HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TRANSLATION/LOCALIZATION EXPERT?
August 1st, 2018, jsquad
The role of a Translator is very important in Translation/Localization. The mistakes done by experienced translators would be very less, compared to the translators who are new to Translation/Localization. Hiring experienced translators not only saves time but also gets you long term value for the rate you pay them.
Case Study: There was an instance, where Translation/Localization was done by inexperienced translators for a CHEAP RATE and it ended up client being upset by the result. The proof readers rejected the file citing there are too many errors and insisted for the whole file to be redone again. It eventually resulted in increasing the time line for the project as well it ended up doubling the cost. This scenario tells you CHEAP IS EXPENSIVE IN LONGER RUN.
Why do Experienced Translators, not willing to cut down their cost?
It’s simple because they are IN DEMAND. Why they would be willing to work for a lower rate when they have other clients willing to pay them the rates they demand. The only scenario where they accept lower rate is when the project has BIG VOLUME. It makes sense right.
If somebody tells you that they will get it done at a lower rate, then it surely means they would use newbies or inexperienced translators. And then you face quality issues like the Case Study.
Myth: Our Translators are tested with a short quality test before enrolling in our database. They are equivalent to any experienced translators. That is how we keep our costs low – Some Translation/Localization Companies.
You cannot evaluate a translator with just a short quality test. The requirements in the actual Translation/Localization project are 100 times more than a short quality test. There have been many scenarios, where translators made 10/10 in the short quality test but messed up the actual project. So, you cannot take chance with translators, with no experience, and make them do big volume projects. It would be a RISK of RISKS.
Coming to, how you find the best expert for your Translation/Localization requirements?
The answer is only through Translation/Localization Companies, because of the following facts-
1. They know which translators would fit the requirement and who did well in their last similar projects.
2. They have project managers who have good experience with foresight of knowing what could go wrong and plan better for any eventualities.
3. They have an experienced DTP/Graphic Design team, who do not miss in extracting any text required for translation. They also ensure the formatting of the translation and design is intact as per source before delivery.
4. They have a quality team which strives to ensure zero quality issues.
5. Last not least, reliability on Systems to speed up the process and productivity with minimal zero issues.
Now you have decided to give your requirement to a Translation/Localization company.
How to zero in on the right Translation/Localization Partner?
1. Most of the tried and tested translators, work for almost all the competitors in the Translation/Localization Industry. Whether you get a quote from a 10 years experienced Translation/Localization company or a 3 years old Translation/Localization company, quality and delivery will be the same, but the quote will differ.
2. Check the similar projects done by the Translation/Localization partner. If they have done it before, then they know how to do it again.
3. More the experience of the Translation/Localization Company, more the rate you pay for their service.
4. Last not Least, choose the Quote which is not too Cheap and not too Costly. Choose somewhere in the middle.
Hope it helps now for you to decide.
About the Author:
The Author is a Translation/Localization Expert, currently works for JSQUAD LANGUAGE SERVICES and has vast experience in delivering Translation/Localization projects for Mind Tree, Unilever, Mercedes Benz, HCL, Sorento, Capillary Technologies, Liv Ai, Live Tree, Mylan, Blue Jeans, Boston Consulting Group, Global Delight, and many more.
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