How much does translation cost? Is a cheap translation service worth it?
We recently had an interesting conversation with a client who needed several large documents translated.
At Language Link UK, we pride ourselves on our excellent value, high-quality translation services. We also get to know our clients well, to understand their requirements and deliver the specialist language expertise they need at a competitive price.
So we were a bit nonplussed when the conversation kept coming back to our quote being much higher than one they’d had from an alternative translation service.
We’re always happy to negotiate where we can, to make sure we’re staying competitive. So, “OK,” we asked, “can you tell us exactly what your budget expectations are?”
Very low-cost translation – what’s really going on?
The figure our client gave us was around 30% of our own estimate, significantly less than the cost price for our translator alone. We pride ourselves on fair and reasonable pricing for every job, so this rang alarm bells.
We suggested to our client that they should check the small print in the alternative quote really carefully, to make sure they were going to get the quality of translation and customer service we knew they were used to.
Here’s why.
The hidden costs of cheap translation
Although opting for a cheaper translation service might seem like a cost-effective solution when you’re on a tight budget, it can carry significant risks and drawbacks.
1 – Over-reliance on AI translation
The first thing to check if you’ve been offered a very cheap translation service is how much translation by a real human is involved. Many translators use an element of AI, but you need to be certain that an experienced, professional linguist is responsible.
Check out our recent article about the pros and cons of human vs AI translation.
2 – Inaccurate translations
One of the most common issues with cheap translation services is the lack of accuracy. The translators may lack the necessary experience or sector-specific expertise to provide precise translations. This is particularly important if your documents require specialist expertise – financial, legal, medical or technical, for example. Inaccurate translation could cause you significant problems and extra expense later on.
3 – Poor Quality
As well as lack of accuracy, a cheap translation may not carry the same attention to detail as one delivered by an experienced, professional translation service. This could result in awkward phrasing, grammatical errors, and incorrect terminology. Poor-quality translations could make your content appear unprofessional, and may not effectively convey your intended message. In marketing, for instance, this can lead to ineffective campaigns and lack of engagement with potential customers.
4 – Lack of language localisation
Effective translation requires not only linguistic skills but also cultural understanding. Professional translators have in-depth knowledge of cultural nuances, leading to translations that are culturally sensitive and appropriate to local language needs. AI can’t (yet) deliver translations with this level of human insight, and neither will a translator without the necessary expertise.
5 – Confidentiality risks
If you’re not working with a known, reputable translation service, it’s important to check carefully that they have robust confidentiality measures in place. Lack of security can lead to your sensitive or confidential information being vulnerable – and bear in mind that some AI translation platforms may store your information to help them ‘learn’. If your business handles confidential documents, such as legal contracts or medical records, this could expose you to significant risk. Working with a reputable translation service like Language Link UK reassures you of security and confidentiality.
6- Sector specialist language skills
Depending on your sector, you may rely on specialist knowledge for accurate translation – for example, legal, medical, and technical documents have specific terminology and requirements. Cheap translation services may not have access to translators with the necessary specialist experience and language skills, leading to inaccurate or incomplete translations. This can have serious consequences, particularly in fields where precision is critical.
7- Limited Customer Support
Cheap translation services may not offer robust, experienced customer support, and the reality may not match expectations in terms of turnaround times and assistance. This could have serious repercussions for you if your translated documents aren’t available in time. A professional service will always ensure that your deadlines are met, including coordinating a team of experienced translators to deliver larger jobs within a strict deadline.
These are just some of the pitfalls to be aware of when working with a budget translation service.
Ultimately, the translation service you choose will depend very much on your specific requirements, and budget is just one element to consider. If you are looking for an expert translation agency, read our guide to the questions to ask to help you assess whether the translation service is the right one for you.
If you have questions, and would like more advice on choosing an expert, professional translation service, get in touch, and we’d be happy to advise you. With experienced and specialist translators and interpreters in over 200 languages, and dedicated customer service, we can provide rapid, confidential and expert translation, interpreting and transcription services.
Contact us at our offices in Orpington on 01689 283 777, Piccadilly on 0207 484 0999 or City on 0207 830 9330 for medical and insurance translation services.