Frequently Asked Questions
Is TransGlobal24 insured?
Yes, we’re insured to protect you as a client in the unlikely event that serious errors in a translation lead to any loss or damages. This is just a safety net to be extra certain that all unexpected circumstances are covered.
We do not own our translations memory. Do we have to start from scratch?
Most of the time we can create TMs based on previous translations. This will normally be enough to take full advantage of what TMs can offer, without missing out on any of the advantages of owning your TMs. Contact us for more information.
Is it possible to pay in currencies other than EUR?
In addition to EUR we also accept payment in GBP, SEK and USD.
Which file formats do you work with?
It’s rare for us to encounter file formats that we can’t manage. We can – and do – work with most file formats; everything from Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe PDF to InDesign, FrameMaker – and many other formats. We have a DTP (Desktop Publishing) service to prepare files and make sure that they’re in the same format and layout as the originals.
What about bitmap-based PDF files, hard-copy paper documents, etc.?
Our DTP service deals with both editable and non-editable documents. We can extract content from non-editable documents and create new editable versions that are have exactly the same (or as similar as possible) layout as the original documents.
How much does your translation service actually cost?
We normally charge either per word translated (source word) or per line. Our rates vary depending on the language combination, the subject matter, the volume of words, etc. In some cases, we may apply a flat rate for a project rather than charging per word. Click on the “Request a Quote” button on the home page, fill out the form and upload the files you want translating, and we’ll get back to you with an estimate. Alternatively, you can always give us a call if you prefer to speak to us directly.
Why do you charge per source word?
There are different ways that we could calculate prices, but we consider it fairest and simplest to use the source text as the base. The main reason for this is that the number of words in the target text can sometimes be considerably higher or lower, depending on the target language. It can also be very difficult to provide an accurate quote if we don’t base it on the source text.
What are your payment terms?
We normally have a 30-day payment term, but there can be some exceptions. If you wish to know more, please ask about this when requesting a quote or submitting an order.
Do you apply charges for cancelled translation assignments?
We will charge for any translation work completed up to the moment of cancellation, or at least a minimum charge. This can be discussed before we start your project.
Are your translations certified?
Certified translations are available upon request. We can also provide certification by reviewing existing translations. We can also review and provide certification of existing translations where necessary.
How will I receive my translation once it has been completed?
Once a translation is ready, we normally deliver it either via email, FTP or file exchange servers. Additional charges may apply for expedited deliveries of physical documents via post, e.g. priority mail or express mail, and deliveries outside of Sweden and the UK.
Do you offer proofreading?
Of course! It’s one of the main language services we provide.
What is the difference between editing and proofreading?
Editing is where the translated text is compared to the original text by a second translator, and then any necessary changes are made to ensure the translation is accurate. Proofreading is the review of the final version of a translated text prior to publishing (mainly to remove spelling errors/typos).
How long does the translation process take?
This mainly depends on the number of words to be translated, the subject matter and the file format. We typically handle small translation jobs (less than 500 words) within our minimum turnaround of two business days. For larger jobs, you should normally allow at least one day per 2,000 words.
When you make your initial request, you will receive a suggested timeframe along with the price. A longer timeframe may be suggested for projects that involve extra work (e.g. for texts that are due for publication and require an extra review process).
If you need your translation to be ready sooner, please state this in your initial request. If necessary, the work can be split between several translators in order to meet the earlier deadline. (Please note that in such cases we suggest additional proofreading in order ensure consistency in style, terminology, etc.)
What is the minimum word count?
There’s no minimum as such, but a minimum fee may be charged for smaller jobs. Just send us the document you’d like us to translate, and we’ll get back to you with a quote or an approximate indication of the price.
Can translations be delivered/performed over the weekend?
Yes, but only on request or under special circumstances. Please contact us to discuss this as necessary.
How can I help speed up the translation process?
Send us legible documents! If, for example, you’re working with source material that’s faded or difficult to read, please try to make it more readable by making appropriate adjustments (darkening or enlarging) on your copy machine before sending us the documents.
Let us know the intended market or recipient. For example, are your Spanish translations targeted at customers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America, Mexico or Spain? Are your Portuguese translations going to Brazil or Portugal? Is the target audience of your French translations located in France or Canada? Geography is important in linguistics, as are the target audience and the intended purpose of the translation.
Specify the format you would like your translations to be delivered in. We need to know if your translation should be delivered in Microsoft Word, PDF or any other of the many different formats out there. If the translation is going to be translated into Russian and/or one of the Asian languages, and your computer doesn’t support multiple languages, then you may need to send the translated document in both Word and PDF formats.
Always try to plan a reasonable amount of time for translation projects. Of course, we’re always ready to help if you need an urgent delivery, but please understand that rushing things can sometimes lead to unnecessary mistakes. To ensure quality, we recommend working with two-person translation and editor teams. We always try to deliver translations as quickly as is reasonably possible, but we also always appreciate clients who plan their upcoming translation projects with our commitment to quality in mind.
What subjects/texts do you translate?
In general, we can translate any subject matter to a very high standard, but in case you’re not sure if something is outside our areas of expertise, the easiest way to find out is to simply send us your documents and ask! Just very occasionally, we may decline if the right translators are not available or the requested deadline is not feasible.
Why do you specialise in technical translation?
We work in most subject areas and language combinations on a regular basis, but we’re strong believers in the need to pick a smaller area in which to specialise. No one can be the best at everything. Technical translations and the Nordic languages are where we excel as we’re a Nordic language service provider, and most of our team members have many years of specialist experience and a natural interest in the technology sector.
What kinds of organisations have you translated for in the past?
We have experience working with clients ranging from many top 500 companies, the EU and other government bodies to small companies and private individuals.
Why don’t these companies just use Google Translate for free?
Google Translate and other machine translation applications can be used to get a rough understanding of certain bits of content, but if it’s for professional use or if it’s important that the translation sends the right message, then machine translation simply doesn’t cut it. The consequences can be very serious – serious errors in your translated content can damage your reputation and even put people’s health and safety at risk. Machine translation gets more advanced every year, but it’s still nowhere near a match for competent human translators. Where machine translation is used, professional language service providers will always perform post-editing in order to ensure the translation is of an acceptable standard.
How do you verify your translators’ capabilities?
Apart from our standard qualification requirements, all our translators are rigorously tested in relation to their native and target languages as well as their areas of expertise. In addition, our reviewers check the quality of every translation. We also have editors available to further check for grammar, style, punctuation, etc. This means that the translation you receive will have been examined by at least three people, including a native speaker and professional editor for each language. The combination of superior quality and the best prices gives us a clear advantage over other translation service providers.
Do you also offer interpreting?
Yes, we can certainly offer interpreting services for the Swedish market, but it’s not our main area of expertise.
What’s the difference between translation and interpreting?
Translation means converting a written text from one language to another, whereas interpreting requires an interpreter to listen to a speaker and verbally translate speech into the target language, often simultaneously.
What’s the advantage of using your service?
Our main commitment and goal is to deliver superior quality, service and added value at the best price on the market.