Frequently Asked Questions about Translation & Localization

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I maximise benefits from your translation agency?

When contacting our translation agency or any other one specify the project in as much detail as possible. Make a list of things important to you and explain the nature of your document. Is it a scientific translation? Does it contain marketing or legal terminology? Make sure to ask your important questions at the beginning. Be aware that time constraints may affect the price and accuracy of a translation. So, plan ahead!

How long does it take to translate a document?

Generally, translators averagely translate 2,000-3,000 words per day and editors review 6,000-8,000 words per day. Therefore, if you have a project of 10,000 words that needs to be translated and revised, you should estimate that a week is required. Sometimes it may take less or more time, depending on its complexity and the available resources. However, if your project requires DTP processing then more time is needed, as it has to go through the DTP team and a final proof to be performed. In any case, you can send us the project or a sample of it and we will let you know on the exact time required.

Do I have to pay for a quote?

No, all quotations are provided free of charge. You can send us your documents or give us a sample with several details about the whole project and ask for an offer. This will give you an idea of the price but is not binding.

How much does it cost to translate a document?

Our prices vary depending on our clients’ requirements and texts. For translation, we charge on a per-1000-words basis. In order to give you an accurate quote, we need to know:

the language we will translate to and from
the total number of words (if you cannot count the total number of words we can do it for you. Even if your document is not in Word format, we have tools that can estimate the number of words in almost any document, even hand-written ones and websites, quickly and easily.)
the file format of the source document
the file format you want the final document to have
the terminology contained in the document (technical, legal, medical, etc.)
the ideal deadline for translation delivery (always remember that tomorrow may be possible but next week may be cheaper. You need to be sure how urgent is your requirement. We pride ourselves on meeting your deadlines but it may cost more to meet exceptionally tight deadlines as we have to divide work up between teams of translators which adds extra complexity and overhead.)

Can you download my website and send me a quotation for its localisation?

We can, however, we would prefer to receive the source files on CD or by email. This ensures we will be working with the latest version of your site and that all text is included.

Can I have a sample translation before placing an order?

If you need a large translation and you want to make sure that the quality of our service meets or exceeds your expectations, you can ask for a sample translation (up to 300 words).

How can I be sure that all my documents will remain confidential?

All our employees and contractors sign a non-disclosure agreement before they cooperate with us. They understand that any document handled by our company is subject to this non-disclosure agreement and that they must maintain the confidentiality of all work received through us.

What is a translation memory?

A translation memory is like a database that stores words and phrases that a translator has already translated. Next time the translator finds the same word or phrase the "database" looks up the word and automatically gives the choice of using the same translation again. This accomplishes two things: it saves time and more importantly keeps the terminology consistent throughout the entire document. This is especially useful for large translation projects where more than one translator is working on the same project.

What is localisation?

Localisation is the process of translating a piece of software or a web site into various languages. For example, in Greece people do not use the English version of Windows but a localized version with help, menu commands, and installation instructions in Greek language. The same applies for websites, as usually visitors tend to prefer viewing a website in their native language, if they have the option to do so.