Q. What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter?

The two terms are often used interchangeably, and the work has similarities, but there are important distinctions. Translators work with the written word: they convert documents from the source language into the target language. Interpreters work with the spoken word, converting speech in one language into speech in another. A typical translator processes 2,000 to 3,000 words per day. An interpreter receives, processes and conveys speech at about 160 words per minute.

Q. What is simultaneous interpretation?

Simultaneous interpretation is the most efficient mode of interpretation and, contrary to popular belief, also the least expensive. Your message is conveyed in real time, the flow of information is never interrupted, and no time is lost pausing for interpretation after every few sentences. Simultaneous interpreters normally work in teams of two, switching every half hour or so. For a conference or a seminar, simultaneous interpretation is the natural choice.

Simultaneous interpreting generally requires equipment: microphones, headsets and, ideally, a booth. If you do not have an equipped booth or your own equipment, we can bring our portable system, which serves meetings of up to about 10 participants. Larger systems for big events are available for rent.

Q. What is consecutive interpretation?

Consecutive interpretation suits meetings with a small number of participants, business negotiations, trade show tours and the like. The speaker pauses after every two or three sentences to let the interpreter render what was said. In our experience few speakers remember to pause often enough, which is why this work demands intense concentration, a trained memory and good note-taking skills.

Consecutive interpretation assignments are also best handled by a team of two, not least because few people can manage the physical strain of talking all day. For less intense conversations, or for part of a working day, a single interpreter can be assigned.

Q. How far in advance should I book a Russian interpreter?

We will do our best to accommodate even a last-minute request, but to get the best-qualified Russian interpreters for your assignment you should place and confirm your order about 30 days before the event. That gives us time to select an interpreter who knows the terminology of your industry, and to find the most economical travel to your location.

Q. Where are your interpreters located?

Most of our Russian interpreters are based in the United States. We also have interpreters in Russia and in several other countries of the former Soviet Union. All of them are able to travel internationally and hold the necessary documents and work authorizations.

Q. What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards; a processing fee of up to 3% may be added to credit card payments. We also accept wire transfers and, in some cases, corporate checks. Prepayment is required for all orders under $2,000, and a 50% deposit may be required for orders over $2,000. Anticipated travel and incidental expenses are also prepaid.