Thread: Offering contracts in Spanish???

Being 5 miles from the Mexico border and having a large Spanish speaking population we are toying with the idea of offering our website in Spanish. We would be the only site I am aware of in our area that is doing this but it means we would have to offer our contracts in Spanish too. I have a call in to our lawyer but any thoughts the legal ramifications of doing this?

I would have to assume that you and your employees are fluent in Spanish.

Is your attorney fluent?

I would be worried about making sure the translation is proper.


Not something I would take on, as I am an English only kinda guy (OK, for those really picky people -- American English -- kinda sorta).

I am sure this will not be a popular thought but here is my 2 cents worth. While I certainly respect your desire to accomodate Spanish speaking customers, in my humble opinion I would hope that you do not offer this in Spanish as this only continues to perpetuate the Spanish only speaking citizens/guests(?) to not learn our language. I believe that if you are going to work, live and enjoy the many benefits of this country, you should learn to speak the language. We are not encouraging people to speak our language if we continue to do things in theirs.

I was just in Mexico last week, I did my best to speak their language out of respect for their country, I was a guest and I feel that it is only right that at least I attempt to comunicate with them in their language while in their country. I was amazed at how much they tried to help me communicate in their language and I believe I made new friends by showing the effort.

I have many extremely close bi-lingual friends and they have supported my way of thinking as well. I love Mexico and the people of Mexico, I am simply not in favor of encouraging them while in our country to not emerge in our language.

I realize this may not be the political correct way to look at this but I am firm in my opinion about this subject. This is America, The United States of America, and our language is English.

I totally understand why you would want to do this and perhaps it is a great way of obtaining customers and building your business, however to me there is more to life than building a business and by taking a stand for the principals I believe in I may lose in some things but I will overcome them in order to prosper. This is one area that I am firm in my principals.

While I agree partially with Mel, English is only the de facto language of the US, not language de jure. However, I too get annoyed when somebody doesn't at least try or get offended that my Spanish isn't that great for the area that I work.

That being said, if you want to offer your contract in Spanish, I'd say got for it after much consulting with fluent writers and speakers. As many of us Californians know, written Spanish is very different to spoken Spanish.

And remember rtsellers, Spanish was spoken in California well before English was!

Ditto!!!! and I am bi-lengual but believe as you do.

our website is available in spanish also...and I believe WebSelfStorage will print the rental agreements in French, Spanish or English.

Ya know I wanted to say something like Mel did, but I was worried about the backlash (and that I do not speak as eloquently as Mel does), but I do have to agree

This is America, The United States of America, and our language is English.

If I go to your country I will do my best to speak your language, if I were to MOVE to your country I would learn your language and not expect you to make special accommodations just for me.

Go to Mexico (not just the border towns) and try to find anything in English. If you are trying to conduct business south of the border don't expect the courtesy of a contract in English.

If you want to do this go for it, but don't expect them to return the favor.

Actually Autodoc, they speak wonderfully good English in Cozumel, Mexico!