How do I choose a translation agency?
Do you need a translation? One convenient way of dealing with this is to contact a translation agency, or a language company as they often call themselves. A translation agency can offer you the service you need within both common and more unusual languages, and can also help with other related tasks such as layouting and localisation.
A good working relationship between a customer and a translation agency is often based on trust and personal contact. Our experience shows that long-term cooperation brings advantages such as better quality, cost-savings and flexible working processes. As a new customer of a translation agency, it's worth thinking about providing as much background information and feedback as possible. Not only does this lead to better results when placing your first order, it also lays the foundation for a more effective way of working next time you need to order the same service.
Place demands on the translation agency
In order to achieve successful cooperation and high quality results, you need to place the right demands as a customer. Pay particular attention to the following:
- Do you receive a quick response to web enquiries, phone calls and e-mails?
- Are you offered your own customer team who knows your company and your requirements, procedures and wishes? If the same person deals with your assignments every time, they will soon get to know what exactly you want and which translators have the right expertise for your particular projects.
- Is there a project management system that improves the efficiency of the translation work and your contact with the translation agency?
- Does the agency offer terminology management tools? If your texts contain a lot of highly specific terminology, these tools will enhance the quality of the translation and save time when you place your next order.
- Are your translations delivered on time, and are they complete and in the right format?
- Can you get references and reference assignments that are relevant to your specific projects and subject areas? Many translation agencies specialise in a particular type of work, such as annual reports and finance, technical manuals or EU translations.
- Does the agency have financial stability and long-term ambitions? The language world is growing and evolving at a rapid pace, and as in all such fields less professional players will emerge. Carry out a credit check and look at the company’s website.
Top tip: Offer the language company the opportunity to include their name in printed translations. If the company is keen to do so, this suggests a sense of pride in the quality they offer.
Do you have any other useful tips? Please share them in the comments field below!