Choosing the ideal Johannesburg translation services provider can be a little tricky with so many options available in the internet, all claiming to offer professional translation services. So how can one choose the best translation company to work with? You need to make sure that the service provider carefully coordinates every professional translation project so that the final output meets every one of your objectives. This requires an in-depth analysis of several key important elements about the Johannesburg translation services provider you opt for, but how do you know where to begin in making this determination?
In this article, we put together 5 factors that will help you identify the most professional Johannesburg translation services provider to make navigating this incredibly large industry much easier.
1. Customer Service
In terms of service, choose a provider that will give you one point of contact, for example, a project manager, who will discuss what you need and the only person you will talk to while your translation project is underway so that you can collaborate. The contact could be by email or by phone. Clear and open communication is essential, so if the Johannesburg translation services provider only wants to get your project without any connection, look for another one.
It is vital to find a translation service provider that is willing to communicate with clients in plain English. Do not be taken in by their industry terminology. Look for a company that makes you understand the service and discuss your requirements, and what you need to know in a language that you can easily understand.
Service is not only about presenting you with the translated version of your content. Service includes adapting to the deadlines set by the customer, their fast turnaround, and handling your project and others simultaneously, with equal amounts of consistency and professionalism. This means that the company should have the resources and the staff to handle all clients efficiently, including tools that make their work consistent and accurate.
2. Online Trust
Evidently, experience is a crucial element that you must care about while making your choice. In this age and time, customers review businesses services online daily and in the sincerest manner. Online review sites help customers make the right decision about who to trust. A Johannesburg translation services provider worth its salt will have a social proof as to how their services go. This could range from reviews on Google to comments on independent websites like Hellopeter. Likewise, you can ask them for references from their clients which they should not be unwilling to share with you.
However, only positive reviews suggest a lack of authenticity and review platforms that allow businesses to have neutral and some negatives reviews is one that should be trusted
3. Human translation VS machine translation:
What methods does the Johannesburg translation services provider use? Most translation agencies offer both CAT (computer-assisted translation) and traditional manual translation carried out completely by flesh and blood humans.
The advantages of CAT are obvious — you can get your translation back to you in far less time than if a human were working on it. This is especially helpful if you have a huge amount of material and a fast approaching deadline. And, because there’s no human involved, the cost is going to be easier on the pocketbook.
But despite these advances, CAT often struggles if it’s given anything other than straightforward, literal writing. It will fail to pick up on any kind of nuance, metaphor, or (especially) humor.
If you want your translation to maintain a certain culturally specific tone, ensure that your translation services provider offers a combination of CAT tools and human proofreading. Of, better still, that the bulk of the work will be carried out without the help of machines
4. Pricing
Pricing is one of the fundamental factors on which your choice for the suitable Johannesburg translation services provider will be built. You must choose the translation provider who will suit your budget. Thus, for sure their rates must be put in your mind before choosing. You pay the right price for the type of service you expect, and it applies to translation services as well. While it will be openly dubious if you receive a very low quote for your project, you should not be paying too much as well.
5. Confidentiality
Depending on the project you need to be translated, confidentiality may be the most important factor when looking for a translation services provider.
At the bare minimum, you’ll want a Johannesburg translation services provider that requires every one of its employees to sign a wide-ranging non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or the equivalent. Don’t make the mistake of avoiding a translation services provider altogether because your project contains sensitive material. Google translate is nowhere close to providing a secure environment, especially in the case of legal documents. Moreover, one tiny error in a legal document translation can cause a contract to be deemed null and void.
Need a Reliable Translation Service Provider? Contact Us!
Frenchside offers affordable translations services in Johannesburg of high quality, 100% accurate, and delivered on time. We only work with native-speaking translators located in South Africa. We give our clients the advantage of having a translation service from some of the best in the industry, translators who are professional, highly qualified, and culturally knowledgeable, and experts in different subject matters. Chat to one of our experienced project managers on 012 348 3134 / 081 347 6060 or email us your text for a no-obligation quote – info@frenchside.co.za
Telephone No.0123483134
