aaah! That is interesting…I guess I always assumed I ought to try and replicate the original format even if it was a pdf/jpg that I first had to transform. I hate doing it so it’s great news to hear that you think it is “not part of the job”.

Whether to deal with formatting for me depends on the format (file type) of the source document. A scanned PDF, paper, JPG, or other format that does not go into my CAT tool or convert easily to Word® does not deserve to have the formatting retained unless the client wants to pay me extra for DTP (not one of my core competencies). My CAT tool will retain the formatting with little additional investment on my part. If I must type/dictate the target text from scratch, then I offer to “approximate” the formatting in the target document. I will chose Arial as my default sans-serif font, and Times Roman for serif. Font size will be no less than 10-point unless I am reproducing tables. Basically, what Word® offers as a default.
By putting this in the estimate, I make the client aware that formatting is an issue. If they want me to replicate formatting exactly, I just include a separate line item for formatting, and charge by the hour for that. It’s relatively straightforward to keep the two separate: first draft translation and initial revision in my default formatting, then turn the clock on for the tweaking and DTP-like activity.
Most large clients have a DTP function in house or can get it done by their regular outsourcer for graphics or typesetting. I have very rarely had to replicate the formatting by hand. Just discussing it with the Project Manager has usually made the issue go away. My translation skills don’t improve by doing DTP, and I cost more than I am worth as an amateur type-setter.
IHTH.

I’d definitely say to specify that if you prefer that the translator not attempt their own formatting; the more specific, the better!
Other readers, any thoughts?