As global connectivity continues to grow, the language service industry is set to continue growing. The industry is already worth approximately US$54 billion, and is expected to continue growing steadily. The growing content economy is keeping demand high for LSPs, and the top translation companies will do whatever it takes to grab the biggest share. CSA Research conducted its 17th study of the global marketplace for outsourced language services, examining the top 10 translation companies. The following are a few characteristics to look for when hiring a translation company.
Characteristics of a quality translation company
One of the most important characteristics of a quality translation company is its ability to provide consistent service. Some translation agencies assign project managers and translators based on availability. However, consistency is crucial for building long-term relationships. To ensure consistent service, you should communicate your translation requirements early on and with the project manager. Communicate any changes or priorities early on to avoid any surprises. Then, review the finished product to ensure it is up to your standards.
A good translation should read like a native speaker. This means that it should flow naturally and you shouldn’t have to constantly reread the text to understand what it is saying. A good translation company will make sure the translations are free of mistakes. They should also make sure the final product is edited for spelling and grammatical errors. A good translation company will use the highest-quality software to ensure that their translations are free of errors.
The best translation companies hire native speakers. These professionals have extensive experience and are highly trained to handle your project. Good translation companies look for linguists who charge near top-of-the-line rates. After all, a cheap translator will not deliver quality translation. Moreover, good translation agencies look for translators who are experienced in your field and have the knowledge of industrial terminology. They also hire consultants in areas that require specialized expertise.
Cost of working with a translation company
When you need a translation, it is vital to understand how much your project will cost and how much a translation company is going to charge for the process. The price will depend on whether the translation will include proofreading and editing or back translation. Some translation services will charge extra for validation, which can more than double the cost of your translation. You may also want to consider PEMT, or post-edited machine translation, as it’s cheaper than the high-end levels of service.
The process itself can be complex, and the price of a translation will include all project management and vendor management services. A project manager will oversee the translation process to ensure quality and delivery on time. If your project includes multiple languages, you should ask for the price of each language combination. However, some companies will provide a per-line rate as well, which is ideal for simple sentences with short words or those that are easily translatable.
Another important factor to consider is the turnaround time. Choosing a translation company that offers a quick turnaround time may seem tempting, but it can end up costing you more in the long run. In addition to the extra costs, super-fast turnaround times often mean fewer translators working individually and less cooperation between the team. You should avoid last-minute projects whenever possible. The best way to estimate the cost of working with a translation company is to send them the relevant data beforehand.
Negotiating with a translation company
If you’re running a small business and need a translation, then you should consider negotiating with your translation company. Many agencies will request payment in full up front, so it’s wise to negotiate for the most advantageous payment terms. It’s best to provide 40 percent of the total amount upfront rather than the entire amount at the end of the project. You should also discuss with your translator any penalties that could arise if you are late with payment.
One of the first steps in the negotiation process is to establish the scope of the work to be performed. When you first contact a translation agency, you’ll need to outline all the details you’re looking for. This includes languages, length of the project, and any deadlines. If the project is time-sensitive, include details such as SEO, since these are essential for the website’s functionality. Remember to convey your request diplomatically and clearly so the agency has no reason to reject it.
Make sure to ask for references and credentials before hiring a translation company. This is a crucial step because you need to make sure that the interpreter has the appropriate credentials and is qualified to handle the project. It is also important to clarify the type of translation you want – word-for-word or a summary. By doing so, you’ll be able to avoid potentially embarrassing situations. However, be aware of the potential conflicts of interest and stay alert when your translator asks for personal business advice.