There can be various reasons for needing to hire a specialist document translation company. You may have identified a new business opportunity in a foreign country, or you may be looking to expand into a foreign market, or you may have gained a new client wanting to import your products or services into a foreign market.
Targeting potential clients and distributing your product or service in foreign countries generally requires an element of document translation, from labels and packaging, to marketing literature and technical manuals.
There is an abundance of document translation companies to choose from, but choosing the right company for needs is vital in ensuring success. So what should you take into account when choosing a translation company?Localisation
Documents cannot be simply translated word for word using machine translation. A professional service requires professional mother-tongue translators who have the knowledge and experience to be able to take into consideration localisation factors such as social, cultural, political, emotional, and historical influences. Use of a CAT Tool (Computer Aided Translation tool) alongside Human translation is a must for initial savings and consistency within your translation, but also for cost saving for future publications too.
The right translation company will have a proven network of highly experienced mother-tongue translators, who are specialists within their field and can observe cultural convention and the linguistic trends of the target audience and market.
Specialist sector knowledge
If you have a specialist document which uses industry terminology, it is important to choose a company who is familiar with the industry and market to ensure they understand the meanings of specific words, phrases and terms to guarantee accurate translation. For example, if you require a website to be translated, the translation company must understand the foreign market conditions for website marketing and have knowledge of writing website text for that particular industry.
Guarantees and service standards
A good translation company is able to agree realistic time schedules and guarantees to fit with your objectives and its work processes without compromising quality. It should also offer after sales support and feedback.
Its processes should be clear, structured and be flexible to accommodate specific requests and changes relatively easily. The translation company should also have strict quality control processes and guidelines to ensure continuity.
Communication plays a crucial role in ensuring project goals are met. Choose a translation company that will provide you with a dedicated project manager to give you a single point of contact to ensure you are updated at each stage and that your project is completed in time and in budget.
Experience and recommendations
The more relevant translation experience the company has the better. Experience is a very important factor and choosing an established company who has developed long-term relationships with clients will help demonstrated their expertise. A good translation company will be able to provide testimonials and specific client reference details for you to contact.
Desktop publishing
It is important to choose a translation company who has an in-house desktop publishing department that can supply Brochures and Manuals tailor made for your Company, in a variety of formats to match your specific requirements in the most cost efficient way.
Again here the use of a CAT Tool is highly advantageous making short work of desktop publishing work.
Confidentiality
An essential consideration when choosing a translation company is confidentiality and trust. If your document contains confidential, personal, or sensitive information, you should ensure the company has adequate systems for power backup and secure data storage.
Quality and price
Choose a translation company that has a commitment to fair and reasonable pricing where everything is included in an itemised quotation. Be aware of translation companies that offer proof reading or other accompanying services as extras.
A good translation company will be able to provide a no obligation and free quotation detailing precisely what is included for the price. Obtaining two or three quotations will allow you to compare companies and make a more of an informed decision.
