Most people know when they need a translation. It’s clear for those who have products or literature that is intended for a foreign country. They know they need language translation services to help them succeed in those markets. http://www.itc4you.com

1. So, you need a translator?
Most people know when they need a translation. It’s clear for those who have products or literature
that is intended for a foreign country. They know they need language translation services to help them
succeed in those markets. Others are less sure of the need, such as smaller businesses that are currently
only marketing in one language. However, these same businesses are in areas with multiple languages.
Companies doing business in the southern United States where a large percentage of the population
speaks Spanish are great examples of this.
Whether you are a company that frequently uses language translation services or one that is just
considering it as an option to reach new customers, there are a few important factors we would like you
to consider. To appreciate the value of this information, it is important know about how the translation
service industry works and what are the critical elements of getting a great translation.
It may also be helpful to explain who we are. The International Translating Company has been in the
translating business for over 40 years. We are veterans in the industry and have an accomplished
history. Our clients rely on us for their most important international communications. Each day we hold
the reputations, trust and confidence of our clients. Having been in the industry for so long, we know
what it takes to ensure your international communications and translations help you succeed.
Myth:” I know I get what I pay for. Therefore paying more is better.”
Some companies will lead you to believe that if you want a good translation, you need to pay very high
rates. While quality does come at a price, it’s important to consider the business factors behind pricing
a service such as translations. There are difference reasons for high prices in the translation and
interpretation industry. Sources of high prices can be summarized by the following list.
- Large Translation Firms
- Poor Operational Processes
- Middlemen offering little value beyond the translators
We have included greater detail regarding these factors that drive prices higher below.
- Large Translation Firms: While many would lead you to believe that the large the firm the
better the pricing due to operational scales of economy. While some large companies are
capable of keeping their pricing low, their size and ability to attract clients lessens the need
to keep prices low. As a result, these companies rely heavily on volume pricing. The bigger
the project the better the pricing. No surprise, right? However, clients with smaller
translation needs very frequently pay higher rates because the company is less motivated to

2. take their business. In fact, in many cases, the higher fees are exacted on smaller clients
because of the overhead costs the larger company has for each project they accept. This
combination of not needing the small business and the larger company overhead can cause
unnecessarily high prices.
o The Solution: There are two ways to address this. Clients should look for companies
that demonstrate one of two characteristics. First, find a company dedicated to
streamlined and efficient processes. Companies that are committed to operational
excellence know that process efficiencies are critical to long-term success. This is
the reason so many companies struggle and often go out of business during
economic downturns. When times are good, it’s difficult to maintain financial
discipline and keep a lean organization. Second, find a company that’s interested in
your business. Do they market to small and large companies alike? Do they try to
win your business or simply try to fit you into their processes and pricing?
o ITC is very proud of our streamlined processes and our ability to keep the pricing
appropriately low regardless of the economic weather and size of the client. One
key reason we are strong in this area is our investment in systems and processes
that make it easy for us to translate a large project or a small project. If the process
is efficient and scalable, we will have less overhead and unneeded costs. Some of
these investments have been significant and include operational experts who help
us leverage the very best processes.
- Poor Operational Processes: Poor processes can wreak havoc on client pricing. As
mentioned above, we know that large companies can struggle with efficient processes.
However, it’s not the size of the company that determines whether they are efficient. It is
common to see these companies struggle with processes regardless of their size. Often
companies become so busy taking new business that little resources are allocated for
process improvements. The same processes the company used last year will be
perpetuated far longer than they should be. Some of this is a result of management’s focus.
Management typically dedicates efforts to growing the business or cutting the obvious costs
such as cheaper translators. While they are doing this, the day-to-day operations are
delegated to lower-level employees who lack the motivation, experience or empowerment
to improve the processes.

3. o The Solution: We have found many ways to overcome this issue. First of all, we
start with the best processes possible. Then we motivate and provide incentives for
any employee who suggests additional efficiencies regardless of the significance of
the impact. If the suggestion provides any gains in efficiency, we pay the employee
a bonus. Helping everyone understand how they can impact the customer through
process improvements helps break down the walls between departments and gives
everyone a common purpose.
- Middlemen offering little value beyond the translators: Another reason some translation
costs are high relate to the type of translating partner being used. Often companies set
themselves up as middlemen for translators, but offer no significant value to the client.
Their costs are often high because they lack the volume and consistency of work to find
good translators. The translators they do find charge higher rates because they don’t
receive consistent work. Then the middlemen have to markup those rates to make a profit.
The type of translating partner can be fraught with issues that range from poor quality of
translators, no operational processes or safeguards and a higher risk of errors and failure.
o The Solution: Work with a company who is truly “IN” the business. One that has
invested in the future of the translation industry, demonstrated a track record of
success and growth. Being in the business for 40 years, ITC has seen many
companies come and go. Others who remain firm in the industry and continually
invest as we do in the advancement of high-quality, fair-priced and accurate
translations.
Myth: “Someone who is fluent in a language can provide quality translations.”
Examples abound of poor translations in websites, product manuals, brochures, etc. Some companies
underestimate the importance of a quality translator. See the following is an example of a product
instruction manual translation into English completed by a translator who is obviously not a native
English speaker. We have all seen things like this and this is by no means the worst.
“When you replace fuse, please don’t operate suddenly or else the product will be damage or cause
accident.”
“When you feel it hard to be operated, please make sure you have got the right way.”
It is common knowledge in the translation industry that barring very rare circumstances, the best
translators translate into their native language. Additionally, it is very important that they have been
formally trained in their native language. Other translators will lead you to believe that if they are
native speakers, then you can be sure that they will give you excellent translations. It is the balance of
these two variables, cost and quality that makes a successful translation.

4. Think of your own native language. Do you know people who are native speakers of your language, but
they don’t write well enough or have the adequate education to write your marketing, operations or
other material? Of course! We all know people who are suited for other things, but not writing and not
linguistics. The same holds true in other languages. Translators can come in all levels of translating
capabilities. Hiring a translator who is not qualified and very educated in their native language can give
your customers the opposite impression than intended. Making sure you have quality translations from
a reliable source is critical to success.
The International Translating Company (www.itc4you.com) is dedicated to improving the translation
industry through quality processes, fair prices and world-class accuracy. Our translators are highly
educated and provide quality language translation services, have additional expertise and training in
their translation industries whether it is healthcare, manufacturing, advertising, etc. By leveraging these
great resources who are seriously engaged in the translation industry and expect to be here year after
year, we continue to meet and very often exceed client expectations.
We certainly hope you decide to use ITC for your translation needs. Nevertheless, we strongly
recommend you use a firm that is committed to quality not just in what they say, but in what they do,
and how they invest in their business. Please contact us for more information.
http://www.itc4you.com