Whether you are a business or an individual, our global mobile economy makes it likely that you will eventually need language translation services.

Be it for a legal matter, visa application, business filing, or other reason, we increasingly find that we must communicate in more than one language.

But the need for language translation is often an unplanned expense. Depending on your requirements, it can also be expensive.

Given the times we live in, it makes sense that we want accurate and cheap translation services.

But is it realistic to find cheap language translation services?

Perhaps, but it will take research, patience, preparation and determination to get the best price on a quality translation service.

The last thing you want to do is start calling around for prices.

Your primary focus should be on learning enough about translation companies so that you can ask the right questions and make an informed choice.

Not All Translation Services Are Equal

Many people think that translation services are a commodity and that pricing, quality, and delivery times are consistent across companies.

In reality, there are wide variances among companies. Transparency and service offerings also vary widely.

The price you think you will pay, the business you think you are dealing with, and the final product you receive sometimes comes with surprises.

That is why it is critical to learn about professional translation agencies.

Research each one thoroughly, pay attention to the fine print, and get everything in writing before making a purchase.

It is also a good idea to read the customer reviews of companies that you are considering.

Knowing a few simple facts can help you find the best translations company. Armed with accurate information, you are more likely to find a service that meets your needs and budget. 

Confusion Is Normal

Feeling confused when shopping for someone to translate your document is normal.

For many translation agencies, keeping you confused is part of the game.

They promote seemingly good deals, but you may not realize how badly you are getting ripped off unless you understand the fine print.

What you thought was the lowest price can quickly become the most expensive.

While some agencies promote a low cost, they peddle a plethora of usually necessary extra features and services.

These extras are in addition to the pricing that they highlight in their advertising and websites.

Besides understanding the fine print, it is important to understand the two different pricing strategies that translation agencies use and know the exact services you need.

Translation companies will either use per-page pricing or per-word pricing.

Transcription Services Per-Page Pricing

In every analysis that we conducted, per-page pricing is the most expensive option and least transparent.

Usually, a page is defined as 250 words, even though most documents have more than 250 words on a page.

If your page exceeds 250 words, like most, you must pay for an additional page.   Therefore, one page could easily cost you $50 or more.

Transcription Services Per-Word Pricing

Per-word pricing is always the more transparent and affordable option.  For example, most companies charge $0.10 per word or less.

Although the rates often vary among languages, this pricing model for a document with 250 words would still cost $25.

While a document with 300 words would only cost $30 instead of a per-page pricing strategy that might cost you $50 or more.

Factor to Consider When Shopping for Translation Services

Once you have a basic understanding of the two pricing models, you need to understand other features to consider when shopping for a translation services provider.

Here are some easy steps to ensure that you avoid being ripped off and get a cheap translation that is correct and accepted.

Then you will be on your way to a cheaper translation service in no time.

Accurate Translation

Upfront, you need to specify that you require a professional translation. And, one that is completed by a native speaker of the language that your document is being translated into.

Specify that you expect to receive a translation produced by a human, as opposed to an automated system like Google translate.

Automated systems cannot compete with the accuracy of a trained professional.

If the document to be translated requires special knowledge and training to understand or contains specific terminology, only someone versed in the subject matter can understand.

You want to specify that the translator must have the necessary knowledge.

Mirror Appearance

Many translations require that the translated document closely resemble or mirror the original document.

This is true for all official document translations.  Whether you need a birth or marriage certificate translation for immigration, a financial report translated for a loan, or a diploma or transcript translated for a college application, these translations must resemble the original or source document for it to be accepted.

Fast Turnaround

Not all translation companies complete projects at the same pace.

If you need something urgently, check to see if quick delivery is part of the standard fees or if they charge extra for expedited services.

Often official translations of legal documents must be certified in ballpoint pen by the translator and notarized by a public notary who observes the signing of the certification of translation accuracy.

But if you live in Houston and the translation is completed, certified and notarized in New York, you may not be able to get your document in time.

Or it may require that you pay an additional amount to cover overnight shipping charges.

Local

Many translation agencies that claim to be local are not. While they publish a local address, they do not have an authentic local office or employees.

They acquire local addresses by acquiring a virtual address to project the image that they provide fast, local and reliable service.

Unfortunately, customers are left thinking that they can get same-day or next-day service.

But when translations need to be certified and notarized by a notary public in your state and when you need original hard copies of the translation quickly, you could find yourself in trouble because these “extras” may take additional time.

Trusted Translation Services

Reviews are a great way to measure trustworthiness.  When a local business lists an address, take a moment to find out if it exists at that address.

Unfortunately, it is common for language translation companies to list deceptive, virtual addresses to trick the public into thinking they are local.

Aside from making deceptive claims, they cannot deliver in-state certified and notarized translations and apostille services.

These same services are usually considerably more expensive and take longer to complete than a simple translation.

Suppose you need an original translation for an official or legal purpose.

In that case, it could take days–maybe even weeks–before you receive the original copy.

This is because it needs to be mailed to you from a real office, which is located outside your state or country.

Of course, shipping charges will add additional costs to your project.

The actual written reviews are good sources of information too.

Be alert, though, since some companies rely on fake or purchased reviews.

One indication of falseness is a pattern of reviews from Central America on a local business.

Certified and Notarized Translation and Ancillary Services

Certain types of translations of legal, financial, medical and academic documents require ancillary services to validate the authenticity of the translation.

Suppose you are translating a document as part of an application process for college enrollment, immigration or business registration in another country.

In that case, you also need to be aware of filing deadlines and translation completion times.  This is particularly true if you have only a few days remaining.

Certification, notarization, 24-to-48-hour delivery, and original hard copies of translations can easily double or triple the bill in the end.

Many companies can be several times more costly than other agencies.

What is even more alarming is that people often do not question these added costs.

Questions to Consider and Answers

So, is there really much difference in pricing between companies?

Can you get the same or better-quality translation while paying substantially less?

Do some companies provide certification and notarization for no additional cost?

Should I expect 24-hour translation services as a standard feature instead of a premium option?

The answer to these questions is yes.  This is often true when you choose to work with an honest local translations company.