Como escolher uma agência de tradução confiável para o seu projeto?

I remember a project where we had to localize content for a new market. We initially focused on communicating with the sales team and the company's owner. However, we soon realized that establishing a direct line of communication with the project manager was key. This individual was our main point of contact on a daily basis, handling our files and ensuring our project requirements were met. By building a relationship with them early on, we were able to navigate through the complexities of the project more smoothly and efficiently. It's a testament to the importance of connecting with those who are directly involved in the execution of your project.

Yes, before working with a translation agency, it's important to clearly communicate your needs and expectations. At LEXIGO however, we encourage clients to do this as early as possible, even before the source content is created (if possible). This approach helps to establish specific translation goals from the beginning, ensuring that the source content and translations are well aligned in terms of objectives, tone and themes. It can also help provide new insights and perspectives, leading to a more impactful final project.

8. Consider using a freelance translator instead of an agency. Most agencies outsource their jobs to freelancers anyway. This way, you save yourself time and resources. You are in direct contact with the person who actually works on your project. Unless you need your message translated into several languages at once, I don't see why involving a third party would make any sense here.

Well, in order to see if someone is reliable, it takes time and effort to find out. This goes for private life, as well as for business, but an exorbitantly low price offer should always have your alarm bells ringing. If somebody offers something too good to be true, it probably will be. As a wise man once said: "The bitterness of low quality remains long after the sweetness of low price has vanished".

Pick one that speaks the target language. This is key. Actually, run from agencies that don't speak the target language. Not reliable most of the times.

Don't be misled by certificates and memberships. Some associations accept any agency as long as they pay membership fees. ISO certificates don't guarantee quality. E.g. ISO17100 allows a translation agency to use a translator who has just graduated and has no professional translation experience.

There was this project where we needed specialized legal translation services. We shortlisted several agencies and delved into their credentials and past work. We specifically looked for agencies with a strong track record in legal translations. We asked for samples of their previous work and references from other clients in the legal sector. Also, we checked for certifications and memberships in professional translation associations. This thorough vetting process ensured that we partnered with an LSP that had the requisite expertise and experience, leading to a successful project outcome. Never underestimate your due diligence.

Do not place too much confidence in translator certifications. Many of the best translators have no certification, and many iffy translators are certified. As an agency owner once told me, "The only difference between an uncertified translator and a certified one is the swagger." Also be aware that there are hundreds of languages for which no certification exists, and you have to judge by the translator's track record. As for certifying actual translations, many countries, including the United States, have no official mechanism for certifying translations. However, many agencies will lie and tell you it's possible.

It depends on the information you have on the agency, sometimes you have to dig your experience by working with an agency first then you will discover the trouble you pass through in accomplishing their project.

Au-delà de comparer un prix total, c'est bien la base de calcul qui doit être évaluée : parle-t-on du même service (traduction et non postédition), du même nombre de mots, une restitution avec ou sans mise en page ? Souvent ces informations entre les lignes sont méconnues par le client alors que ce sont elles qui permettent de fixer le prix.

When comparing offers from different translation agencies, it's crucial to pay close attention to detail and not just focus on the price. Evaluate how quickly and professionally they respond to your inquiries, as this reflects their customer service quality. Ensure they have a clear understanding of your project's specific needs. Scrutinize their proposed timelines to confirm they are realistic and align with your deadlines. Look for transparency in their contract, ensuring all terms, conditions, and deliverables are clearly outlined. A comprehensive and clear proposal is often a good indicator of the agency's professionalism and reliability. Bottom line: balance cost with the value they provide to make an informed decision.

Ignore the word "fair" when judging rates, because what may seem "fair" to the client might be very unfair to the translator. Check the translator forums online to see if the company you're working with is a rate squeezer, and remember there is a living organism on the other end of the whole thing that needs to be kept alive.

When comparing translation services, it's important to ensure that you're comparing similar service levels. This means that the quote you receive should reflect the exact service you need. There are different service levels available, ranging from pure machine translation to human translators with varying degrees of experience or even bilingual individuals without formal translation training. At LEXIGO, we offer a wide range of services that cover everything from pure machine translation to pure human translation, and everything in between. To make an informed and fair comparison, it's important to understand who will be handling your content and the approach being employed at the service level you're being quoted.

When comparing offers, see if the agency asks questions and tries to understand you, your brand and your needs. Does the agency offer several options? Does it say how you can save? Does the offer mention specific steps that will be used to ensure quality?

When considering a translation agency for a significant project, it's wise to first assess their capabilities through a smaller task. Request a sample translation to vet their attention to detail, grasp of the subject matter, and adherence to your preferred tone and style. You can also pose hypothetical situations or specific challenges related to your project, and evaluate their approach and solutions. This not only tests their problem-solving skills but also provides insight into their communication and project management abilities.

It is always worth checking if they are ISO-certified. Specifically, ISO 17100 certification is relevant for translation processes in general, while ISO 20771 is particularly crucial for legal translations. These certifications are not just formalities; they represent a commitment to maintaining certain standards in translation quality and process management. Furthermore, pay close attention to the letters of reference they provide. The most valuable recommendations often come from corporate, institutional, and public clients. Such endorsements are more than just testimonials; they are evidence of the agency's ability to handle complex, nuanced projects with professionalism and precision.

Starting with a smaller project allows you to assess the fit between your organization and the LSP, as well as understand how your budget aligns with their services. This approach helps you gauge their capabilities and service quality before committing to larger projects.

You should consider keeping an eye out for way too frequent recruitment campaigns because it could be a sign that the agency can't retain freelancers. But don't just take it for granted, there sure could be other valid reasons. Maybe bring it up as a concern in the best possible way. An agency is only as proficient as its freelance translators and project managers.

If you can't check a test translation yourself/in your company, it would be a good idea to send it to 2 or 3 different agencies for a check. To avoid "over-editing" and bias on their end, you may say it's a one-time task and you are not looking for any new vendors.

As a client, you may not be proficient in the translation field, and the agency are the professionals. Choose an agency interested in building a relationship. You may not be able to define your needs, as you may not know of some necessary steps. You may have unrealistic expectations or come up with impracticable instructions. - Opt for a partner who, instead of agreeing to anything you propose, suggests improvements, provides advice, and guides you through the process. - Choose a partner who aims to keep you happy through a great result, rather than blindly obeying your instructions. Remember, if you didn't need expertise, you wouldn't require intermediaries. But since you are using one, ensure they know what they're doing.

Over time, a long-term partnership with you LSP cultivates a deep understanding of your specific requirements, including your company's policies and any industry-specific terminology. This familiarity allows the LSP and its project managers to better align with your guidelines and utilize your linguistic assets effectively. Long-term collaboration means having a reliable partner and a team of PMs who are already well-versed in your requirements. This familiarity reduces the need for repetitive instructions and extensive briefings for each new project. It ensures a smoother, more efficient translation process as your LSP becomes an extension of your team, deeply integrated and attuned to your business's linguistic and cultural nuances.

There are many general best practices and tried&tested metrics, but translation, as any business process, must be adjusted to your needs and expectations. When you hire an external company for cost optimisation, you expect to see financial results. When you hire an external HR partner, you expect to get excellent employees. What are your expectations when you hire a translation agency? According to Jeff Beatty (Head of Globalization in Disney), "Translation is a revenue enabler, not a revenue generator". So, think twice about what you expect and then design your measures of success with care!

Consider these additional factors when seeking a translation agency: Technological Compatibility: Ensure the agency can handle your file formats and integrate with your CMS or TMS. Quality Assurance Mechanisms: Look for structured quality assurance processes, enhanced by tools like translation memory. Cultural Competency: Opt for agencies with a grasp on cultural nuances to ensure translations resonate well with your audience. Specialized Expertise: Agencies proficient in your sector can aptly navigate terminological and regulatory intricacies. Scalability and Flexibility: Choose agencies that can adapt to evolving translation needs, fostering sustained collaboration.

Unfortunately, some agencies fake their memberships and ISO certificates on their websites. Please always check if they are genuine and not expired on the association's/certification body's website.