frequently asked questions

+ I have a document I need translating, what do I need to do?

The first step is to send us the document(s) via email with some information about how and where it/they will be used. We will take a look at the word count, terminology and layout/formatting and get back to you with a quote and delivery time as soon as we can. Once you give us the green light, we will either ask for payment in full or a 50% advance payment to start the project. Upon completion of the project, we will send the translated files back to you with our invoice and the remaining payment will be due. We have standard and express services depending on how urgent the translation is.

+ I have been asked for an official/certified translation, what does this mean?

This can mean a few different things depending on what your translation will be used for and where.

If you have a document that you need translated into Spanish for a government, immigration or legal process in Mexico, you will most likely need it a perito traductor, translators authorized by the state or federal courts to carry out official translations. The translations will be stamped, sealed and signed by the translator and delivered in person to the client. These documents may include birth or marriage certificates, diplomas and degree certificates or legal documents and contracts.

If you have a Spanish document that you need translated into English or another language for an application or proceedings in the USA, Europe or another country and they have asked for a certified translation, this simply means that the translation must be accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation agency attesting to the completeness and accuracy of the translation. Clients may need certified translations for procedures with US or European government entities (e.g. applying for a visa, obtaining a driver's license, claiming public benefits) or legal proceedings, both civil (e.g. adoption, divorce) and criminal. Educational institutions also require foreign candidates to submit certified translations of application documents (e.g. diplomas, transcripts.)

+ I would like my company’s website translated into English/Spanish, where do I start?

Website translation & localization is not just about translating the text you see; it is about adapting your site to another culture. For example, making sure that currency, measurement units, and general terminology are updated accordingly, and having a SEO strategy in place for the new language and region. First, we will send you some questions about your current website and your objectives for your new website. We will then put together a personalized proposal based on your needs and objectives. Remember, high-quality translations lead to increased engagement, more conversions, and improved SEO efforts, while poor translations can make the company look unprofessional and even run the risk of offending local customers.

+ What is the difference between translation, localization, interpreting and the other terms I hear associated with translation?

Like any profession, translators have their jargon. Terms like translation, localization and transcreation float around, but what does each mean and how are they different? Understanding the difference will help you know which service should you be asking for.

Translation- Translation is the process of translating written words or text from one language into another

Interpreting - Interpreting is the facilitation of spoken or signed language communication between users of different languages. There are different types of interpreting, such as simultaneous, consecutive, liaison, whisper, telephone and remote interpreting.

Localization - Localization moves beyond the words to consider the cultural expectations of an audience. It is the process of adjusting product’s functional properties and characteristics to accommodate the language, cultural, political and legal differences of a foreign market. Localization transmits the meaning of the words in a way that is culturally appropriate and connects with an audience more effectively. It goes further than translation, including images, layouts, time and date formats, the colors in your marketing material and even the images you use.

Transcreation - Transcreation ensures that the intended impact and emotion of your message is not lost in translation, and that the original intent, style and tone are maintained. The aim of a transcreated message is to successfully evoke the same emotions and contextual relevance in the new language as the original or source language. In other words, taking the essence of a message and re-creating it in another language or dialect, eg. marketing slogans.

Copyediting - Copyediting is the process of reviewing and correcting written material to improve accuracy, readability, and fitness for its purpose, and to ensure that it is free of error, omission, inconsistency, and repetition

+ What are your payment terms? And how fast can you do the translation?

For one-off projects and translations, we usually request either 50% advance payment or full payment in advance to start projects. For regular clients or clients with monthly fee packages, payment is usually due within 15 days from invoice date.

Our standard service is within 3-5 business days and our express service is within 2-3 business days, both depending on volume. We try to adapt and work within our clients’ timeframes wherever possible.

+ I have a startup and I do not yet have budget allocated for translation. Can you help me?

Yes. We are passionate about supporting emerging, growing and innovative startups with their bilingual language needs. Please get in touch and we can look at how we can work together.