Should you choose a translation agency or a freelance translator?
If you sometimes need translation services, you may have wondered whether to work with a translation agency or a freelance translator. Some clients work better with a freelance translator, others with a translation agency. Learn more about what to consider when comparing the pros and cons of each option.
How many languages do you need translation services for?
Most freelance translators work in one or two language pairs. If you need translation into only one language, it is enough to work with one freelance translator. This can be pleasant and beneficial for both the client and the translator. However, if you need translation into two or more languages, it may be easier to work with a translation agency. You can get all your translations from one place.
How often do you need translations and are they time-sensitive?
If you need translation services a few times a year and deadlines are flexible, working with a freelance translator can be effective. A freelance translator’s schedule is usually planned in advance, so they may not always be able to fulfil all orders promptly. If a freelance translator is traveling, on holiday or ill, they may not be able to take your order. A translation agency, however, will always have a translator available and can start your project as soon as the quote is confirmed.
If your previous freelance translator is no longer available, you will need to explain your terms and preferences to a new freelance translator. When working with a translation agency, the agency manages each client’s term base and translation memory. This ensures that the term base and translation memory remain, even if the translator changes.
Do you need translation services for similar types of texts?
For example, if you regularly order marketing translations or only need to translate your company’s annual report each year, working with a freelance translator might be a good choice. While there are talented freelance translators who are equally good at translating technical texts, marketing texts and contracts, each translator generally has their own strengths and weaknesses. A translation agency uses specialised translators for different types of texts. For example, they use a translator with a legal background for legal texts, a translator skilled in creative writing for marketing texts, a translator experienced in engineering for technical texts, and a translator with a medical background for medical texts.
What are the requirements for the quality of the translation service?
The quality of work of a freelance translator and a translator working at a translation agency is equivalent. Many freelancers also work with translation agencies. However, translation quality is often assessed by the number of people involved in the translation process. Freelance translators usually edit their own translations. In contrast, a translation agency uses a separate editor who reviews the translation with different skills and experience. The agency can also use specialist editors, such as SEO editors or copy editors, if needed. Additionally, a translation agency may have a strong quality control process and ISO quality certification.
What technical capabilities are available?
Translation agencies have more resources to purchase different applications. This means they have more software to help provide different translation services. For example, if you need to translate your website, a translation agency can handle translation files in different formats, such as XLIFF, PO, JSON and CSV. Translation agencies usually have IT support to handle the technical work of setting up a website in a foreign language. Translation agencies can also offer services such as copy editing, transcription, layout and voice-over as separate services. While some of these services may also be provided by a freelance translator, it is often not possible to find one freelancer who can provide all of them.
How do the prices of a freelance translator and a translation agency compare?
Typically, a translation from a freelance translator is less expensive than one from a translation agency. However, the price of a translation from a translation agency also includes the cost of an editor or other additional services. However, some freelance translators may charge higher fees due to their specialised knowledge, experience in a specific field, proficiency in a rare language or high cost of living in their country. Additionally, some service providers might offer translation services at prices below the market rate. When comparing quotes, check if the low price is for machine translation. When offering a machine translation, the client must be informed of this before the quote is confirmed.
What is the deadline for the translation?
A freelance translator usually translates between 5 and 12 standard pages per day. For long texts with short deadlines, you might need several translators to finish on time. In such cases, it might be more practical to use a translation agency.
What is the speed of response?
At a translation agency, the project manager handles client communication, allowing for quick responses. For example, we usually reply to customer enquiries within 15 minutes. A freelance translator can also respond quickly. Clients sometimes ask us to translate a sentence or phrase into two or three languages several times a week. Most clients prefer to use a messaging app for these requests. Since the project manager at a translation agency acts as the middleman between the client and the translator, freelance translators might have a faster response rate for these types of requests.
To summarise:
If you mostly need translations into one language and do not have urgent deadlines, a freelance translator could be a good fit. However, if you need translations in multiple languages, have specialised or large texts, tight deadlines and want multiple specialists like translators and editors working on each project, then a translation agency is preferable.
If you need help choosing the right service provider, feel free to contact us. We are happy to use our experience to help you find the best partner for your needs!
