You may be able to find cheap document translations when you search Google. But cheap rarely equals high quality. The old adage “good, fast, cheap: you can only get two!” comes to mind. It’s common to get caught up in the vicious cycle of speed lowering quality and then low quality messing up speed. It costs more when you have to rework the document to improve the quality.
To avoid the trap of the good, fast, and cheap triangle, LinguaLinx can lower the cost of high-volume document translations since we rely upon our time-tested TEP process (explained in detail below), and deliver in a timely manner. We’ve come up with 6 effective ways to help you cut down on your translation costs so you can get the high quality you expect within a timeframe you’ll love.
1) Take Advantage of our TEP Process
Our Translation, Editing, and Proofreading (TEP) process uses a virtual assembly line to produce world-class document translations. First, a native-speaking linguist will translate each document. Then, another linguist will edit the translation. Finally, the translation is proofread for clarity. We get it done right the first time, so you don’t have to rework anything, saving you time and money.
2) Submit Word or Excel Files
When we receive files in formats other than Word or Excel, there may be extra work required which makes the process a bit more time-consuming. For example, PDF files require specific filters on some of the relevant software that we use. Furthermore, Word and Excel files are more efficient to work with rather than screenshots or copied and pasted files, making it easier for you to reintegrate the translated content into your website.
3) Try Not to Rush It
We understand that sometimes things happen, but if you can plan ahead, we highly recommend it. Rush-ordered projects can add up to 30% more in costs. Before you request a rush, let’s chat! We are happy to advise you on how long the project should take.
4) Try and Have the Version You Send All Buttoned Up
Submitting the most complete as possible initial version when requesting a quote can save a lot of time and result in a more accurate quote. If you have a translation memory or glossary, you can use it to make sure your final version is concise and help reduce your final cost. Also, including a reference document will speed things along as that will help our translators use your organization’s unique terminology in the right context.
5) Condense All Documents into The Same File
Sometimes we get tons of small documents with different subjects sent to us separately. If you are able, condense all subjects into one single document. For example, it is better to send us one, 3,000-word document than to send us ten, 300-word documents. Consolidating can allow our translation team to be more efficient in preparing and processing your document. That can save us time and you money.
6) Don’t Send the Same Materials
Be sure you are not submitting the same materials. This can happen if you have multiple people within your organization working on the same project. So be sure you are communicating internally before submitting anything to us. We may be working with multiple translators, so this error could possibly be missed unless we work together to make sure that we are all on the same page.
Cost alone shouldn’t determine the quality of your document translations. When you work with a trusted translation partner like LinguaLinx, we can help deliver the high-quality document translations you need.
