Gengo’s unacceptable payment delays
I am the leader of a technical team composed of highly skilled professionals, including engineers and technicians, who work on demanding projects for high-profile clients like Meta. We completed this work for Lionbridge. Despite our expertise and contributions, Gengo’s handling of payouts has been deeply disappointing.
1. Payout Delays and Poor Scheduling:
Gengo promises payouts on the 10th and 25th of each month. Today is December 22nd, and I was assured my payout would be processed on the 25th. However, I have now been told I won’t receive payment until January 10th—even during the Christmas period, when timely payouts are critical for many of us. This is unacceptable, especially when Meta and other clients Lionbridge contracts us for are known for paying on time. It is frustrating to be caught in the middle, waiting for Gengo to release payments we are owed.
2. Lack of Flexibility and Communication:
Gengo’s support team has repeatedly ignored the urgency of the situation, despite me explaining that I need these funds to pay my team. They refuse to escalate my request to a senior finance manager and instead stick to generic, unhelpful responses. This demonstrates a lack of care for the people who keep their projects running smoothly.
3. Hidden Fees and Transparency Issues:
Our earnings are already reduced significantly due to Gengo’s platform fees, PayPal fees, and poor exchange rates. These deductions are not clearly communicated upfront. For a company that expects the highest level of professionalism from its freelancers and teams, this lack of transparency is both frustrating and unfair.
4. Disrespect for High-Level Professionals:
We are not just individual translators; we are a team of engineers and technicians who deliver technical expertise to Gengo’s clients. For a company working with globally respected brands like Meta, their failure to meet basic financial obligations reflects poorly on their operations.
Conclusion:
While the projects we’ve worked on through Gengo are rewarding, the payout system and lack of respect for freelancers and their teams overshadow any benefits. Lionbridge, the company we worked with for Meta, should reconsider its partnership with Gengo, as this kind of treatment is unacceptable for professional teams like ours. Our reputation is directly tied to both companies, and Gengo’s failure to deliver on time is damaging that reputation. Lionbridge must be aware of the poor treatment that contractors face through Gengo, and this issue must be addressed for the sake of both the workers and the reputation of all parties involved.
Furthermore, we had agreed to a different amount with Lionbridge, but Gengo’s platform cuts a significant amount from our pay, and the only payout option is PayPal, which also charges additional fees, further reducing our income. Additionally, Gengo separates payments if the payout amount exceeds $5000, which causes further delays and complications. These actions, combined with the already poor payout timing, create an unacceptable situation for professional teams like ours.
If this issue is not resolved, I will be left with no choice but to escalate the matter. I will inform my entire team to share their complaints on all relevant platforms, including Trustpilot, Glassdoor, and professional forums. Additionally, I will notify our clients directly about these issues, as their reputations are tied to Gengo’s performance. Lionbridge, as our employer, must also take a stand on this issue.
I urge Gengo and Lionbridge to reconsider their payout policies, especially during critical times like the holiday season, and treat their technical teams with the respect they deserve.