Terms of Service

1. Nature of the Collective

ELiTE Language Craft (“we”, “us”, “the Collective”) is not a translation agency. We are a group of independent professional translators who collaborate, share knowledge, and uphold a unified standard of quality.

When you request a service, we introduce you to the most suitable independent translator(s) from our collective. The contractual relationship for the actual translation work is formed directly between you (the Client) and the individual Translator. We facilitate the introduction and may provide administrative support, but we are not a party to the translation contract itself unless expressly agreed in writing.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing the website, submitting an enquiry, requesting a quote, or engaging any Translator through the Collective, you agree to these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the site or services.

3. Services

The Collective provides:

• Matching Clients with specialist independent Translators based on language pair, subject-matter expertise, and project requirements.
• Facilitation of communication, project scoping, and (where agreed) administrative coordination.
• Specialisations include (but are not limited to) legal, finance, technical, academic, and creative translation.

We do not guarantee that every request can be matched or that a specific Translator will accept a project.

4. Client Obligations

You agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete source materials and clear instructions.
• Disclose any confidentiality, legal, or regulatory requirements upfront.
• Pay the Translator according to the terms agreed directly with that Translator (or via any payment arrangement we facilitate).
• Not use the services for illegal, harmful, or infringing content.
• Respect the independence of Translators and not attempt to circumvent the Collective’s standards or introduction process in bad faith.

5. Translator Obligations & Standards

Translators in the Collective are independent professionals. They commit to:

• Delivering work that meets the Collective’s shared quality standard (precision, cultural intelligence, subject-matter accuracy).
• Maintaining professional confidentiality.
• Communicating timelines and any issues promptly.
• Complying with applicable professional and legal obligations in their jurisdiction.

The Collective may remove a Translator from the collective for failure to uphold standards, but this does not create liability for the collective regarding individual project performance.

6. Quotes, Pricing & Payment

Quotes are provided by the matched Translator (or facilitated by us). Prices, payment terms, delivery deadlines, and revision policies are agreed between Client and Translator.

We may collect payments on behalf of Translators in some cases as a convenience; this does not make us the service provider. Late or non-payment may result in suspension of access to the collective’s matching services.

7. Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure

Both Clients and Translators must treat all project materials, communications, and commercial terms as confidential, except where disclosure is required by law or necessary for the performance of the work.

Translators are expected to sign NDAs when requested by Clients for sensitive (especially legal or financial) projects. The collective itself treats all submitted materials with professional confidentiality.

8. Intellectual Property

• Source materials remain the property of the Client.
• Translated works are assigned to the Client upon full payment, unless otherwise agreed in writing between Client and Translator.
• Translators retain the right to use anonymised excerpts for portfolio purposes only with Client consent or after a reasonable embargo period.

9. Quality, Revisions & Liability

Because the Collective is not the service provider:

• Quality, accuracy, and fitness for purpose are the responsibility of the individual Translator.
• Reasonable revisions are handled according to the agreement between Client and Translator.
• The Collective’s total liability arising from any introduction or facilitation is limited to the fees (if any) we have received in connection with that project.
• We are not liable for any indirect, consequential, or special damages, lost profits, or claims arising from the translation itself.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for fraud, gross negligence, or liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law (including German law where relevant).

10. Complaints & Dispute Resolution

Submit complaints via the contact form on the website. We aim to respond within 24 hours and will attempt to mediate between Client and Translator in good faith.

If mediation fails, disputes between Client and Translator are to be resolved directly between those parties under the law governing their agreement. Disputes involving the collective itself shall be governed by the laws of Germany, with exclusive jurisdiction of the competent German courts.

11. Termination & Removal

We may refuse service, terminate matching access, or remove a Translator from the collective at our discretion for breach of these Terms, professional misconduct, or failure to maintain standards. Clients may stop using the service at any time.

12. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms. Continued use of the website or services after changes constitutes acceptance. Material changes will be indicated by updating the “Last Updated” date.

13. Contact

For questions regarding these Terms: use the contact form on elitelanguagecraft.com or the email address provided on the site.

Location reference: Germany & remote worldwide.