From rejection to retention: How Aploq turned a failed sample into a lasting client relationship 

A promising opportunity with a challenging start 

When a well-established Language Service Provider (LSP) approached Aploq in search of a reliable partner for Polish localization from German and English, it marked the beginning of a journey that would ultimately showcase the power of persistence and professional integrity. The client was seeking a specialized provider who could ensure high-quality translations tailored to the Polish market – particularly for demanding and nuanced content. Aploq, with its deep linguistic expertise and cultural fluency, was a natural contender for the role. However, what started as a promising opportunity quickly presented an unexpected challenge. 

1 The importance of trying

Initial setback: What went wrong 

As part of their selection process, the client requested a translation sample from German into Polish – an industry-standard step to assess linguistic accuracy and stylistic alignment which will help decide if a vendor is the perfect fit. Confident in our capabilities, the Aploq team delivered the sample within the expected timeframe and maintained high linguistic quality throughout the text. However, despite the overall standard of the translation, we inadvertently omitted several small but crucial details that were specifically important to the client’s evaluation criteria. These oversights, while not affecting the overall readability or correctness of the translation, ultimately led the client to reject our submission. It was a disappointing outcome, especially for a project that aligned so closely with our expertise. 

2 Initial setback

Owning the mistake and fighting for a second chance 

Rather than walking away from the setback, the Aploq team chose to respond with transparency and determination. We acknowledged the oversight without hesitation, took full ownership of the mistake, and reached out to the client with a sincere request for a second chance. Understanding how important trust and precision are in our industry, we assured the client that the issue had been carefully reviewed and that corrective measures had already been implemented. This wasn’t just about winning a contract – it was about proving our commitment to quality, accountability, and long-term partnership. Our willingness to engage openly and constructively resonated with the client, and they agreed to give us another opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities. 

3 Customer satisfaction

Turning the tide 

Given the second chance, the Aploq team approached the new sample with heightened focus and an even stronger commitment to excellence. We carefully reviewed the client’s expectations, paid close attention to every detail – no matter how minor they might have seemed at first glance – and ensured the translation met not only linguistic standards but also the specific evaluative criteria that had been previously overlooked. The result was a sample that aligned perfectly with the client’s requirements, both in terms of quality and attention to detail. Impressed by the marked improvement and our proactive attitude, the client responded positively and moved forward with us as their Polish localization partner. What began as a near-missed opportunity turned into a successful collaboration, and today, the client is one of our regular and valued partners. 

4 How we turned the tide 

Lessons in resilience, quality, and client focus 

This experience served as a powerful reminder that success in localization is not only about linguistic skill, but also about responsiveness, humility, and the ability to learn from missteps. At Aploq, instead of giving up, we took this challenge as an opportunity to refine our internal review processes and reinforce the importance of aligning with client-specific expectations from the outset. More importantly, we learned that taking ownership and maintaining open, respectful communication can turn even the most uncertain – or even seemingly failed – situations into foundations for trust. The experience deepened our team’s resilience and strengthened our belief that how we handle setbacks is just as important as the work we deliver. 

5 Highlighted word “Translation”

Lasting impact 

It is only natural to make mistakes – it is part of being human, especially in fields such as localization, which are full of traps and risks. What matters most is how we approach our faults and what lessons do we learn from them. What initially seemed like a lost opportunity transformed into a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership. Since that pivotal second chance, the client has entrusted Aploq with a steady stream of projects, resulting in a consistent collaboration that continues to grow. Not only has this partnership expanded our presence in the English-to-Polish localization space, but it has also delivered tangible returns – both in terms of revenue and strengthened market reputation. The time and effort invested in regaining the client’s trust have paid off exponentially, reaffirming that persistence, client-centric communication, and quality excellence are key drivers of sustainable business success. 

As a company, we learned an important lesson during that time. Instead of giving up, the experience made us stronger and more mindful. It helped us gain clarity about what we can offer, and reinforced the belief that no matter how unfavorable a situation may seem at first, there is always a way to turn it into a positive outcome.