Selecting a translation agency can be difficult, especially if you are choosing one for the first time. It is essential to go with an agency that can provide quality translation services and can assure well defined processes. Here are some important things to consider when selecting a translation agency.
- Specialization
Depending on the type of translation service you need, you should consider hiring an agency instead of hiring a freelance translator. If you are thinking of hiring a freelance translator, carefully look at all the pros and cons. Maybe the freelance translator can’t do all the translations you need. An agency dedicated exclusively to translation and interpretation will surely have different types of services you may need:
Sworn translation: It is usually necessary for the signing and drafting of contracts. It is also used to translate academic records, reports, certificates, court records or wills.
Technical translation: This is associated with a specific language according to the field in which the company works. In this type of translation, you work with user manuals, tenders, engineering projects, instructions for use – all documentation that has a specific terminology.
Legal translation: A legal translation requires that the hired translator be specialized in this field. The translator must be aware of the laws and the industry recognized terms of the legal industry.
Web translation and apps: Any company that wants to expand its portfolio of clients operating abroad needs a web page or app in several languages. These types of translations or localization require a very specific skill set and advanced tools in order to carry out the tasks involved.
Medical translation: Scientific-technical translation is essential if your company is engaged in the pharma or health sector. Prospects, patents, patient support … The translation and interpretation services required by these types of companies are enormous. Empathy and extensive knowledge of terminology are the most important factors in this type of work, which should not be done by any translator, but only by those with highly specialized training.
Marketing and business translation: It is one of the most common translation services. A company generates marketing and communication materials, such as presentations, press releases, catalogs, brochures that must be translated into the language of the place where the company has its customers, partners or suppliers.
- Experience of the translation agency
It is important to check if the translation agency caters to any specific target audience. It will be a good idea to go with a translation company that comes with relevant experience and is well versed in your industry sector. Asking for case studies and client testimonials is a good way to establish credibility.
- Professionalism
It is important to check the reputation of a translation company before outsourcing any work to them. Take a look at their social networks, look for customer opinions, check which clients they have worked with and make sure that their team consists of professional translators.
- Rates and prices
Beware of everything that is excessively cheap, quality comes at a price!
- Deadlines
Keep in mind that good translations take time. It is best to opt for companies with realistic deadlines and that respond seriously and rigorously to your needs.
- Use of Translation Memory (TM) Tools
A translation company that combines human linguists with TM tools can bring in cost efficiency, speed up the workflow and avoid redundant work.
- Confidentiality
Sometimes companies need to translate documentation of a confidential nature, which is why the agency you hire to do the job must give you guarantees and offer you the possibility of signing a confidentiality agreement.
It is also a good idea to inquire about the steps a translation company undertakes in order to maintain the confidentiality of your documents
It is important to do thorough research about the capabilities of a translation company that comes into your radar and evaluate if it’s worth working with or not. Following these 7 steps should provide your company with the key factors to look into while developing a request for proposal.
