1. Who will translate my text?
Your text will be translated by one of our team of qualified and experienced translators. You also have the option to have your text proofread by a second translator with the same language combination.
2. What information do you need when I submit a request for a price quote?
We need to know your name, email address and telephone number; apart from that, we need the language combination (source and target languages), the subject matter, and the required turnaround time for your project.
The quickest way to get a price quote is by using our on-line quote system, which gives you the option of adding any instructional details regarding your translation that you may want to include.
We will email you a quote within one working day.
3. Which file formats do you work with?
We work with a wide range of formats. These include (but are not limited to):
Adobe PDF (.pdf)
Microsoft Office formats: Word (.doc), MS Excel (.xls), MS Powerpoint (.ppt), MS Publisher (.pub)
OpenDocument formats (.odt, .ods, .odp)
Web pages (.htm, .html, .php etc)
If your required format is not listed above, please contact us by email or telephone and we shall advise you accordingly
4. How is the price of a translation calculated?
The final price depends on various factors, including:
Language combination: some languages are more exotic than others and therefore cost a bit more than usual.
Complexity of subject matter
Word count
Desired turnaround time: the quicker you need the translation, the more it will cost.
Depending on the desired file format and/or additional adjustments required, further costs may be applicable. In all cases, for bigger projects, we recommend you to contact us by email or telephone for a precise quotation.
5. Why are some languages more expensive to translate than others?
Translation prices are based on supply and demand: if translators for the desired source or target languages are hard to find, or if the language pair is a particularly difficult one, the price will be higher.
Some languages are simply more demanding on the translator. Translations into Asian languages such as Urdu or Chinese usually take a markedly longer time to prepare in comparison, for example, to an English to German translation with the same word count.
A good translation is more than just rephrasing something into another language - to render something effectively in a language so different from the source, one must take into account the peculiarities of the target language. As a rule, Asian or African languages are generally quite different from European languages both in terms of thought and form, which is why a good translation is not a literal carrying over from one language to another. This is a far more difficult undertaking for the translator, therefore the increased overall cost
6. How long does a translation take?
As a general rule, the turnaround time is based on the language, length and complexity of the document, and whether special formatting is required.
We offer 2 types of services, depending on your needs, namely Normal and Express.
The typical turnaround time for a Normal translation of 1000 words is 3 working days. For Express translation, we typically require 1 working day for 1000 words. Of course, special requests are always welcome.
Large documents are typically distributed to a team of translators, who are in turn coordinated by one of our project managers.
7. Do you provide legalised/notarised translations?
Yes, but it depends on the country's legal system.
Depending on the kind of document and the country where it needs to go, we can have your document legalised by a notary republic, or that country's equivalent.
8. How can I be sure of the quality of your translation?
All our translations are carried out by highly qualified and experienced translators who have grown up speaking the language into which they are translating. We only use native speakers as we strongly believe that living and working in an environment where the target language is actually spoken is the only way to guarantee the purest translations, with correct use of terminology.
Most of our translators are also members of their respective translators associations, e.g. ITI (the Institute of Translation and Interpreters); IOL (the Chartered Institute of Linguists); or ATA (the American Translators Association). Many are specialists in a particular area of expertise: whether legal, medical, IT, financial, or another field.
9. Will my translated document be proofread by another translator?
Yes, of course. Even though all of our translations are undertaken by professional translators, it is of course possible to get your translated document proofread by a second translator, who will be equally qualified but independent of the original project.
10. Do you provide interpretation services?
Yes, we do. The difference between interpretation and translation lies within the choice of communication channel. While translation concerns itself with written communication, interpreting deals with the spoken word. Translators work on written documents, while interpreters are accustomed to circumstances that require live translation; for example conferences and business meetings, medical appointments, legal proceedings etc.
11. How do you ensure the confidentiality of my data?
All our translators and interpreters must agree to our terms and conditions before starting to work with us. By doing so, they automatically agree to honor our confidentiality clauses involving non-disclosure of client information.
For projects involving extremely sensitive information, translators/interpreters are required to sign ad hoc confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements.
12. Which methods of payment do you accept?
Clients can pay directly by bank transfer or credit/debit card using the on-line payment method secured by Paypal.
We also accept cheques, in Euros.
Depending on the size of the project, we may require a deposit, or the total payment upfront
