If you have an important document to translate, don't leave the quality of translation up to chance. For the small cost of hiring a professional translator, you can expect a top quality translation from a bilingual translator. Knowing where to look for a good value translation service helps.
If you have an important document to translate, don't leave the quality of translation up to chance. For the small cost of hiring a professional translator, you can expect a top quality translation from a bilingual translator. Knowing where to look for a good value translation service helps.
1. For many people, the Internet is a good first port of call.
The information superhighway (as it is occasionally called) is a great way to contact translators from around the world. There are directory sites where individual translators can list their contact details under headings such as "translation service for German" along with some information and an idea of pricing. These sites generally make their money by charging translators for listings.
2. The second type of website that you may come across is one belonging to an individual translator.
Normally, a translator will be fluent in two or three languages and so, for example, may advertise Spanish translations and Italian translations on his or her site. If you have a need for repeated translations in the same language, finding an individual translator and developing a relationship is a great way to approach the matter. One difficulty with using a sole translator is that workflow can be an issue and there is always the possibility that the translator will be on holiday when you need work done. While they will almost always be happy to refer you to another translator, there are some documents which need to be translated without delay.
3. A third type of website exists and is usually the most useful if you are looking for quick, excellent value translation.
Translation agencies have numerous translators on their books and are able to offer a wider range of services than an individual translator. A good agency will have translators who specialize in legal translations, technical translations and informal translations to and from various languages. If you are looking for Chinese translations or quotes for Japanese translation, there are agencies which specialize in the Oriental languages.
4. It is worth shopping around if you are looking for quotes as prices can vary greatly.
The flipside of this coin is that quality of translation and service can also vary. If you do not have a personal recommendation to go on, choosing a translator can be a risky business and, time permitting, you shouldn't be afraid to ask for references from existing or previous clients.