Choosing the right translation agency in Gothenburg

While price and delivery time are naturally factors to compare when choosing a translation agency, there are more important things to consider before making a decision, such as who will translate the text? Does the translator have the right knowledge in the subject area? How will quality be assured? And who’s in charge of the project from first contact to final delivery?

Located in Gothenburg, Språkbolaget is a translation agency that produces professional translations for companies and organisations. This article lists a few things worth looking into when choosing a language partner.

What influences the price of a translation?

It’s not always possible to compare two quotations based solely on final price. Because the price of a translation is influenced by several factors, it’s also important to look at what’s included. Språkbolaget bases price on such things as the subject area, level of difficulty and the volume of the text, the source and target languages, and the deadline. The availability of qualified translators in different languages and subject areas also affects price. Delivery time depends primarily on the volume of text and the availability of a suitable translator. In addition to the translation per se, time is also required for project management, language review, and file management.

So when considering quotations, it’s a good idea to compare not only price, but also what’s included, what the work process looks like, and when the finished translation can be delivered.

Assuring the quality of professional translations

What happens to the text after the first translation and how the material is reviewed before delivery are important parts of the process.

In Språkbolaget’s standard work process, a trained native-language translator with specialist expertise in the relevant subject area translates the text and reviews the work. The translation is then reviewed and quality-assured by a second trained translator. Språkbolaget’s documented project management, translation and proofreading procedures are in line with the ISO 17100 standard.

Språkbolaget guarantees the quality of its translations. Should a client be dissatisfied with a text, Språkbolaget will make adjustments to it based on the client’s feedback and applicable comments until the translation meets expectations.

So when choosing a translation agency, it’s important to find out how the quality assurance process actually proceeds, not just whether or not a text is reviewed.

AI and translations for companies

Although artificial intelligence is playing a growing part in translation, different types of content are suited to different types of AI-based workflows.

In the case of AI translation, AI can perform the initial rough translation while a translator continues the task with post-editing, quality control and polishing. This can work well for simple user manuals or data sheets between major Western European languages, and may in some cases reduce costs compared to traditional translation

For more demanding content, the requirements may be different. Språkbolaget recommends classic translation for subjects such as economy and finance, law, medicine, user manuals with high safety requirements and content that represents a company externally. The same applies to texts where a specific tone or a greater degree of confidentiality is important.

AI translation in combination with professional post-editing can be a viable option for internal information, simpler user manuals and spare parts lists.

Confidentiality must also be taken into account. Språkbolaget uses AI services with high data security standards, but recommends classic translation for texts that require a higher degree of confidentiality.

Thus what matters is not whether a translation agency uses AI or not, but how it assesses which working method will best suit the content in question.

The translator's subject knowledge is crucial

Mastering a language is only part of the job. Different types of content require different skills. Medical texts, legal documents, technical manuals and marketing materials all place different demands on the translator.

Språkbolaget’s translators have relevant education, translate into their native language, stay abreast of developments in the language, possess documented experience and have good references. They must also pass Språkbolaget’s tests to be approved. Our translators are followed up and we use a quality management system to match the right translator with a particular text. Språkbolaget’s project managers carefully select which translators are suitable for work on your material based on the translators’ previous experience in your specific field.

Continuity in recurring translation services

Continuity can be important for companies who use translation services frequently. Språkbolaget’s regular customers are usually able to work with the same translator and project manager on each occasion.

Work processes and workflows are also tailored to different types of customer projects, which can make it easier to maintain continuity when a company has recurring content, specific requests or established terminology. Språkbolaget also offers contractual pricing for companies with regular requirements and large volumes.

Project management throughout the process

A translation project is more than just the translation per se, both in classical terms and AI translation. The right translator and reviewer must be selected, workflow planned, and delivery coordinated. This makes project management an important part of the work. So when comparing different translation agencies, it can be useful to find out who will manage the project and how communication will proceed during the process. Språkbolaget values personal contact and communication, and as our customer, you can contact your project manager directly by phone or email.

Språkbolaget – established in Gothenburg 2002

Located at Kämpegatan 6 in Gothenburg, Språkbolaget has been providing language services to companies since 2002. Its services include professional translations, language consulting and project management. Språkbolaget translates to and from most languages in areas such as marketing, technology and IT, public information, economy and finance, medicine, and law. Our clients work with a dedicated project manager, with whom they have direct contact via phone or email.

This means companies looking for a translation agency in Gothenburg will be able to have a local contact while assignments are in progress with our international network of translators and language experts.

What to compare before choosing a translation agency

While price and delivery time are important, the choice of language partner also depends on how the work is carried out. Find out what expertise the translator has in the subject area and whether the text will be reviewed before delivery. Also look at how contact with the project manager works and what the possibilities for continuity are if the need for translation recurs.

AI is another aspect to consider. Different types of content demand different approaches in terms of post-editing, quality control, confidentiality, tone and subject matter expertise. A good starting point is to choose the workflow and expertise that best suits your company, your content and the purpose of the translation.

Looking for a translation agency in Gothenburg? Read more about Språkbolaget and the translation process, or send us a request for quotation so we can discuss your project.