The number of translation agencies and freelancers is growing daily. A simple search on Google for "translation companies" gives more than 13 million hits! So you need a way to choose the best company at the best price to give you a quality translation.
Ten essentials you must take into consideration when selecting someone to translate your documents.
They must be native speakers of the target language - this is absolutely essential for quality translations.
Proof reading of the final document must be done by a second (or even third) equally competent and professional translator. For long translations and particularly if you have a short deadline, you will find that the best agencies will use a number of professionals to complete your translation.
How experienced are the translators in the company? They should have experience not only of translation into your required language, but also knowledge of the subject matter.
Is the agency (or individual) a member of a professional translation association (e.g. the ATA - American Translation Association, the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators, the Institute of Translation & Interpreting or other similar body.
What references can the agency (or individual translator) offer for successful translation projects - particularly for translations relating to the area you require?
Are deadlines a problem? Can the agency deliver your document professionally complete within your schedule?
How is the pricing computed? Is it by number of words, pages, sentences or other system? Most often price is calculated based a standard page. You will find, however, that you will get a better price if the cost of the translation is based on the number of words in the source text, particularly since a standard page is rarely found and can vary from 1,200 to 1,800 keystrokes or more depending upon the agency!
How competitive is the price? Remember to take into account that if you require urgent delivery the price will be higher. Prices will also differ depending upon the source and target languages.
Does the translation agency or translator have an efficient project management system to ensure quality control, accurate billing and ontime delivery?
And finally, will the translation be provided in the identical format as the original source text - thereby minimising your need to reformat. The better translation agencies will also offer a system allowing a client's server to "order" translations directly into the translation company's system with no email, copy/paste, etc. This is very useful for companies that use content management systems to manage dynamic text for special offers, etc. The person who types in the special offer can order translations on the spot with just a click, and the CMS sends the order. The web page is then updated automatically with the translation.
As a professional translator for many years, Kaeli knows the pitfalls in commissioning professional, quality translations. For immediate quotes for professional translations with over 1,000 language combinations visit http://translation-services.omniglossia.com
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