How to choose a translation agency – Tips for success

In Finland, there are many language service providers. There is plenty of choice and various operating models. How should one proceed when looking for the best and most suitable service provider?

When searching for translation services, you come across various names. There are translators, translation agencies, freelance translators, and so on. Some individuals work through their own companies, others subcontract, and many work as employees in translation agencies. Moreover, many may combine all of these. There is plenty of choice and various operating models.

The translation industry is not regulated like, for example, the medical profession. Thus, anyone can start translating and make it into a business. So, how do you know which translation agency to choose?

The term “translation agency” is often used in connection with large offices. These offices have many different resources, and the translators are employees of the company. Subcontracting is used as needed. Such a translation agency often offers, in addition to translation, communication and training services, as well as content production, on a one-stop-shop basis.

Agencies that mediate translations, on the other hand, utilize a subcontracting network. Translators in the network do the actual work, and the role of the agency is mainly to coordinate the work. Such agencies compile translations into finished products, which are then sold as packages to customers. The advantage of agencies is that the network includes a wide range of language pairs, including rare ones.

Even smaller operators use the term “translation agency”. Operators (one or more translators) can work as their own company, together with other similar operators in networks, or even in cooperative form.

Translation Agency – Large or Small?

So, which is better, a large or small translation agency? Which type of agency is suitable for which type of work? The superiority does not depend on the size of the agency. When looking at the level of work, it becomes more individualized, i.e., who actually does the translation. There are differences among translators. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the references, education, and experience of the translators. For example, for website translation, a small translation agency and individual translator can be a very agile partner.

So, which translation agency is best suited for which need? Generally, large translation agencies are suitable for extensive, diverse, and ongoing assignments that require a lot of resources and where project coordination is desired to be handled through the translation agency. All of this costs, but this way, you get a comprehensive service. Small translation agencies are well suited, for example, for individuals and SMEs. Among other things, certificates, websites, documents, and papers can be handled quickly and straightforwardly by such translation agencies and individual translators. Often, the price is also relatively affordable.

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