As a business owner, expanding to new territories will always be in the cards. Sometimes it could mean reaching out to a country that speaks a different language. This could necessitate looking for translation services. There is a high chance that it could be the first time that you’re looking for such a service. It is important that you’re doing due diligence before you make any commitment to working with the translation company. There are some key considerations you should be having in mind and we’re going to highlight some of them.
Native Speaker
The translator you intend to work with should be a native speaker of the two languages. Getting the balance right can prove to be a challenging endeavor. There will be a need for thorough research before you can make a hiring decision. A native speaker will most likely be familiar with the dialect and the meaning is not likely to be lost in translation.
Specialization
Depending on the industry that you’re in, you’ll want someone that understands the jargon so that there are no errors with the translation. If it is a law firm, you’d want to work with a translator that has the experience to transcribe legal files. There will be minimal errors and you’re assured that the person that will understand the legal jargon associated with your particular profession. Make sure to ask for references for past work so that you’re sure about the experience of the translator when it comes to specialization.
Determine Your Needs
Before you can go out to look for a translator, it is important that you’re determining your translation needs. You might have to figure out if you’ll be working with a freelancer or a translation company. If it is a complex project, it is usually recommended that you’re working with a company for purposes of accountability. There will be a project manager assigned to your work so that you can know the person to reach out to in case there is an issue.
Detail Oriented
A small mistake with the translation could make the whole document lose meaning. That is why it is crucial that you’re looking for a translator that is detailed oriented. Such a translator will not underestimate the complexity of the project and will be meticulous with the details. They understand that clients are paying for the service and will require a strong attention to detail in return.
Verify Credentials
It is crucial that you’re verifying the credentials of the translator or company. If you choose to work with a translation company, there will be a couple more factors to consider. You not only want to check the qualifications of the company but also the credentials. This could be a challenging endeavor when searching for such a company for the first time. You should make sure that the translation company has the necessary certification. A good company will ensure that there are quality control practices in place so that there are no issues with the translation work.
Rates
As much as you’d want to get quality translation services, the rates will also play an important role in the selection process. One of the easiest ways you can know what you’ll be expected to pay for the project is by asking for multiple quotes from translation companies. The fee that you’re supposed to pay will depend on a couple of factors. There are companies that will charge by the hour while others will charge based on the project. If you opt for hourly charges, make sure that there is a limit so that you’re not paying more than necessary.
Negotiate
The prices are never set on stone and you can always negotiate, especially if it is a big project. You’ll be surprised by how much you can save just because you decided to ask for a discount.
Passion for Language
Good translation doesn’t come easy. You’ll need to separate the grain from the chaff. A good company is one that has a passion for language and it will be evident in everything that they do.
Conclusion
Getting an experienced translation company will require that you’re doing your homework. You’ll not want to settle on the first provider that you come across, especially when you’ve not verified the experience and credentials. Take your time with the research process. You want to make sure that the translator you’ll be working with has specialized in the field. You can read online reviews to get an idea of the kind of services that you’ll be getting.
