How to Select a Translation Services Provider

There are certain factors to take into account which will determine the success of your translation project.

When selecting your translation services provider, you need to remember that there are certain factors to take into account which will determine the success of your project –

• The first factor to take into account is that the project must be priced correctly;
• The second factor is that it must be delivered to you by the agreed due date; and
• Finally, the completed translation must be accurate and high-quality.

So, with this information in mind, you need to consider the following points when you’re looking for translation services, regardless of whether you decide to use an agency or a freelance translator –

The Price: How Is the Price Calculated?

Unfortunately, there’s not a straightforward answer to this question. There are agencies who calculate translation quotations by the number of lines, the number of pages, and sometimes even by the number of characters; but generally, most agencies and freelance translators calculate by the number of words in the source language. So let’s complicate this a little further! Some agencies and freelance translators set their rates based on the target language, but of course this can only be estimated beforehand and it’s only once the project has been completed that you will know the exact cost. And, if you need to allow for proofreading or VAT, then these figures will increase.

Turnaround Time

Don’t be too pushy when it comes to the delivery date. If possible, you should try and go with the standard turnaround time in order to give the translators concerned sufficient time to check and re-check their work. By giving the translators ample time to produce a high-quality translation you can be assured of receiving an accurate translation without any cost increase: remember that rush fees can increase the cost of a translation by between 50% and 100%. If you do demand a speedy turnaround, the quality of the project can be affected because it could well mean that your project needs to be split into different sections and given to different translators for completion.

The Quality of the Delivered Translation

If you don’t speak the language it may not be easy to assess the quality of your translation, but it’s not completely impossible. Check the following aspects of your project –

• What qualifications does your translator have, and how does the selection process work?
• What experience does your translator have, and do they have expertise in your industry?
• Will the linguists be translating in their native language?
• Will the translation be proofread?

Customer Service

Whether you choose a translation agency or a freelance translator, are they happy to accept your feedback and do whatever is necessary to ensure that you’re 100% satisfied? Do they willingly accept your criticisms, and are they prepared to change the way they do business with you, if necessary?

A top-quality translation agency/freelance translator welcomes feedback and considers both criticisms and praise a vitally important part of the translation process.