How On Earth Do I Choose the Right Translation Company?

A translation service helps people by accurately translating documents into their language of choice. Because of various constraints, you may have to search for the best in terms of price, quality, speed, technology and experience. Remember that not all companies are equal, so be sure to check every aspect before sending off your hard-earned cash.

Price

Searching for the right translation company can be tough. You want to make sure that you’re getting an accurate translation for a fair price, so make sure you call around to multiple translation companies. This will give you a base price of what you can expect to pay. Remember to ask them about any deals or promotions they have going on (if you have a bigger order, or multiple orders, they may offer you a discount). Ask for a breakdown of all their fees. It’s best to know the charges up front.

Quality

When you are comparing quotes you have to ask about the additional services that are offered and their track record. Also ask to see a few examples of their work. What you are looking for is how well the speech and accuracy of the words come together. Also, ask  how their translators are selected – this can be a big factor in their quality of work. A company should require their translators to take a proficiency test and have a number of years speaking or translating the language before they are hired.

Speed

One category that is valued by everyone is the speed of the company’s turnaround time on projects. In most cases, a translator can do about 2,000 words per day, and if there is a larger document, a number of translators can work together to get it done quickly. Speed is another way of checking the company’s quality and service. Slow turn around times should not be tolerated unless the company has a short list of workers. If quick output is crucial for you, then make sure to ask if you have to pay rush charges to get your order on time.

Technology

Inquire about the technology they are using to translate your article. There is a software called TMS or translation memory software that will help a translator speed up the translation process, however, not all companies use TMS. This service also prevents the repeat use of words that have already been translated.

Experience

Finally, the most important element is knowing how long the translation company has been in business. Some of the companies that have been around for decades are usually the best ones – and they can also be the most expensive. If you are checking quotes, you will see that there are a lot of companies that have been translating for years, but a new company might have a better offer. Look through the website and talk to a representative to  gain insight into their experience level. Some companies give a money back guarantee or a free trial so you can test their services before you pay.

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Author: Margo Smith
Source: Classes & Careers.net