If you are a business owner and require translations, there are three options. You can either employ a fulltime translator or work with a translation agency. Or you can use a freelancer translator. All of these solutions have pros and cons. We will discuss them in this article.
While in essence both an inhouse translator and a translator agency do the exact same thing, they each offer different solutions and options for different circumstances. They may be used simultaneously by large corporations. Although companies have the option to hire freelance translators, their downsides are comparable to running an internal translation department. It won’t always possible to verify the quality of translations unless an internal team member can.
How do you choose a translator agency?
At least four situations are where a translation agency would be a good choice. Let’s go over each of them individually:
YOU REQUIRE TRANSLATION AND LOCALIZATION
A full-time professional translator may not have the required experience or knowledge to provide both services. Localization is a more complex process. It involves addressing all cultural and non-textual issues in the translated text. A native speaker is required to correctly localise the text. This should be someone who is fluent in the target language. This is why agencies are often the best choice if you order translations for business or marketing purposes.
You may need more than one language
A translator works in two languages. One is their native language, and the other is their target language. Companies may need to translate the exact same text into several languages. This is especially true with marketing materials such product information sheets. You should consider hiring an agency if you need product information sheets translated into more than one language. Translation agencies are familiar with many languages pairs so this assignment won’t be a problem. We are able to work in more than 25 languages – you won’t get that from one translator!
You WANT to Pay Only For the Work That’s Been Done
The translation agency is more economical. The only thing you have to pay is the translation. You can terminate and start your collaboration at any time. This is not the case for an in-house interpreter. You can save money by using a translation agency if your goal is to reduce costs.
There are many materials that you need to translate in a very short time.
A single translator uses two hands, one brain and works for eight hours each day. This limits the amount of work that they can do per day. This is not the case with a translation agency. Agency work with many translators to translate large volumes of text quickly, without any loss of quality.
When should a translator be hired full-time?
Some companies opt to hire full time translators. Why? You have at least four possible reasons.
WHILE OFFERING CUSTOMER SERVICE, YOU WANT IT TO BE IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE
If you are an e-commerce entrepreneur and need to reach customers in other countries, it is a good idea to give them the option to communicate with you in their language. In this situation, you might consider hiring a native speaker of the given language to help with customer support. A second option is to employ a fulltime translator, and ask them to also provide customer support. This solution is uncommon.
You HAVE A STABLE AMOUNT WORKING EACH MONTH
If your company needs to order the same volume of translations every month, then a full-time professional translator may prove indispensable. It may be cheaper to pay a salary each month than to hire a translation agency. But, be aware of the extra overhead costs like insurance and providing a translator with a workstation that is properly equipped.
YOU WANT TO KEEP ALL OF YOUR DATA IN PERSON
Nowadays, almost all professional translation agencies pay close attention to data protection. All of your data, including sensitive, will be safe with us. We also understand that certain companies feel more secure knowing their personal and confidential data are kept in their IT infrastructure. In-house translators may be an option.
A TRANSLATOR SPECIALIZED IN YOUR INDUSTRY IS EVERY REQUIRED
Although translation agencies are often able to work with many niches and industries in general, you may be able identify an agency that specializes only in your particular sector. You want to be certain that the person you hire knows everything about your industry, and can dedicate all of their time to your company.