Outsourcing your document translation needs is a convenient way to translate a large or small batch of documents. However, you still need to find the right translation company that would meet all of your requirements. It pays to take the time to research different companies and check their pricing options, turn-around times, credentials and quality of their work.
The first thing to consider when searching for a document translation company is what the translation process consists of. Does the company accept documents online in scanned form, or as an e-mail attachment? Do they only accept faxed or mailed documents? Finding out how they accept documents can help you make the best decision for your company.
The second thing to consider is the types of services available. Many document translation companies offer specialized or 'niche' services because they have a team of translators that have experience and knowledge in particular fields. For example, they may assign your marketing brochure translation project to a translator with a business background, while your scientific reports would be assigned to someone with a science and technical background. Companies that do this will, in most cases, deliver a higher quality product. Verify whether they have a team of specialists, or if they use machines or software programs to perform the translation.
The third thing to consider when searching for the right document translation company is what the price structure is. Some companies offer flat-rate pricing based on the number of pages or words in the project, while others calculate prices based on the type of language, urgency, niche or subject of the document, and the number of words. Make sure you are aware of their pricing formula so you are aware of any surcharges, extra fees and costs that may be added to your project.
Another important consideration is customer service. A competent support staff can set your expectations correctly with regards to project completion and delivery and decrease hassles on your part. A company usually assigns a manager that would handle your project and serve as your contact for the duration of your project, and in some cases, even for subsequent projects.
A final factor that must be considered before choosing a document translation company is the company's credentials. Some companies are members of translation associations such as the American Translators Association, and TRANSLEX International. What these associations do is ensure the quality of services by requiring translators of member companies to undertake training and certification programs. This practice will ultimately benefit consumers and the translation industry as a whole.
Take the time to browse for different document translation companies. Doing this will help you make the best decision, especially if you need document translation services over the long term.
The first thing to consider when searching for a document translation company is what the translation process consists of. Does the company accept documents online in scanned form, or as an e-mail attachment? Do they only accept faxed or mailed documents? Finding out how they accept documents can help you make the best decision for your company.
The second thing to consider is the types of services available. Many document translation companies offer specialized or 'niche' services because they have a team of translators that have experience and knowledge in particular fields. For example, they may assign your marketing brochure translation project to a translator with a business background, while your scientific reports would be assigned to someone with a science and technical background. Companies that do this will, in most cases, deliver a higher quality product. Verify whether they have a team of specialists, or if they use machines or software programs to perform the translation.
The third thing to consider when searching for the right document translation company is what the price structure is. Some companies offer flat-rate pricing based on the number of pages or words in the project, while others calculate prices based on the type of language, urgency, niche or subject of the document, and the number of words. Make sure you are aware of their pricing formula so you are aware of any surcharges, extra fees and costs that may be added to your project.
Another important consideration is customer service. A competent support staff can set your expectations correctly with regards to project completion and delivery and decrease hassles on your part. A company usually assigns a manager that would handle your project and serve as your contact for the duration of your project, and in some cases, even for subsequent projects.
A final factor that must be considered before choosing a document translation company is the company's credentials. Some companies are members of translation associations such as the American Translators Association, and TRANSLEX International. What these associations do is ensure the quality of services by requiring translators of member companies to undertake training and certification programs. This practice will ultimately benefit consumers and the translation industry as a whole.
Take the time to browse for different document translation companies. Doing this will help you make the best decision, especially if you need document translation services over the long term.
About the Author:
Legal Translation Solutions supplies high priority document translation services for all aspects of litigation, from primary documentation to supporting materials. America's foremost law firms and leading corporations turn to Legal Translation Solutions for their professional translation services and translators.
