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Once you have obtained quotes from a translation agency and have identified the agency you would like to work with, ensure you take care of the following:

Keep adequate buffer in the timelines: While it is expected that the translation agency will deliver its work on time without affecting the quality, it will be prudent to expect delays or a couple of rounds of changes due to quality issues. Therefore, build in an adequate buffer when determining timelines for the translation project.

Compatibility in the formats in which work will be delivered: This must be specified right upfront to ensure that there are no issues subsequently. If the translated work is given in a form that you are not able to use, it can cause considerable waste of time and resource. As a case in point, for a website translation project, you might want to clarify whether the translated files will be uploaded to the server in the form of a functional website or the agency will just be providing the text translation. Or, in the case of a project that requires the development of marketing collateral, the file format in which the agency provides the completed work should be compatible with the software systems you have.

Non-disclosure/confidentiality agreement: When outsourcing work of a confidential or critically important nature, it is very important to ensure that you sign a non-disclosure/ confidentiality agreement with the service provider. Not doing so can have serious business implications, particularly if you happen to be dealing with a not-so-professional organization.

Service level agreement: Ensure that there are stringent clauses for the quality and timeliness of the work that is expected from the agency. This is important since freelance translators who work remotely are invariably involved in these projects and it makes sense to hold the agency liable for its actions. Special emphasis should be given to quality control/ proof reading work by the agency and also on-time delivery of the work.

Get a sample translation: If the volume of work you intend to offer is huge, then it makes sense to test out the agency by giving a couple of samples to work with. Of course, translation agencies would be reluctant to offer you free translation if they do not see the potential for a bigger and/or long-term commitment from you. If you do have regular and high-volume work, then communicate this early--- don’t be surprised if the service you get is top-notch!

Communicate regularly, evaluate in batches: For bigger translation projects, it will help both parties to interact regularly and review the work in batches. This ensures that any problems with the quality of the work can be resolved at the soonest.