10 tips for contracting a good translation service
The demand for translation services in businesses is increasing, and the challenge for companies is how to choose the right translation company. Translating is not a question of delivering the original message in the target language using the same words, but rather ensuring that the translated text sounds natural and smooth-flowing to the target reader.
Thanks to the increase in digital services, many companies are now offering this type of services. Not all, however, are up to standard. What should we take into account when choosing a translating service? Here are some tips to help you choose the most suitable:
1) Team of specialist translators
A translation company must have a team of skilled translators who are specialists in different fields, and who are directed by a project manager. A translator who is not sufficiently specialised or who works with more general texts may commit errors. This way, all translation requests can be dealt with effectively and the appropriate style can be guaranteed.
2) Revising translation
This step is vital in order to avoid errors in the translation process. For this reason, all translations must be revised by a second translator, guaranteeing the highest quality and permitting the translation to be delivered error-free.
3) Reduction in translation processes
Comprehensive management and processing by the translation company throughout the process: translation, edition and revision. This way, the client need not be involved in the management of the translation project.
However, opinions and suggestions are always welcome from the client, for example, regarding the preferred terminology to be used in the translation.
4) Optimisation of delivery time
This is where the experience of the company comes into play. The company should be an experienced translation provider, skilled in processing translation requests and able to cover all translation needs in a short period of time, while, at the same time, guaranteeing the quality of the translations it delivers.
5) Management of large volumes of work
The translation company must have the capacity to work with documents of all sizes, regardless of length, and ensure at all times an efficient translation service, respecting the terms and standards of quality required.
6) Tools for managing translation projects
The translation company must have quality translation tools in order to ensure an optimum service. Needless to say, companies that only use Google Translate as a resource must be avoided. Translation tools must also be compatible with different formats for the translation of texts.
Documents to be translated must be sent using a secure system, therefore delivery systems must have this functionality and facilitate secure delivery.
7) Service availability and customised client services
This is a differentiation factor between translation companies and one which provides added value for clients. Appropriate customer service means a fast response and good customer service, either by email or by phone. Personalised communications with clients is important and clients will also have their own project manager who is available at all times to provide information on the status of their translations.
8) Customised translation solutions for every client
Translation requests are different for every client depending on their needs. For this reason, the translation company must study each project and its requirements in order to offer a fully customised solution .
9) Quick administrative procedures
Administrative procedures are an important factor for clients. It is essential to have a large staff dedicated to processing each project, and which works independently from the translation team.
10) Maximum quality translation
The company must employ a team of professional translators, who are experienced and skilled in different fields. The ability to cater for all translation needs, regardless of the type of translation, from publicity texts to legal documents, is essential in order to provide an optimum and quality translation service.
Specific standards are established to certify the quality of translations. It is always advisable to choose a translation company that applies these quality standards.
AT Language Solutions complies 100% with each of these requirements with a view to offering its clients an optimum translation service.
Do you need a translation? Put your translations in the best hands.
