Translation Consistency

When hiring a translator or a translation agency - there are a few simple questions you and your company should ask before making a decision. I'll keep this short:

• Ask for the obvious testimonials & client list
• Do they understand localization - Is the language translated appropriate / "universal" & understood by your employees or whomever the target audience?
• Did you ask for a sample translation - Did the target audience provide feedback on the accuracy of the translation?
• Does the translator or translation agency use any type of translation memory (TM)?
• Does a seaparate team of translators proof the work / finished product or is it the same team?
• What guarantee are you given if you are not satisfied? What specific steps will be taken to correct any issues?
• If the agency is building a work-specific lexicon for a particular translation project, will receiving this be a part of the total fee already discussed or will this customized dictionary / lexicon by an additional charge?

Those are just a few suggestions I can think of off the top of my head. I hope this information can be beneficial.