There’s a lot at stake moving into new language territories for companies that sell their product direct to the consumer, especially when it comes to retail translation.
There’s a new consumer base that needs to be connected with, integration with new partners and suppliers has to take place and new trading standards, rules and regulations have to understood and adhered to.
Each of these areas require translated material which can make the process detailed and time-consuming. At LinguaLinx, as a Language Services Provider (LSP), we know that speed to market can be crucial to profits, and we’re used to helping our clients manage the localization process and minimize the anxiety that comes with it.
When it comes to retail, there are certain documents that have to be translated to have a chance at success. What are they? Well, here’s our pick of the top documents that need translating in the fast-paced retail and consumer goods industry.
Essential Documents for Retail Translation Success
1. Product Manuals
Product manuals and technical data allow your customers to use your product to its full potential or troubleshoot issues that arise without the need to bog your support team down with common queries.
We’ve all seen examples of how these can go wrong if they’re simply filtered through Google Translate, so best to get these translated by your LSP’s team.
Also, there’s a health and safety angle here – if the translation is poor and someone gets injured as a result, you could be looking at legal trouble. A good translation is always cheaper than legal fees.
2. Patents and Legal Documents
These documents might not be the most exciting part of expanding your business, but they are absolutely essential.
Accurately translating patents, contracts, supplier agreements, insurance documents, incorporation paperwork, trading rights, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and other legal documents is critical for legally selling your goods in a new market. '
It's crucial that these translations are handled with precision and by professional linguists who have specific expertise in your industry. This ensures that all terminology and legal language are correctly interpreted, maintaining the integrity and legal standing of these documents across different languages and cultural contexts.
Errors or misunderstandings in these translations could lead to significant legal issues or business setbacks, highlighting the need for skilled and meticulous translation services.
3. Product Listings
Wherever your marketing or advertising spend gets your product in front of the right customer, or helps it pop up in the algorithm of their social platform of choice, there’ll be a product description and call to action.
If a consumer is in the mood to buy, let them do the job right there and then, the less friction the better.
Writing product listings, so that they give maximum information in the minimum amount of time, is a specialist skill…and so is making sure their translations have the same impact.
4. Websites and eCommerce Platforms
Currently ecommerce sales make up 20% of retail sales worldwide, according to Statista. This percentage is expected to keep rising for the foreseeable future and it’s not hard to understand why.
Your website, eBay, Shopify, Alibaba or any other ecommerce platforms you use as your virtual retail presence need to be translated which will probably involve translating various forms of media.
Video, audio, imagery and, of course, words will need to be considered so that you’re in the best position to gain customers.
It might not mean that your whole website needs to be translated, or have a proxy version, but certainly any pages that are public facing or legal (such as Ts & Cs).
5. Marketing Material and Advertisements
There’s a good chance that the material that’s going to excite your new customers and draw them towards your brand is not just words.
Online videos, TV and radio commercials, Out Of Home (OOH) advertising and your website, your digital shop front, all have to be faithfully translated. This will probably require a step beyond simple translation and require transcreation.
This is where creative content is translated faithful to the meaning of the message and with cultural sensitivity, if not exactly word for word. Vital for advertising slogans.
Just ask KFC who had to change their iconic “Finger lickin’ good” when entering China because the direct translation was “Eat your fingers off”.
6. Refund Policies
For most product ranges refunds are a legal right to the consumer. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) gives the consumer a 14-day cooling-off period on any purchase made online or over the phone.
If you’re moving into a new country, you’ll need to check the regulations which is why this specialist translation will likely not be word for word with your current English language refund policy.
Don't forget to Check Everything
The content we’ve listed here are just what we see routinely with our clients. Each product area, whether you’re selling clothing, food, technology, furniture, medicines or any else, will have its own bespoke documents or content.
This is why an LSP should always bring a team of linguists with industry experience to the project.
Ultimately, if you partner with the right LSP they should take the strategy, organisation and implementation of a translation or localization initiative off your hands so you don’t have to worry about it.
They’ll have seen it before, and they can guide you through the process so you can focus on keeping your business on track in your current markets.
Request Your Retail Translation Quote Today
If you’re in the retail and consumer goods space and need translation services, we’re here to help. Reach out to us for a free consultation and let’s discuss your project requirements.
At LinguaLinx, we ensure that your message remains clear and impactful across all languages. Our ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 certifications, coupled with over twenty years of experience, guarantee that you’re partnering with a trusted and reliable translation provider.
Contact us today to start your journey towards seamless global communication.
