Globalization has made the world smaller and more dynamic. It has also given rise to new businesses and services. One business solution that is currently in big demand is translation services. The burgeoning demand for it has given rise to countless companies all over the world that offer this type of service, as well as related services like localization, editing, and proofing, among others. However, finding the right company to handle all your translation requirements can be discouraging. How do you find the right company that would suit all your translation needs? Here are some tips you should consider –
Where to Begin Your Search?
There are basically three main avenues open to you. The first, and probably the easiest, way to look for a translation company is via search engines. Google and Yahoo can immediately provide you with thousands of listings and information about translation service companies. Plus, you can easily narrow down your search, in case you have certain special requirements. For instance, you can limit your selection and choose “translation service Japan” or “French translations.” The results you get from search engines will also be divided into two types, paid (with advertisements) and organic (non-advertised). Both have their own pros and cons. Remember that for organic listings to appear prominently in search engines means that they are vital sites for translators and translation service companies while paid listings are companies that need clients.
Another place to search for companies to serve your translation needs is the local Yellow Pages’ business directory. Check out “translation” or “interpreters and translators.” Lastly, personal recommendations from friends, family and colleagues sometimes yield the best results.
How to Contact Your Choice?
Once you have gone and narrowed down your list of translation service you want to talk to, you should be ready with whatever information that the company would need, in order for them to give you the right pricing. Any company worth its salt will ask for information like what languages they will be translating the documents into, how long the document is, what kind of document it is, format and deadline. Giving very clear answers and other details will aid the company in coming up with the appropriate pricing, but there might be instances when the company would require to see the document. This is because there are certain situations that can affect their pricing, like the format, the image quality and even how technical or detailed the document is. So, make sure your document is already in a format that can be faxed or emailed.
Do not be surprised or put-off when the agent you are speaking to asks a lot of questions. Professional and reliable translation service providers will only ask questions that are vital in determining how well they will understand your requirements. Of course, this means that you have to be thorough and clear with your explanations. However, the purpose of these questions is also for you to gauge their capabilities and ability to fully understand their clients.
There are no set rules when it comes to deciding which translation service company to choose. Most of the time, the cost and how fast they can finish the document are prime considerations. However, it is also best to consider a company that seems to understand your requirements.
