When it comes to choosing a professional translation service, it can be easy to make rookie mistakes that can have a significant impact on the quality of your translations and ultimately on the success of your business or project. From not checking for accreditation or certification to choosing the cheapest option available, these mistakes can lead to poor quality translations and ultimately to the failure of your business or project. In this article, we will discuss some common mistakes that people make when choosing a professional translation service. So, whether you're a business owner, marketer, or individual in need of professional translation services, this article will help you navigate the process and avoid costly mistakes.

Not Checking for Accreditation or Certification

Accreditation and certification demonstrate that a translation service has met certain standards of quality and professionalism. It means that the translation service has undergone a rigorous evaluation process and has been found to meet certain standards of quality and professionalism. Choosing a service that is not accredited or certified can lead to poor quality translations and ultimately to the failure of your business or project. Accreditation and certification provide a measure of assurance that the service you are choosing is reliable and trustworthy. Not checking for accreditation or certification is a rookie mistake that can have a significant impact on the quality of your translations, so it is important to ensure that you choose a service that is accredited or certified by a reputable organisation such as the American Translators Association (ATA), the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) in the UK, The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) in the UK. The CIOL is a professional association for linguists, and it offers a certification scheme for translators and interpreters. The German Federal Association of Interpreters and Translators (BDÜ) in Germany. BDÜ is a professional association for interpreters and translators in Germany, and it offers a certification scheme for its members.

Selecting the most cost-effective solution.

Another mistake people often make when choosing a professional translation service is choosing the cheapest option. While it's important to find a service that fits within your budget, the cheapest option may not always be the best. Cheaper services may not have the same level of expertise or use the same quality control measures as more expensive services, leading to lower-quality translations. The cost of translations can vary greatly, and the cheapest option may not have the necessary qualifications, experience, or resources to provide accurate and high-quality translations. In addition, the cheapest option may not be able to provide the same level of customer service, project management, or turnaround time as more expensive services. Choosing the cheapest option may save you money in the short term, but it can end up costing you more in the long run if the translations are inaccurate or of poor quality. It's important to keep in mind that quality should be your top priority and not to compromise on it just to save a few dollars.

“Without translation, I would be limited to the borders of my own country. The translator is my most important ally. He introduces me to the world.”– Italo Calvino

Excluding language pairs

Another common mistake that people make when choosing a professional translation service is not considering the language pairs offered. Not all translation services are able to translate between all languages, so it is important to ensure that the service you choose can translate between the languages you need. It's important to verify that the translation service you are considering offers the language pair you need, otherwise, you may have to look for another provider. Additionally, it's also important to consider the quality of the translation service's language pair, as some services may be more proficient in certain languages than others. This can have a significant impact on the quality of your translations, so it is important to ensure that the service you choose has experience and expertise in the specific language pair you need. It's also important to consider the dialect, as different regions may have different dialects, and it's important to choose a translator who is familiar with the dialect you need.

Neglecting to investigate the company or translator's credentials, track record, and reputation

Not researching the company or the translator's qualifications, experience, and reputation can lead to poor-quality translations and ultimately to the failure of your business or project. It's important to verify the translator's qualifications, experience, and reputation before deciding. You can do this by checking their online presence, looking at customer reviews, and asking for references. You can also check if the company or translator belongs to any professional association such as the American Translators Association (ATA), Interpreters and Translators (BDÜ) in Germany, or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) which can provide an additional level of assurance that the service you are choosing is reliable and trustworthy. Not researching the company or translator's qualifications, experience and reputation is a rookie mistake that can have a significant impact on the quality of your translations, so it is important to ensure that you choose a service that has a proven track record of providing high-quality translations.

You get what you pay for

In conclusion, choosing the right professional translation service is crucial for the success of your business or project. By understanding and avoiding the common mistakes that people make when choosing a professional translation service, such as not checking for accreditation or certification, choosing the cheapest option available, not considering the language pairs offered, not researching the company or the translator's qualifications, experience, and reputation, you can ensure that you choose a service that will provide you with high-quality translations that are accurate and appropriate. By taking the time to research and choose the right service, you can ensure that your message is conveyed effectively and that your business or project is a success. Remember that quality should be your top priority, and it's important not to compromise on it just to save a few dollars. It's better to invest in a professional translation service that guarantees accurate and high-quality translations than to settle for a low-quality service that can ultimately harm your business or project.