The hidden cost of cheap translation services

Guildhawk | Feb 4, 2025 2:15:00 PM

The temptation of cheap translation services and affordable translation services can be hard to resist for cost conscious companies. Saving money may seem like a good business decision but going for the cheapest translation can have hidden costs.

We explain why choosing the cheapest option can be a costly mistake and why quality should always be the top priority when you invest in translation.

Quality vs cost: The translation trade-off

The saying “you get what you pay for” is especially true in the translation industry.

High quality translation requires more than just a basic knowledge of two languages; it needs cultural understanding, subject matter expertise and linguistic precision.

Cheap translation services often cut corners to offer lower rates, and the results can compromise your business.

Here are some reasons why cheaper is not always better:

  1. Inaccurate translations: Low-cost translation providers may use unqualified translators or machine translation tools without human oversight. This can result in mistranslations that confuse or offend your audience, damage your reputation or even put your business at risk. Accurate translations are often crucial, especially for certified documents in legal contexts, to ensure the translation is a true, complete, and accurate reflection of the original document.
  2. Lack of cultural relevance: Translation is not just about translating words from one language to another. It’s about adapting content to the cultural context of the target audience. Cheap services don’t localise content properly and this can result to messages that feel out of place or inappropriate.
  3. Errors that cost more to fix: Poor translations can create more work in the long run. Fixing errors or re-doing translations can be time consuming and expensive-often more expensive than getting it right the first time with a professional service.
  4. Brand reputation: A poorly translated website, marketing campaign or legal document can damage your brand’s reputation. For businesses that operate globally, having a strong and consistent brand image across markets is key.

Here are some reasons why cheaper is not always better

The hidden costs of cheap translation services

When you choose a translation service based on price only, you may get the savings upfront, but the hidden costs can add up quickly. Some of the less obvious consequences are:

  • Lost sales: Poorly translated marketing materials won’t resonate with your target audience and may result in lost sales.
  • Legal and compliance risks: Mistranslations in contracts, regulatory filings or safety manuals can be serious.
  • Time delays: Translations may require rework, resulting in delays and meaning projects take longer to complete.

A better approach: Value over cost

Consider the value of a translation service, rather than simply the cost. Ask yourself:

  • Does the translation company have experience in your industry?
  • Do they offer a quality and accuracy guarantee?
  • Can they handle specialisations such as legal, medical or technical documents?

Going for high-quality translation pays off by protecting your brand reputation and ensuring better business results. Although the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term benefits can far outweigh the risks of going cheap.

Find out what is certified translation services.

How to choose a translation service

Selecting the right translation service is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and legality of your translated documents.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Certification: Ensure that the translation service is certified by a reputable organisation, such as the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Certification guarantees a certain level of quality and professionalism.
  • Quality control processes: Reputable providers like Guildhawk have robust quality assurance processes in place. This includes proofreading and editing by multiple linguists to ensure the highest level of accuracy.
  • Experience: Look for a translation service with extensive experience in translating official documents and legal materials. Experienced translators are more likely to understand the nuances and requirements of different types of documents.
  • Cost: Compare prices among different translation services to find the most cost-effective option. However, remember that the cheapest option is not always the best. Consider the value and quality of the service.
  • Turnaround Time: Consider the turnaround time for the translation service. Ensure that they can meet your deadlines, especially if you have urgent translation needs.

By considering these factors, you can choose a translation service that meets your needs and ensures the accuracy and legality of your translated documents.

Click here if you need more info on what translation is with explanations.

Conclusion

The real cost of cheap translation services is inaccurate content, cultural faux pas and potential damage to your business.

By prioritising quality and working with experts, including official translation services, you get clear, accurate and culturally relevant translations that will take you global.

Remember, good translation is an investment in your business’s future and it’s worth every penny.