When dealing with clients we constantly find our heads spinning with a barrage of different things – from “I hope they don’t say one of these” to identifying and dealing with task at hand, whether it be design, code, or both. We’ve always said that communication is essential for a good client-designer relationship, but what are you supposed to do when that essential line of communication is so hard to maintain due to language restrictions?

The Importance of Client Communication

Ever since I joined the freelance world, I always made sure the client communication lines were always open, especially since, hell, it would be their money I’d be taking a few weeks later. I generally try to update my clients as much as possible. And most importantly, I always try to be honest. Whether that means telling a client I’m too busy to take on their project at the moment or letting them know when uncontrollable situations arise that cause me to have to pull out of a project early. In most cases, this would probably piss clients off immensely, but if the line of communication had been there the whole time, they’ll appreciate honesty and truthfulness.

That line of communication can sometimes be very “hard to maintain”. Hard to maintain can come into play on multiple occasions. Sometimes you end up with a client who just isn’t willing to play nice, and has more of a “Take the Project and Run” type strategy and will attempt to do anything but pay you. Other times, we’re put into situations where a client really wants us to work on their project – only there’s one major problem – You don’t speak the same language.

Where’s my Translator at?

This becomes a time when the line of communication requires you to pull out your favorite edition of the world’s Multilingual dictionary. We’ve all been faced with it before. A client asks you do to something, but it takes you as long as it would to get their project done just to decipher what the hell they’re asking in their message.

You can’t fault everyone. Some people try extremely hard to get their message across in your own language, but not everyone is perfect at it. For example, here’s a recent excerpt from one of my emails from a client who wanted me to take on the duties of redesigning their online magazine.

“Uh, it sounds too good for me, especially the price, i mean, for us in Latvia it is big summ, thats why i want to use WP or Pligg or something instead of codding. But maybe it is cuz needs ir for internet magazine, more in newspaper or magazine style, not like regular style, right?”

Laying out the options

If it’s your first time attempting to deal with an international client, chances are you’ll be under a lot of pressure. You want to take the project, but you’re unsure if you can handle it. You end up having a short list of options for working through or around the international request.

• If the client does speak my language well [enough] that we can easily get on the same page, I can move along with the project and nail out specifics.
• The client has somewhat of a grasp on my language, but leaves out essential details that they can’t describe well enough for me take the project. Should I be in or out?
• It’s extremely hard for me to understand the clients request(s), but I do need the money…

Is it Possible to take International Clients who don’t speak your language? (And Should You?)

For most of us – no way. Unless you have a lot of experience in multiple languages, it’s never a good idea to try and connect with clients that you can’t understand. While money talks, so do clients. And there’s no way you’re going to find yourself with a payday if you can’t understand what the persons asking for to begin with. That’s not to say you have to say no to every international request you’re ever going to get.

Some International Clients could have a better hold on your native language than you do. In that case, brush up on some of your own vocabulary and jump right into the project without any concerns. Just make sure you and your client are on the same page before you begin and get too deep into the project.

And the message to clients before hiring non-native speakers

As designers, developers, freelancers, and industry leaders – we all want to be able to do our job for you without the extra hassle of trying to nail down what you mean. If you really want someone to design for you but you don’t speak the language at all or well enough that they could understand what you’re trying to get across, than don’t bother! Or, find someone who could translate your native language to the potential designer / developers’ language so they can have a better grasp as to what you’re looking for. In the end it will speed up the entire process, and safe both parties countless headaches and visits to Babelfish.