As with any other consumer decision, some time and effort must be put into finding the best document translation service provider to fit your needs. There are a wide range of services and providers available, so how do you know if you’ve found a good match?
1. Review Services Offered and Compare to Your Needs
First and foremost, check your original document and identify the specific services your translation job will require. Do you need a short story translated for a new audience? Or, are you looking to have a contract or other legal document translated for use in another country? These jobs, among others, have vastly different requirements and need translators with different specialties. To find the best translation service provider for your needs, you must first have a very clear picture of what you need and what your desired final product is.
2. Check for Specific Languages Offered and Regional Dialect Specialties
Again, keep your final product in mind. What is your target language? Who is your target audience? Be mindful of any regional dialect or cultural specifics that a translator needs to keep in mind. Identify the original language of your document and the desired language for your final product. Find a translation service provider who has language specialists in both languages to ensure the best and most accurate final product.
3. Check for a portfolio of other work samples
Most writers, artists, and other service providers offer a portfolio of completed work to allow potential customers to see a sample of previous jobs completed. Look for, or ask, to see samples of similar work already completed by any services providers you are considering. Does the quality match what you are expecting? Is there a broad portfolio for you to look at? Have you been able to review a document in your desired language? If a provider has project samples readily available in your desired language, you are likely in good hands.
4. Look for An Outline of How the Process Works
A professional document translation service should have information readily available about how their services work. Check to ensure that a team of language specialists is available to read and reread your project. Find out exactly what they need from your source document to get started on a project. Ensure that multiple pairs of eyes verify it for quality and accuracy. Ask how long the process takes to ensure it meets any deadlines you may have. A good service provider should be able to outline every detail of the process for you so you know exactly what to expect.
5. Read Reviews and Testimonials
Some of the most useful information will likely come from previous clients. A good service provider may even have a list of major clients or projects they have contributed to readily available on their website. Check for an area with written reviews or testimonials. Happy clients keep good businesses thriving, so a quality service provider should be eager to share positive feedback with potential new clients.
Choosing the best document translation service provider can seem like a daunting task, but following these steps can simply the process. Always keep the heart of your project and your final audience in mind, and use this guide to find the most qualified service provider. Contact our team for more information today!