When receiving a translation project from a new client, successful implementation of the project requires a professional and detailed workflow. This not only helps ensure translation quality but also contributes to building trust and long-term relationships with customers. Below are the steps to take to effectively launch a translation project for a new client.
How to reduce translation costs?
To optimally reduce translation costs, you need:
- Translators often prefer to work with editable documents. So they may charge an extra fee if you send them non-editable files such as scanned images or PDFs.
- Be realistic about deadlines for your files. If you are unsure of how to estimate your translation deadline, check out this post.
- If you need a lot of documents to translate, allocate several thousand words at once. In other words, you should avoid submitting some small pear projects. The higher the quantity you request, the more discounts the translator can apply.
Special consideration
Factors that can be considered include:
- For website translation, you need to specify the language in which you will translate.
- Some translators will require payment in advance, especially for the first time. If you are not satisfied with the prepayment, you can negotiate a 50% down payment and pay the rest on delivery.
- Always sign a contract stating the terms and conditions of service.
- If you work with confidential information, ask your translators to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Also, check to see if they are part of an organization like an ICO.
- Some legal documents may require attestation as well as translation. Therefore, we recommend that you check first as not all translators can attest the translation. In the UK, CIOL members (like us!) are authorized to certify translations.
- You will be better off hiring a translator who will work with their native language.
How to speed up the process
You will help speed up the process if you send your translator a glossary, past translations or any other references.
Always be available or designate a contact person to answer any questions the translator may have. They may want to ask you about your preferences. The quicker they get an answer from you, the quicker the project will be completed.
Frequently asked questions
1. How to choose a reputable translation company?
To choose a reputable translation company, you should consider factors such as experience, expertise, previous customer reviews, and quality certifications (e.g. ISO 9001, EN 15038). You can also consult with partners, friends, or search on specialized forums.
2. Can I request a trial translation before deciding to hire the service?
Most translation companies will offer a free trial translation of a short paragraph (about 200-300 words). This helps you evaluate translation quality and decide whether to cooperate long-term or not.
3. How to ensure translation quality?
To ensure translation quality, you should provide the translator with references, specialized terminology, and specific context. Also, ask for quality assurance processes such as proofreading, proofreading, and cross-checking.
4. Can information security be requested during the translation process?
Of course, you can absolutely ask the translator or translation company to sign a confidentiality agreement (NDA). Most professional service providers are ready to meet this requirement.
5. How are translation costs calculated?
Translation costs are usually calculated by number of words, number of pages, or number of man-hours. The specific price depends on the language, field of expertise, difficulty of the document, and completion time. According to a survey by the American Translation Association (ATA), the average price for English-Vietnamese translation is 0,12-0,18 USD/word. You can consult Translation quote based on number of words, pages, and working hours Latest updated today.
6. What should you prepare before starting a translation project?
Before starting your project, you should prepare all source documents, references, terminology guides, style, and formatting requirements. You should also agree with the translator on the schedule, communication method, and payment method.
7. How to save translation costs while still ensuring quality?
To save costs, you can prepare original documents that are clear and concise, avoiding repetition of content. In addition, ordering in large quantities, with reasonable deadlines, and paying on time also helps you receive more preferential prices.
8. Can I request urgent translation in case of need?
Most translation companies offer urgent services at a higher fee (usually 30-50%). However, you should consider carefully and only use this service when absolutely necessary, because rushing can affect the quality of the translation.
9. How to complain if not satisfied with the quality of the translation?
If you are not satisfied with the quality of the translation, please notify the translator or translation company first and clearly state the unsatisfactory points. A professional service provider will receive feedback and edit the translation according to your requirements.
10. Is it possible to receive support after the translation?
Many translation companies offer post-translation support, such as answering questions, making minor edits, or updating content. You should discuss and agree on the scope of this support from the beginning to avoid misunderstandings and ensure satisfaction for both parties.
Nguyen Trung Khang - Talented interpreter and translator, passionate about translation
Nguyen Trung Khang is a talented interpreter and translator, with many years of experience in the field of translation and linguistics. He graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, majoring in Linguistics in 2015.
After graduating, Mr. Khang participated in a professional interpretation and interpretation training course at the University of Foreign Languages - Hanoi National University. He achieved a high-level certificate in interpreting and interpreting, and was also awarded a master's degree in linguistics.