FIND A TRANSLATOR WITHOUT GOING THROUGH A TRANSLATION AGENCY

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.