Choosing the right language service provider (LSP) is key to ensuring high-quality translations that meet your needs. Asking the right questions helps identify a provider’s strengths, understand their processes and ensure they’re equipped to handle your project effectively and efficiently.

Here are five essential questions to help you assess whether an LSP can deliver accurate, secure and industry-specific translations while remaining transparent about costs.

1. How does pricing work? Do you charge per word/per hour?
Not all LSPs base their pricing on the same metrics. Some charge based on the word count of your document in the source language, while others charge per page or on the number of hours it takes to complete your translation project. A minimum charge is usually applied to all translation projects.

Most LSPs integrate technology within their translation processes. The use of tools such as Translation Memory enables translations to be stored and reused. Discounts can then be applied for repetition, context and fuzzy matches.

2. What expertise do you have in my industry?
When building up their pool of linguists, high-quality language service providers select linguists with the appropriate qualifications, experience and subject matter expertise across a range of industries to ensure they can meet your requirements. Professional LSPs will match your projects with native tongue translators who are well-versed in the terminology you need. They will ensure the translators understand any relevant regulatory compliance, terminology, nuance and can apply the idiomatic style required for your content. Before deciding on a provider for your translation projects, it’s always a good idea to ask whether they have previous expertise in your field.

3. What is your quality assurance process?
Most professional LSPs will be ISO 9001 certified, which sets standards for quality management. Top language service providers follow a rigorous quality assurance process across all their services, which guarantees accuracy and adherence to the spirit of the source content. The quality assurance process varies depending on the service provided. However, it typically includes translation and proofreading/editing by two native speaking translators. This is supplemented by advanced quality control software to guarantee accuracy and consistency in your translation.

4. How do you handle confidentiality and data security?
Data protection is more important than ever so it’s imperative you ask your potential suppliers to provide information about how they are going to handle your confidential data. Reputable LSPs maintain strict confidentiality standards, including secure data storage, transfer and deletion. They will also ensure controlled access to personal or company sensitive data, security vetting and comprehensive non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for all personnel as standard. Some may also have a Cyber Essentials Plus certification and ISO standards covering information security management, as well as being willing to sign project specific NDAs for added security. All of this ensures all your confidential data remains fully protected.

5. How will you handle any needed revisions or adjustments?
Most LSPs will prioritise client satisfaction by offering revision options post-delivery. Project managers should work closely with clients to incorporate any feedback and ensure adjustments are made efficiently, guaranteeing that the final output meets your precise specifications. But it’s important to know whether there will be any cost-implications for this before placing an order.

Whether you’re looking to get your documents, multimedia content (including videos, audio, animations), apps or websites translated, selecting the right language provider is essential to ensure high-quality translations that align with your needs. By getting answers to questions around pricing, industry expertise, quality assurance processes, confidentiality and revision policies, you can make an informed decision.