In a globalized world, the need for translation services has become essential for businesses, professionals, and individuals. Whether it is translating legal, technical, commercial, or literary documents, having a reliable translation agency can make the difference between success and confusion. Before hiring a translation agency, it is essential to know certain key aspects to ensure that the service provided achieves the expected standards of quality and professionalism.
What is a translation agency?
A translation agency is a company specialized in converting texts from one language to another, ensuring content accuracy and the necessary cultural adaptation for the message to be understood in the target language. These agencies have professional translators, proofreaders, and experts in various fields of knowledge to guarantee a precise and high-quality translation.
Key factors to consider before hiring a translation agency
1. Experience and specialisation
Before hiring a translation agency, it is important to know its experience in the industry. Not all agencies handle the same types of documents or sectors. Some specialize in legal translations, others in technical or scientific content, while others may focus on creative and literary translations. It is advisable to choose an agency with experience in the specific industry to which the content to be translated belongs.
2. Qualification of translators
It is not enough for translators to be bilingual; they must also be professionals with certifications and experience in the field of translation. A good translator not only masters the source and target languages but also has knowledge of the relevant technical and cultural terminology.
It is advisable to check whether the agency works with the native speakers of the target language, as this can significantly improve the quality of the translation.
3. Certifications and quality standards
Renowned translation agencies often hold certifications that validate the quality of their work. Some of the most recognized ones include:
- ISO 17100: Certification that guarantees the quality of translation services.
- ASTM F2575 Standards: Guidelines for translation quality in the U.S.
- Professional association certifications: Such as ATA (American Translators Association) or FIT (Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs).
If an agency has any of these certifications, it is a sign that it follows quality standards in its translation processes.
4. Delivery deadlines
Punctuality in delivery is crucial, especially if the translation is for legal, commercial or technical documents that require specific delivery dates. Before hiring an agency, it is advisable to ask about delivery times and whether they offer urgent services if needed.
It is also important to ensure that the delivery deadline does not compromise the quality of the work.
5. Review process and quality control
A good translation agency not only focuses on converting the text from one language to another but also implements a rigorous review and quality control process. This process normally includes:
- Review by a second translator or editor.
- Style and grammar correction.
- Terminology consistency check.
Ensuring that the agency follows these steps can avoid costly mistakes or misunderstandings in the final translation.
6. Use of technology in translation
Many agencies use computer-assisted translation tools (CAT tools) such as SDL Trados, MemoQ, or Wordfast. These tools help maintain consistency in terminology and can reduce costs for clients with large volumes of text. However, it is essential to differentiate between assisted translation and machine translation, as the latter can compromise the quality of the result if not correctly reviewed.
7. Prices and payment methods
Translation prices can change depending on the language, text complexity, word volume, and the emergency of the service. It is advisable to request a detailed quote before hiring, checking whether the price is charged per word, per page, or per hour of work. Moreover, it is necessary to consider if there are extra costs for review, certification, or document formatting.
8. Confidentiality and information security
Many documents that require translation contain sensitive or confidential information. It is indispensable that the agency ensures the security and privacy of the data through confidentiality agreements and appropriate protective measures.
9. Customer service
A good agency should provide smooth communication with its clients, attending to questions, requests, and modifications to the translation when necessary. Responsiveness and a willingness to solve problems can make a difference in customer satisfaction.
Common mistakes when hiring a translation agency
- Choose only for the lowest price: An excessively low cost may indicate poor quality. It also may indicate machine translation without proofreading, or a lack of specialized professionals.
- Do not specifying the purpose of the translation: It is essential to specify whether the document is for internal, legal, commercial or technical use. This affects the level of accuracy required.
- Not requesting samples or references: Before hiring, it is helpful to review the agency’s previous work or ask for references from other clients.
- Not verifying experience in the target language: Not all translators are experts in every language combination, so it is advisable to ensure that the translator is fluent in the target language.
Conclusion
Hiring a translation agency is an important decision that can impact the communication and reputation of a business or professional. Evaluating the experience, certifications, review process, delivery timelines, and information security is key to ensuring high-quality translation. By following these tips, you can choose an agency that meets your expectations and linguistic needs without compromising the accuracy or consistency of the translated message.
