Best practices for choosing a language service provider

Choosing the right language service provider (LSP) is a crucial decision for any business seeking to communicate effectively with global audiences.  

The right LSP can help overcome language barriers and ensure that messaging is accurately and effectively conveyed to the target audience.  

However, with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help make the best decision, here are some best practices to consider when choosing a language service provider:  

Determine Your Needs  

It is important to determine the company’s specific needs. What kind of services are required? What languages need translating? What are the deadlines?  

Knowing the answers to these questions will help a business find an LSP that is well-suited. Teneo Linguistics Company not only assists in determining those needs but also employs a system for continuous improvement of quality assurance.  

And because TLC has been in business for 15 years, the internal process for working with new clients has been developed and fine-tuned. The “Five Ts” process consists of Touch, Team, Tailor, Translate, and Trust.  

Consider Experience and Expertise  

Experience and expertise are important factors to consider when choosing an LSP. Look for a provider that has experience in the industry and with the specific type of content that needs translating. For example, if medical or technical translation is needed, look for an LSP with experience in those areas.  

TLC serves several industries including life science organizations, government agencies, manufacturing companies, educational institutions, legal firms, and other businesses. There are thousands of professional and experienced linguists in TLC’s database, and services are offered in more than 180 languages.   

Check for Quality Control Measures  

Quality control is crucial when it comes to translation and localization. Make sure that the LSP chosen has established quality control measures in place to ensure accuracy and consistency in their work. Ask about the quality assurance process and what steps they take to ensure that translations are accurate and culturally appropriate.  

TLC holds ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certifications for quality management and translation services. The ISO 9001 certification covers quality management systems and continuous improvement in TLC’s processes and projects.  

ISO 17100 is specific to the translation services industry. It provides the requirements for the core processes, resources, and other aspects of delivering quality translation service.   

Look for Strong Project Management  

A strong project management team is essential for ensuring that translations are delivered on time and on budget. Look for an LSP that has a clear and organized process for managing projects and that has a proven track record of meeting deadlines.  

TLC’s in-house team consists of remarkable project managers, account managers, language services coordinators, and other support staff. This staff is handpicked, monitored, and measured for the continued success of projects.  

Evaluate Customer Service and Support  

Good customer service and support are key indicators of a reliable and trustworthy LSP. Look for a provider that is responsive and accessible, and that provides clear and regular communication throughout the translation process. TLC excels at customer service and has received zero complaints since its establishment in 2007.   

TLC has shaped its success by living four core values: Excellence, Partnership, Integrity, and Gratitude.   

Get References and Read Reviews  

Ask for references and read online reviews to get an idea of the level of service and quality that the business can expect. This can be a valuable source of information and can help you make a more informed decision.  

TLC has an award-winning reputation and boasts five-star Google reviews as well as a 99% customer retention rate.   

Ultimately, choosing the right language service provider is important for ensuring effective cross-cultural communication. By following these best practices, a company can find an LSP that will help communicate effectively with its target audience.  

Learn more about how TLC can support a company’s language needs and get a quote by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.