You COULD just close your eyes and dip…
- Does the translator really “get” you? Do they genuinely understand what you need, and what for? Do they ask intelligent questions? If they don’t, things won’t end well. Look for history, and look for expertise. Look for a smart, helpful website rich in advice and specialist information relevant to YOUR requirements, sector and language.
- Can you trust what they say? Words are cheap, so ask detailed and challenging questions. If they claim to specialise in environmental for example, can they cite experience? Most can’t name clients for confidentiality reasons, but they should be able to describe projects and their particular expertise.
- Are they real translators? May seem an odd question, but hundreds of “language services” have sprung up in China and India (and even in Europe) leveraging machine translation like Google Translate so unless you can QA translation in-house it’s safest to leave sourcing to a provider with the skillset to filter out the dross. And there is a LOT of dross.
- Where are they? Google Maps is your friend here – because would a “leading language provider” really be in a backstreet terrace? Google Maps’ amazing Street View lets you check them out. Beware PO Boxes as well – what are they ashamed to show you?.
- Are they competent to do your project? Did you know you need ZERO qualifications to open a “translation agency”? You do now! If you want to find a translator on the web, look for an “About Us” page full of professional language and sector qualifications and experience. It’s worth looking too for BS ISO 17100 certification too, although – like any Standard – it’s far from sufficient in itself.
OK – this “find a translator” advice is useful, keep going…
Thanks! Always remember, when you hire a translation provider you’re hiring a skilled professional – just like a tradesperson, designer, or architect. So if you’re looking to find a translator, put in at least as much effort as you would for that! Of course cost is a factor, but the RIGHT skills and experience to ensure you get what YOU need is what really matters.
Most professional and government tenders weight “price” at just 15%. They understand that language provider selection relies on many far more important factors, and that you get what you pay for.
Here’s what WE look for to find a translator:
- Experienced. We’ve been a quality provider 30 years – that’s exceptional, but look for at least 5.
- Honest. If we say we’ll do something, we do it. We’d look for the same reputation – reviews are a good start.
- Professional. We ONLY use professionally-qualified, experienced mother-tongue linguists, and demand the same. Request CVs if in doubt.
- Helpfulness. Our team are hand-picked helpful friendly people; we’d look for the same. And if they hide behind portals and automated “chat”, avoid!
- Trust. We retain the best linguists for your stuff by looking after them. You’d be surprised how rare that is.
- No hassle. Once a quote is given, that should be it. Any more than one or two follow-ups indicates a provider keener on sales than on service.
- Capability. While few offer our range of services, we will always look for proven capability in what IS offered. Do the same!
- Recommendation. We get great reviews and would look for the same.
- History. We’ve delivered over 50,000 projects – that’s exceptional, but ask how many projects they have delivered. 500 should be the minimum.
- Security. Total confidentiality, secure systems, and trusted staff is essential. Obviously. Look for something like this.
We can’t guarantee that by following these guidelines to find a translator, you’ll find the right one first time. But you will be in with a much better chance of doing so.
We’re always happy to assist – just ask a question and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can, or to chat over call our friendly helpful team on UK Freefone 0800 783 4678 (Intnl 0044 1772 558858).