When you need language translation services, you want to know you’re choosing a translation company you can trust. Whether you need face-to-face or over-the-phone translation services, or are looking for documents to be translated, there are a few things to think about to ensure you choose the right translation company – these 5 tips will help.
#1. Think about what you need translated
For example, do you need a translator to speak to a customer over the phone in their own language, or perhaps you have official visa documents which need to be translated. If the document in question is a specialist or niche document, such as a medical document, you’ll want to ensure the translation company you hire has staff who are experienced in the translation of documents of this type. To some extent, the type of translation you need will also affect how fast a turnaround you need.
#2. How flexible is your deadline?
For document translation, deadlines can vary greatly. It could be that you need a document translated within the next few hours, or you could have a week in which to get a translation carried out. Working out your timescale and finding a translation company who can work to your deadline is essential to avoid frustration for both parties.
#3. Think about your budget
Budget is usually a crucial factor in choosing a translation service. If one company can do it in 12 hours, but another can do it in the same timeframe for half the price, you’re more likely to choose the cheaper quote. Don’t always be tempted to do this though – look at the experience of the company and previous customer testimonials, which will give you an idea of the kind of service you can expect, before you make your decision.
#4. How experienced are staff?
Don’t be afraid to ask the translation company how experienced their staff are – for example what qualifications do they hold and how long have they been working as translators? You may also wish to find out if there are translators available who specialise in the field of your choice, such as the translation of complex medical or legal documents.
#5. What’s the company’s reputation?
A reputable company should be only too happy to let you see customer testimonials, so don’t be afraid to ask if these aren’t visible on their website. A quick search online for company reviews should let you know what to expect; if you’re looking for translation services for your business, it stands to reason that you want to work with a reliable company, so you may wish to steer clear of firms with consistently negative reviews.
These 5 tips will help you to choose the right language translation company, no matter what your needs!
