Frequently Asked Questions
Managing localization and translation projects may seem complex to you.
In order to help you better understand our wide service offering, we have compiled a list of questions most frequently asked by our clients.
If you can't find the answer to your questions here, please contact us directly!
Our Translations
Who will be translating my documents?
We work exclusively with qualified professional translators who have been rigorously selected for their competence, their experience, and their knowledge of the target market. These translators work uniquely into their native language. Each document is edited by a second independent translator.
The subject of my document is very specific. How do you guarantee the quality of your translations?
At the beginning of each project, we look carefully at your documents and select the translators the most qualified for the subject matter. If necessary, we will ask you to furnish reference documents, or to simply validate a glossary of key terms extracted from your documents during translation.
With which languages do you work?
We offer translation services into all European languages, and the principle Asian languages (Chinese, Korean, and Japanese).
In which format should I send my files?
We can take care of almost any file format available: Microsoft Office, PDF, HTML, PageMaker, FrameMaker, Quark XPress, RC files, and more! Translated documents are delivered to you in their original format, perfectly formatted, and ready to use! We work with the same software as your technical writers, your graphic designers and your developers, providing complete transparency to your workflow.
Who are your clients?
During the last 10 years, we have established solid relationships with prominent companies in various industries. Click here to see a list of companies and organizations that have trusted us with their translations.
Do you use Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) software?
Yes. But, please don't confuse “Automatic” translations and “Computer Assisted” translations. The former means a “robot” has automatically done the translation practically word for word, returning results that are sometimes quite difficult to understand. With the latter, a “human” has done the translation with the help of software that suggests translations from identical texts or similar ones that he or one of his colleagues has already translated. There are several advantages to using CAT tools for translating: terminology from previous projects will be respected, increased speed and reduced costs by automatically reusing sections of texts that have previously been translated, optimizing team work, and more!
Do you use automatic translation tools?
Never! Automatic translation can rarely be used. We might find the need for approximate translations occasionally for internal use. We recommend that you not use automatic translations for any document that you wish to distribute outside your company… The results could be disastrous and could affect the image of your company and products. Be equally careful when collecting estimates from different vendors. Some of them will not hesitate to use automatic translation software in order to reduce costs… Their costs will undoubtedly be lower, but your documents could end up being completely useless and unintelligible.
Estimates & Invoicing
Can I get an estimate? How much does it cost?
Of course! The best way to get a estimate is to send us a copy of your files using our estimate form. We can then make a precise estimate after reviewing the complexity of your documents. We can also identify any items that could affect the schedule and/or costs of your project. Estimates are always free of charge and can usually be done within one day. If you do not yet have the files to translate, then send us the maximum amount of information concerning the project (source and target languages, type of document, subject, file formats, volume of text, etc.). Don't forget that the more information that you send, the more precise our estimate will be.
To request an estimate, click here.
What items do you need for an estimate?
Certain items should be included when making up the estimate: complexity of its content, terminology to be used, source and target languages, formatting requirements, functionality or linguistic testing requirements, volume to translate. This is why it is best to send a copy of your documents. Using your actual files allows us to more accurately calculate the overall costs and take into account any specific issues concerning your project. In general, the cost of your project will be calculated according to the number of words in the source document. To this will be added any extra services that you might require, such as DTP, compiling, testing, etc.
Why are there differences between different vendor estimates?
When choosing a partner for your translations, you will certainly ask for estimates from different vendors. Be very careful! Some of them will not hesitate to use automatic translation software in order to reduce costs… Their costs may undoubtedly be lower, but your documents could end up being completely useless and unintelligible. Others may not include an editing step, which could account for the difference in price. We suggest that you only compare estimates providing the same services! If you should have any doubts, don't hesitate to get a test translation in order to evaluate the quality and professionalism of different vendors that you have selected.
Web Sites
Can you estimate the costs for translating a web site that's already on-line?
Yes. Our tools enable us to download entire websites and extract the text in order to make estimates. However, it is better to receive the source files directly from you. This will insure that we have a clean copy of your files and that we are working with the latest version. Our analysis tools will automatically isolate the text to translate from the code to insure a precise estimate.
Duration
How long will it take to deliver the translated documents?
We estimate that a translator can translate and edit about 2000 words per day. Of course, this speed depends on the complexity and subject of your document. Technical marketing will take more time than a simple set of instructions, for a document of the similar size. We may also need to add time for formatting and DTP of your printed documents, as well as functionality or linguistic testing of your on-line files.
