Translation businesses are relatively common, but how do you know that you’re choosing the right one for your business?
Well these ten tips showcase the things you need to consider before choosing one.
- Know what services you will require
The message of a promotional project would be designed to emphasize the benefits of a specific product while guiding the reader toward a call to action suggests professional translation agency Rosetta Translations. This is very different from the message being conveyed in an instructional manual where precise wording would be essential. When you entrust your articles for translation it is imperative that the essential message be translated without being tainted or confused in the process.
- Know who You are working with
Inquire about the additional resources your translation company has at their disposal. Traditional translators will rely solely on the work of human linguist to produce a translation. More advanced translation services employ computer systems that greatly improve the quality of their translation. These programs feature translation memory and a glossary-terminology management that can catch on to details and errors that human translators often miss.
- Define Quality
Not all the translation service you will find have the same definition of “quality”. The best way to get an idea of the quality you can expect is by asking to see some of the previous work this company has produced. Ask about the methods of quality control they employ, for example, do they have their translators cross-check the translations before they are submitted to their clients? Do they understand the importance of articulating the tone and subtleties of the message in a way the target audience will appreciate?
- Areas of Expertise
The notion that a one-size-fits-all approach is applicable here is a big mistake. You can’t expect superior work from a company that does not have vertical expertise in specific industries. Not all translators are capable of handling and properly conveying the information found in a medical patent or legal document. When it comes to information in highly technical, medical, legal or finance related terminology, special experience is necessary to ensure the final product is top-quality and untainted.
- Rapid Execution
Inquire about their turnaround times. Many of premium translation companies can deliver work outside of your regular working schedule by outsourcing their work to international translators. If your work is time sensitive ask about having it done by translators working in different time zones. This is a far more time efficient arrangement than seeking local nine-to-five translators.
- Confidentiality
Be sure to fully ascertain the standard of confidentiality adhered to by your translation service. Details like where information is stored and how many hands it will go through are important to the security of your intellectual property. IF your project will be sent through a network of translators or editors, how many confidentiality agreements are protecting your work from falling into the wrong hands. If you will be submitting highly-sensitive information, ask your translation service about a non-disclosure agreement.
- Customer Service
Make a note of the questions your vendor asks you when clarifying your specific requirements. It is also important consider how consistently you will be working with them. For example, can they ensure the same writer each time to keep a consistent flow and tone running through each article? It will also be good to ask about their policy for returning a translation project for a second edit.
- Technical Capacity
Do a thorough revision of all the technical services your translation service will place at your disposal. A premium company will incorporate a user-friendly interface on a cloud-based platform. This arrangement pro offers better transparency and efficiency for receiving and submitting documents, invoices and interacting with their customer service division.
- Price or Value
Remember that value is what you receive and price is what you pay. Be sure that you are not looking for the most economical option but the the one that provides the best value for the price you will pay. Most leading translation services will offer package deals that add value to your acquisition.
- Additional Services
Complimentary services are offered by some of the better Translation Companies and can offer extensive benefits to your business. Services like Search Engine Optimization as well as localization expertise and even communications assistance with your advertising agents.
Clear communications can be difficult when communicating in an unfamiliar language. Following these tips and pointers will ensure you find the professional translation service that has the skills and experience to meet your particular needs.
