We know it’s tempting to go with a real low-cost solution when it comes to getting material translated for your business. We’ve trained ourselves in our personal and professional lives to get the best deal possible, so why would it be any different when seeking out translation services? And, it might surprise you, but as a Language Service Provider (LSP), we totally agree.
However, it’s important to differentiate between the lowest cost solution and the best deal possible. The best deal possible is one that communicates in a new language for you effectively, protects your business from legal and reputational damage, and helps you achieve your goals.
But, if you are going to look at a low-cost solution, we’d still like to help you here. These are the translation red flags that you shouldn’t ignore because they’re a sign that your content might be in trouble.
Inaccurate Translations
One of the most glaring issues in low-cost translation services is inaccuracy. Errors in grammar, syntax, and vocabulary can drastically alter the meaning of a message.
Poor translations can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and even legal problems. Always cross-check critical translations with a native speaker or use Quality Assurance (QA) tools to verify accuracy.
Lack of Context Awareness
Translation is not just about converting words from one language to another; it requires an understanding of context, culture, and industry-specific terminology.
Low-cost services often use non-specialized translators or Machine Translation (MT) tools without proper post-editing, leading to translations that miss cultural nuances or industry jargon and terminology.
If a translation feels like you’re reading an academic textbook, it may indicate a lack of context awareness.
Overuse of MT
Many budget translation providers rely heavily on MT tools like Google Translate. While these tools are improving, they still struggle with complex sentence structures and cultural nuances.
A quick way to check for MT overuse is to compare the output with a standard automated translation tool. If they’re nearly identical, it’s likely that your LSP isn’t using professional human translators.
Inconsistent Terminology
Consistency is crucial in professional translation, especially for businesses that require translations of technical manuals, legal documents, or brand messaging.
Low-cost services often use different terminology for the same material throughout a document. For example, a key term might be translated differently in various parts of the same document.
We suggest using a translation memory tool or glossary to prevent this from happening.
Poor Formatting and Structure
A good translation should maintain the structure and formatting of the original document.
Low-cost services may produce translations with disorganized paragraphs, misplaced headings, or missing bullet points.
This can create problems in all business areas, particularly in presentations, marketing materials, and legal documents where layout is crucial.
Unnatural Flow and Readability Issues
Translations should read naturally in the target language. If a translated document feels clunky, awkward, or unnatural, it probably indicates a lack of linguistic fluency on the translator’s part.
Reading the document aloud can often reveal poor phrasing or unnatural sentence structures that might be overlooked on the page.
If possible, when using a low-cost service, always get a native speaker to sense-check the translation, even if they’re not familiar with the content or industry.
Lack of Proofreading and Quality Control
Professional translation services involve multiple stages of review, including proofreading and editing. Low-cost providers may skip these crucial steps to save time and money.
The result is often errors that should have been caught during a quality control process. If a translation appears rushed and contains spelling mistakes or typographical errors, chances are it hasn’t undergone proper review.
Unrealistically Fast Turnaround Times
Of course, efficiency is important, but translations that are completed too quickly may indicate that the provider is cutting corners.
High-quality translations take time, particularly for complex or lengthy documents. If a provider promises an unrealistically fast turnaround, it’s worth questioning the methods used, and if you still proceed have an independent translator spot-check it for you.
Lack of Client Communication and Support
Reliable translation services involve clear communication between the LSP and yourself.
If a translation service is difficult to reach, provides generic responses, or does not clarify questions about the project, you should question their professionalism.
A good LSP should be easily available, open to feedback and willing to make revisions as needed.
Suspiciously Low Prices
While cost-effectiveness is important, pricing that is significantly lower than industry standards is a big red flag.
Translation requires skill and expertise, and professional translators charge accordingly. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Low rates often mean unqualified translators, heavy reliance on MT, or lack of a proper QA process.
How to Get the Best Deal Possible
Now that you know what to look out for, the best way to make the most of your translation budget is to spend some time finding the right LSP.
They’ll actively seek out the most cost-effective route forward for your translation needs while making sure your brand and business remain credible and legal. Red flags don’t always mean danger, but they should never be ignored.
If you’re looking for a translation partner that’ll work within your budget, we’d love to talk to you. Consultations are free and there’s no obligation.
You’re in safe hands with us as we’re ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 compliant, have over twenty years of professional translation experience, and have earned the trust of organizations around the world.
