Translation Companies - Translation Company

Like choosing any business partner, choosing a translation company is a job that requires time and some thorough research. The internet is of course the place to start.

7 Not so obvious questions to ask your potential translation company

  1. Are you members of any professional associations?
    This demonstrates that the firm is committed to keeping up with the latest technologies and affords their staff the necessary professional development opportunities.
  2. What language skills do you have in-house?
    A firm should have the languages you require in-house at least at the project management level.
  3. Do you have a documented Process including QA?
    It doesn't have to be ISO, but it does need to be proven, documented and utilized?
  4. Can we interview our potential project manager and see his/her credentials?
    The answer should be yes and yes.
  5. How is the company financed?
    "Backed" is not necessarily "better"... Many firms that have gone through venture financing are in very precarious situations. Their investors can pull the plug on them, their debt service requires higher pricing, and they are trying to provide their services with too few or inexperienced people.
  6. Who is your management team?
    Do the company's principals understand the services they provide? Have they been project managers, translators, website designer and developers?
  7. What do you want to know about us?
    A translation company should understand your industry and certainly should ask a multitude of questions about your company before trying to engage. Example questions such as "what you are trying to accomplish by translating materials, websites, etc?" and "what are your current processes for authoring and translating your content?"