Most translation work goes through traditional
translation agencies. This approach was in place long before the internet
and then prospered, despite its disadvantages. Fortunately, it is now
possible to find the perfect translator by other means.
How does a regular translation agency work?
Traditionally, a translation firm receives a request from
the client, to which it sends a quote.He will then select the professional
translator whose skills correspond to the
content of the text to be translated, but also whose tariff allows the agency
to remand itself on the difference.
The most: If the firm in question is serious,
the client will receive a translation made by the appropriate translator
without having to worry about finding the right freelancer.
The least: The client has no way of assessing
the competence of the translator who worked on his text. No notes, no
communication, no thanks. Nor is there any way to establish a long-term
relationship with your favourite translator. For the translator, it is not
possible to develop a direct clientele. Nor to receive feedback to help him progress. Everything goes
through the agency.
Alternatives to traditional translation firms
There are two main
solutions available to the client to avoid translation agencies. We will
not deal with the recruitment of an in-house translator, as few companies have
translation needs in a language that warrants hiring a translator.
1- Find yourself an independent translator
There is no
shortage of freelance translators, but we still have to find the right
one. If your needs in a language are constant and you have time, you can
try to search for yourself.
Unfortunately, the
lists of translators published by the associations are not of much
help. It contains very little information and no notes or comments from
previous customers. In addition, they are rarely updated and you will need
to contact several translators before you find one available. Only then
will you be able to discuss the rates...
Similarly, it is
best to avoid certain sites where you will receive dozens of quotes for your
application, with rates ranging from simple to triple, without understanding
what justifies this difference.
At this rate, you
might even regret your translation agency! But with a little luck and with
time, this solution may be right for you.
2- The new freelance marketplaces
The most effective
way to find a professional translator is to go where available freelancers are
looking for their assignments, and where the quality of the professional is
controllable, at least to some extent.
This is the case
for some marketplaces. They were previously limited to goods (Ebay,
Amazon...) but for a few years have been swarming services. Uber in
transportation and Airbnb in the hotel industry are the best known examples of
this to the general public.
The labour market is also concerned, thanks to the rapid
growth of the number of freelancers.With marketplaces,
self-employed and customers can get in touch directly based on their needs and
preferences.
As a marketplace for freelance
translators, Lexling is an alternative to traditional
translation agencies. By posting a project, you will receive quotes from
interested translators, pre-selected according to their skills and whose
previous profile and recommendations are public.
