These general terms apply to all quotes, agreements and services provided by Misaki Kobayashi, sole trader (eenmanszaak) in Den Haag, the Netherlands (Jan van Nassaustraat 41, 2596 BM Den Haag; KvK: 42180555, VAT: NL005561384B05), hereafter “I” or “me”. They cover interpreting and consulting.
1. Quotes and agreement
All quotes are non-binding unless stated otherwise and are valid for 14 days. An agreement is formed when you accept my quote in writing (email is sufficient) or when I start work at your request. Changes to the scope of work must be agreed in writing and may change the price and deadline.
2. Prices and VAT
Prices are in euros and exclude VAT (btw) unless stated otherwise. VAT is added where it applies. For interpreting, I may charge separately for travel time and travel costs, which I will state in the quote.
3. Payment
I send an invoice after the job is finished, or at agreed stages for larger jobs. Invoices must be paid within 14 days of the invoice date, to the bank account stated on the invoice. If you do not pay on time, you are in default without further notice. I may then charge statutory commercial interest and reasonable collection costs.
4. Cancellation of interpreting assignments
If you cancel or reschedule a confirmed interpreting assignment, the following applies, based on the time before the start of the assignment:
- more than 7 days before: no charge;
- between 7 days and 48 hours before: 50% of the agreed fee;
- less than 48 hours before, or no-show: 100% of the agreed fee.
Costs that I cannot recover, such as non-refundable travel bookings, will be charged in full. Cancellation must be sent to me in writing.
5. Preparation and scheduling
I prepare each assignment on the basis of the information and material you give me, such as the agenda, presentations and background documents. Please send this in good time. If material arrives late or changes, I will still do my best, but the preparation may be less thorough. For written work, such as a report or follow-up email, the agreed date is a target, not a strict guarantee, unless we have agreed otherwise in writing. Late or changed material may move that date.
6. Confidentiality
I treat everything I learn about you and your business during an assignment as confidential and I will not share it with third parties without your consent. This does not apply where the law requires disclosure. Documents are used only for the job; my working files are deleted after it is finished, as described in my privacy policy. A separate non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is available on request.
7. Liability
I do my work with care and to the best of my professional ability. My liability for damage resulting from a shortcoming in my services is limited to the amount invoiced for the assignment in question (excluding VAT). I am not liable for indirect damage, such as lost profit or lost business. These limits do not apply in case of intent or deliberate recklessness on my part. You remain responsible for how you use my interpreting, including legal, medical or technical decisions based on it.
8. Complaints
Please report any complaint about my work in writing within 14 days after the assignment, or after you receive written work such as a report, with a clear description of the issue. I will then try to resolve it with you, for example by correcting a written report or follow-up email. Complaints do not suspend your obligation to pay the invoice. After 14 days, you are deemed to have accepted the work.
9. Intellectual property
All rights to written work I prepare for you, such as reports, summaries, briefing notes and follow-up emails, stay with me until the invoice has been paid in full. After full payment, the copyright and the right to use it transfer to you, for the purpose for which it was made. I mention that we have worked together only with your permission.
10. Applicable law and disputes
Dutch law applies to these terms and to every agreement between us. Any dispute will first be discussed in good faith. If we cannot resolve it, it will be brought before the competent court in The Hague (Rechtbank Den Haag), unless mandatory law provides otherwise.
11. Changes
I may update these terms. The version that applies is the one in force when the agreement was formed.