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Advantages and disadvantages of using a translation agency

There are three options when you need to translate for your company: you can either hire a full-time or freelance translator. Each solution has its pros and cons. This is what we will be discussing in this article.
While both an in-house translator as well as a translation agency are basically the same, they offer solutions for different situations and needs. Large companies may even use them together. Companies can also ask freelance translators for assistance, but these downsides are the same as those associated with running an in-house translating department. You won’t be able to always check the quality unless there is an internal team member capable of doing so.

What are the best times to choose a translation agency for your project?

A translation agency is best for at least four situations. Let’s take a look at each one.

TRANSLATION AND LOCALIZATION ARE ESSENTIAL

A full-time translator will not have the experience and knowledge to offer both services. Localisation, which is more extensive and addresses both the textual and cultural aspects of the translation, is what we have already discussed in a blog post. Localisation requires a native speaker of the language, preferably someone who lives in the target country. The agency is usually the best option if you need to order marketing or business translations.

You need more than one language

A translator usually works only with two languages: their native language (source) and their target language (target). Companies often need to translate the same text in multiple languages. This is especially true for marketing materials such as product information sheets. An agency is the best choice if you require product information sheets in more than one language. Translator agencies can handle such an assignment in many languages. We can work in over 25 languages combinations, and that’s more than you will get from one translator.

YOU WANT TO PAY ONLY FOR WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE

A translation agency is much cheaper. The translation fee is all you pay. Your collaboration can be terminated or started at any time. You don’t need to pay for insurance and other non-wage expenses. However, this is not true for an in-house translator. If you are looking to cut costs on translations, consider a translation agency.

There are a lot of materials that need to be translated in a short time.

One translator can use two hands and one head, and work for approximately eight hours per day. Their work hours are limited. You don’t have to worry about such limitations when you work with a translation agency. Agents work with many translators so that they can translate large volumes in a short time and without compromising the quality.
When is it appropriate to hire a full-time translator

Some companies hire full-time translators. Why? There are at most four reasons.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN OFFERING CUSTOMER SERVICE in ANOTHER LANGUAGE?

For example, if you own an e-commerce company and wish to offer international customers the chance to communicate with you in their native language, You might hire a native speaker and train them to be a customer service representative. You could also hire a full-time translator to help you with customer service. However, this is a rare solution.

EACH MOMENT, YOU HAVE A STABLE AMOUNT OF WORK

A full-time translator might be necessary if your company requires the same amount of translations each month. A salary may prove to be cheaper than hiring a translation agency in such cases. However, it is important to factor in additional overhead costs such as insurance, and the provision of a well-equipped workstation for the translator.

YOU WANT YOUR DATA TO BE KEPT IN YOUR HOME

Nearly all professional translation agencies today pay great attention to data protection. We are able to keep your data safe, even sensitive data. We understand that companies may feel more secure knowing that their personal or confidential data is stored within their IT infrastructure. You may choose to hire an in-house translator if this is your opinion.

A TRANSLATOR MUST SPECIALISE IN YOUR INDUSTRY

Translation agencies often work with many industries and niches. You will likely be able find one that specializes in your industry. If you want to ensure that your agency knows your industry and your company inside out, you should choose a full-time specialist who is able to dedicate their entire time to your company.