Interpreter Booking: From Yesterday to Today
In short: How interpreter booking evolved from agency monopolies and phone calls to a transparent, on-demand platform. The industry has changed — and Tolk2Go is leading the way.
Available across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and France
Interpreter booking has come a long way — Tolk2Go brings it online, fast and fair.
How Interpreter Booking Has Changed
- 1990s — Agency monopoly — Interpreters could only be booked through traditional agencies. These agencies controlled the market and the prices. Clients had no visibility into who they would get and no meaningful choice.
- Mid-1990s — The internet opens doors — Freelance interpreters began launching their own websites. For the first time, clients could find and contact interpreters directly. The agency monopoly started to crumble.
- 2000s — Government tenders shift power back — Large government contracts and procurement tenders allowed agencies to regain dominance. Many interpreters became dependent on agency assignments again, and clients had fewer independent options.
- 2018 — Tolk2Go launches — A fully online platform that puts the choice back in the hands of clients and interpreters. Transparent pricing, real profiles, verified reviews, 24/7 availability. No agency middlemen, no opaque pricing.
- Today — 2300+ interpreters, 190+ languages — A growing network across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and beyond. On-demand, fast and transparent — interpreter booking the way it should be.
Yesterday vs. Today
Call during office hours. Wait for a callback. Receive a quote you cannot compare. Get assigned an anonymous interpreter. Hope they are qualified and available. Pay whatever the agency decides.
Go online 24/7. See interpreter profiles, qualifications, reviews and rates instantly. Compare options. Send requests. Get confirmed in minutes. Know exactly what you are paying and why.
What You Can Do on Tolk2Go
- Book 24/7: the platform never closes. Evenings, weekends, holidays — book an interpreter whenever you need one.
- Read real reviews: 700+ verified reviews on Reviews.io. See what other clients say about each interpreter before you book.
- View full interpreter profiles: qualifications, certifications, sector experience, language combinations and sworn (Rbtv) status — all visible before booking.
- Check transparent rates: all costs displayed upfront. Click the orange question mark icon for a detailed breakdown — interpreter rate, preparation, travel, mediation fee.
- Filter for sworn interpreters: need a sworn interpreter for court, notary or legal settings? Rbtv-registered interpreters are clearly marked and filterable with one click.
- Compare multiple interpreters: send availability requests to several interpreters at once. Compare responses, profiles and rates before choosing.
Better for Clients. Better for Interpreters.
Full visibility, full choice. You see who you are booking, what they charge, what others think of them and whether they are qualified for your specific situation. No surprises, no middlemen.
Interpreters set their own rates, manage their own schedule and build their own reputation through reviews. They work as freelance professionals — not as anonymously dispatched resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tolk2Go an interpreting agency?
No. Tolk2Go is a platform that connects clients directly with freelance interpreters. You browse profiles, compare options and choose your interpreter. Tolk2Go facilitates the connection and provides the technology — but does not employ interpreters or assign them anonymously like traditional agencies.
Why is Tolk2Go better than a traditional agency?
Transparency, choice and speed. You see interpreter profiles, qualifications, reviews and exact costs before booking. You choose — not the agency. The platform is available 24/7 and most bookings are confirmed within minutes, not days.
Do interpreters earn more through Tolk2Go than through agencies?
Interpreters set their own rates on Tolk2Go. In traditional agency models, agencies often take a significant margin and interpreters have no control over their pricing. On Tolk2Go, interpreters decide what their time is worth — and clients see exactly where their money goes.
Can I still use Tolk2Go if I have a contract with an agency?
Yes. Many clients use Tolk2Go alongside their existing arrangements — especially for urgent requests, languages their agency cannot cover or situations where they want to choose their own interpreter. There are no contracts or exclusivity requirements.
Are the interpreters on Tolk2Go certified?
All interpreters provide proof of relevant education, experience and certifications before joining. Sworn interpreters submit official Rbtv registration. Profiles display qualifications, certifications and customer reviews — so you can verify before booking.
How many languages does Tolk2Go cover?
Tolk2Go covers 190+ languages with 2300+ interpreters. This includes common European languages as well as less common combinations. View the full language list here.
Where can I see the full list of benefits?
Visit our benefits page for a comprehensive overview of everything Tolk2Go offers — for clients, interpreters and organisations. You can also explore the FAQ page for detailed answers to common questions.
Explore More
How Tolk2Go was founded on Christmas Eve 2017.
What makes Tolk2Go fundamentally different from traditional agencies.
The real-time matching technology behind the platform.
Join 2300+ freelance interpreters on the Tolk2Go platform.