Terms & Conditions
These Terms and Conditions apply to all transactions and work commissioned by the client, hereinafter referred to as "the client", with Verónica Alvarado, hereinafter referred to as “the translator.”
Unless there is a written agreement between the client and Verónica Alvarado stating otherwise, these Terms and Conditions govern all business relationships. By engaging the translator's services, both parties are considered to have acknowledged and accepted each clause outlined in these Terms and Conditions.
The rates and terms and conditions contained herein, and/or posted or shared anywhere else by the translator, may be modified at any time without previous notice.
Valid Communication Methods
All written communications, whether delivered in person, by messenger, or electronically (including emails and WhatsApp), are considered valid and binding. Verbal or implied communications are not valid or binding.
Costs and Fees
The translator's fees are listed per word or per page and are quoted in United States Dollars. One page is defined as containing no more than 250 words. The fees mentioned in the translator's advertising or any external communications are for informational purposes only; the translator reserves the right to modify those costs and fees without notice. Only the fees indicated in the translator's current quotes and those specified in the final invoice will be considered the final sales price. If the client so requests, a price quote will be provided for approval. Unless otherwise stated, these prices do not include taxes.
The word count for billing is based on the original document unless the document is a non-editable format such as paper print-outs, PDFs, or image-protected files.
The rate per page will be applied only in cases where the documents to be translated are delivered in non-editable format (prints, PDF files, JPG, PNG, physical print-outs, etc.). In other formats (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), fees will be charged per word.
The word count and/or rate per page for billing purposes is final and is not subject to appeal or compensation adjustments.
See rates at VA Translation Rates. Rates stated in current quotes and final invoices may vary from the standard rates posted hereby.
Discounts
Costs and fees stated in the Rates schedule reflect a discounted price (6% off) considering that payment is made in cash or through bank transfer/deposit. Credit card payments are also accepted, but total to be paid will not include the abovementioned discount.
Other discounts are available for verified non-profit associations that can provide proof of their legal status.
Payment
Invoices issued by the translator are to be paid in Ecuador unless an alternative arrangement is agreed upon in writing. To commence the translation process, the client must pre-pay the full amount unless otherwise agreed in writing.
For interpretation services, full payment will be required no later than 24 hours after the official invoice has been sent to the client. After that period, the translator reserves the right to apply interest equivalent to the annual inflation rate for each day of delay in payment, plus a penalty of 50% of the total invoice, without prejudice to the relevant legal actions.
Interpretation Service Billing
For interpretation services, the hourly rate starts from the time agreed upon with the client. If the meeting does not begin at the scheduled time due to reasons beyond the interpreter’s control, fees will still be charged from the originally agreed-upon time. The preferred method for providing these interpretation services will be through electronic means such as Zoom or Google Meet.
Effective Date of Quotes
Quotes provided by the translator are valid for ten (10) days from the date of issuance, unless otherwise specified in writing. After this period, a new quote will be issued for the same project. Any changes or additions to the project after work has begun will incur adjustments to the final cost.
Acknowledgment and Right of Rejection
By accepting the translator's fees, clients acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions, thereby entering into a binding contract for business purposes.
The translator reserves the right to reject any project.
Delivery
Delivery times stated by Verónica Alvarado are estimates and may be adjusted based on current operational capacity at the time of contract finalization. The client cannot claim damages for delivery delays.
Documents will be delivered to the client’s provided email in digital PDF format unless another format is specified. Notarized translations will be provided in paper format unless otherwise requested.
Projects to be delivered on weekends will not be accepted.
Surcharges
There is a 30% surcharge for processing non-editable documents such as PDFs and handwritten documents.
There is a 50% charge for services requested to be rushed, thus de-prioritizing other work.
There is a 20% charge for an additional set of copies of certified translations.
Changes or corrections
Any changes or corrections to a translation must be submitted to the translator no later than 14 days after the client has received the final translation. Failure to request changes prior to the 14 days will be considered acceptance of the translation.
Complaints
Any complaints related to billing or the quality of work must be submitted in a notarized letter within seven (7) days from the invoice date. The client must provide the reasons for the complaint and include the invoice date and number. Errors in the translation do not invalidate the entire text. If errors are found to be valid, the translator will correct them promptly. The client must prove the error. No errors justify financial compensation requests.
Cancellation
Once a translation project is paid for, no cancellations are accepted, and the client is not entitled to refunds or compensation.
Intellectual Property Rights
Clients must ensure that they hold the intellectual property rights to any documents shared for translation. The client releases the translator from any liability regarding third-party legal claims. All copyrights remain with the translator. Once the translation is paid for, the client owns the translation, but moral rights remain with the translator. The client must credit the translator in published translations as per international intellectual property agreements.
Liability
The translator is not liable for errors that are not clearly evident. The translator is not responsible for the content, accuracy, adequacy, writing quality, authenticity, or legality of the original texts provided by the client. The translator's liability is limited to the work performed, and only if the translated text is used in its entirety without decontextualization or modifications. The quality of the source document is the client's responsibility. The translator applies the best methods and practices suitable for the original document's end purpose.
Advertising/Marketing Purposes
Unless otherwise requested in writing, the client agrees to allow the translator to use their individual/business name and logo, if any, for marketing and/or advertising purposes in both digital and physical formats.
Confidentiality
All original and translated documents, as well as computer files, are treated as confidential. The translator commits not to share them with third parties without the client's consent, except for documents of public or general interest.
Applicable Laws and Conflict Resolution
In the event of a dispute regarding the validity, interpretation, or execution of any clauses in these Terms and Conditions, the parties are subject to the laws of the Republic of Ecuador. Disputes will be resolved through arbitration and mediation in the Province of Manabí, Ecuador, authorized by the Judicial Council. If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved by the competent courts in Portoviejo, Manabí, Ecuador.