How to Set a Translation Budget

So you have a project that you have to translate and you have never done this before…what can you expect?

First and foremost…translations should be given the same thought, time and budget as your original English documents. 

If you want your clients, distributors and employees in other countries to respect your organization, understand your products/services and know your brand than it is important to give each translation the attention it deserves. 

Most translation companies and translators charge per word.  There can also be separate line items for file processing, project management, proofreading, desktop publishing, graphic design of art images and final editing.  Read the fine print on any estimates and to ask if there will be any other charges.

Be sure to set aside a realistic budget and timeline for your translation projects just as you would for your regular marketing and documentation efforts.

This will save you some stress in your foreign language translation work.