Choosing a translation services company or translator can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with this world or are not very clear about what type of translation services you need. It is also very likely that, if you have never hired a translation company.
Translation professionals know that all these doubts are common and necessary to distinguish between professional and amateur translators. In this post, they will give some key points so that you can choose the translation service that best suits your needs.
MARKET EXPERIENCE
Choosing a trustworthy translation company is very important for you and your company, especially if you want to make yourself known in other parts of the world or contact clients,
Suppliers or collaborators from other countries. If the company you have chosen has an Internet presence, visit its website, look for third-party opinions about the said company, either on the web or in other portals, consult your acquaintances or even call or visit the company to know his work. Know the market
The experience is one of the best schools in the world, you can be a lover of languages, but if you have never faced a translation and all that it entails, it is likely that you will not be able to provide the necessary service in the stipulated time. Therefore, a large company, an SME or an individual need an experienced translation provider who can cover all the translation needs of your company. To compete effectively in an increasingly globalized world, you need a high-quality translation service.
PROFESSIONALISM AT WORK
Before selecting a translation company, you should ensure its professionalism and reputation, as your success in other countries will depend on it. How can you do it? Study the company’s portfolio, consult the internet or see some of its work, and even contact its former clients to have an opinion.
In order to offer a quality translation, adapted to the target audience and the target culture, and also to do it in the required time, it is not enough to know the languages in which one works. A professional translator is an excellent writer in his mother tongue and an expert documentary maker who has specific tools that allow him, for example, to maintain terminological consistency throughout the text (and for subsequent work for the same client).
QUALITY PRICE RATIO
It is important to know that the price of a translation depends not only on the length of the text but also on the language to which you want to translate – some more “exotic” tend to cost more than others more “common” – or on the specialization (a technical translation it is usually more expensive than a general-purpose one). Before selecting a company, compare several experienced companies and select the one that best suits your needs.
Time is essential for a quality translation. The more time you have to translate, the better the final result will be. In general, a professional translator translates between 1,500 and 2,000 words per day, depending on the subject of the translation. When deadlines are tight, a rush surcharge is often applied. For example, if you need a translation in less than 24 hours, a professional agency will apply between a 25% and 40% surcharge, depending on the number of words.
SPECIALIZATION
The translation services they provide must meet the needs of your company. For example, if your company is focused on cutting-edge technology, you need a translator who specializes in that subject. Or, if you want to add captions to your product’s promotional videos, you’ll need a translator who specializes in captions and marketing.
The company you ultimately contact needs a dedicated team of translators to serve you according to your needs. Take a look at the Services section and discover areas you can cover to help inform yourself in other countries.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
A translation company does not necessarily have to be in the same city as you reside, many of the tasks are done electronically. But it is essential that you have good customer service either via email, telephone or even through social networks.
It is important that the translation services company knows how to solve all the doubts you have and covers the needs of your company in the timeframes that you think are convenient.