For translators & localisation specialists
Direct clients don't know what a source-text change costs. Your quote can tell them.
Agency work comes with purchase orders and a portal. Direct clients — a company localising its website, a publisher, an NGO — come with an email, a folder of files and a question about price. The quote is usually a per-word figure in an email reply. Then the source text is revised after you've started, the client wants a second linguist to proofread, the files turn out to be scanned PDFs, and the deadline was set by someone who's never commissioned a translation.
ApeiroCraft sends the quote as a link with language pairs, the count basis, the steps included — translation, editing, proofreading — the glossary and file-format terms, and how source changes and rush delivery are priced. You see when it's opened and reopened, the client signs in the browser, and the invoice comes from the accepted quote in the client's currency.
Where direct translation work goes wrong.
Source text that keeps changing
The client sends version 3 of the document after you've translated version 2. Re-translating the changes is real work, and a quote based on the first word count doesn't cover it.
Steps assumed
The client expects a separate proofreader, desktop publishing of the final layout, and in-country review — none of which were in a translation-only quote.
Unworkable files
A scanned PDF, text inside images, a design file. Extraction and reformatting take hours that weren't in the per-word rate.
From files to delivery, in one quote.
Pairs, steps and count basis
List each language pair, whether the count is on source or target, repetitions treatment if you use it, and which steps are included.
See when they've read it
Opens and re-opens are recorded on the link. Useful when your contact needs a budget approval before they can confirm.
Signed before you start
The signature records name, email, IP address and a UTC timestamp, and can't be altered — source-change and rush terms are on record.
Invoice in their currency
Convert the accepted quote into an invoice in one click. Currency is set per invoice and the tax-rate field is editable.
What a translation quote has to include.
Direct clients rarely know the conventions. The quote is where you teach them.
Count basis
If it's left vague
Disagreement over whether the price was per source or per target word.
With ApeiroCraft
State the basis, the counted file version, and any minimum fee.
Steps included
If it's left vague
The client expects proofreading by a second linguist and layout.
With ApeiroCraft
List translation, self-review, second-linguist review, DTP — included or priced.
Source changes
If it's left vague
Revised source text is translated for free.
With ApeiroCraft
Say that changes to the source after you begin are quoted as additional work.
Files and format
If it's left vague
Scanned or image-based files take hours to prepare.
With ApeiroCraft
Name accepted file formats and the charge for extraction or formatting.
Glossary, deadline and confidentiality
If it's left vague
Terminology disputes and impossible deadlines.
With ApeiroCraft
Say whether the client supplies a glossary, the delivery date, rush terms, and how documents are kept confidential.
- Invoice currency set per invoice, with an editable tax-rate field.
- Client record holding past quotes and glossary notes.
- Free plan: 3 proposals and 3 invoices sent a month.
Common questions.
How do translators usually price direct work?
Common models are per word (source or target), per page or per document for standardised texts, hourly for editing, transcreation or review, and minimum fees for short jobs. Rush delivery and specialised domains are often priced higher. ApeiroCraft doesn't set rates; it holds whichever basis you use.
What does a website localisation quote look like?
English to German and French; a count on the source text exported by the client as a spreadsheet; translation and self-review included, second-linguist proofreading as an option; the client's existing glossary used; source changes after the start quoted separately; delivery in a stated number of working days; a rush rate for faster delivery; confidentiality. The marketing manager reopens it once budget is approved, signs, and you invoice in euros.
When is ApeiroCraft not the right fit for a translator?
If most of your work is through agencies that issue purchase orders and use their own portals, you may only need an invoice tool. ApeiroCraft isn't a CAT tool and doesn't count words or manage translation memories. It fits direct-client quotes where you set the terms.
Can I quote several language pairs at once?
Yes. Add a line per pair in the pricing section. They carry through to the invoice when you convert the accepted quote.
Do you support certified translation workflows?
No. ApeiroCraft doesn't produce certifications or stamps. You can quote certified work, but the certification itself happens outside it.
Teach the conventions in the quote.
Write your count basis and change terms once, and reuse them for every direct client.
Start freeStill deciding? Talk to the founder
Keep reading
Free template
Freelance proposal template
Any field: the client's goal, scope and exclusions, a timeline and two options to choose from.
Solution
ApeiroCraft for freelancers
The whole loop — lead, proposal, signature, invoice — in one subscription.
Solution
Proposal tracking, explained
Timestamped opens on the proposal itself — not an email pixel, not a guess.