Have you ever started a project in a rush, thinking you can finalize it as you go?

Work-in-progress

When it comes to professional Japanese translation, this approach can backfire in a big way. Here’s why taking the time to finalize your content before engaging a translation company is crucial for success.

Why Starting with a Draft Translation Is a Bad Idea

Rushing into a translation project with a work-in-progress draft might seem like a shortcut, but it’s not. Here’s what you’re risking:

1. Delays in Turnaround Time – Constant revisions mean your project will take much longer than planned. What starts as a quick process becomes bogged down with rework.
2. Increased Translation Costs – Each change you make comes with a price tag. Translation companies are happy to make adjustments, but those extra fees can quickly add up.
3. Compromised Translation Quality – Every revision introduces the risk of translation errors slipping through. These errors can damage your brand, confuse your audience, and even lead to costly legal issues.

Even small changes can have a ripple effect, requiring entire sections to be retranslated to maintain consistency. This is especially true for quality Japanese translation, where precision and cohesion are paramount.

The True Cost of Constant Revisions

Translation is an intricate process. It’s not just about swapping words between languages; it’s about conveying meaning, tone, and intent. When you hand over content that’s not finalized, you’re asking the translator to hit a moving target. This leads to:

• Higher project costs: More time spent on rework means higher invoices.
• Diminished quality: Frequent changes increase the likelihood of translation errors.
• Potential brand damage: Poor translations can alienate your customers and harm your reputation.

Can you really put a price on losing trust or facing legal consequences due to translation errors?

Finalize It First!

If you’re serious about getting your English to Japanese translation project done right, on time, and within budget, here’s your golden rule:

Finalize your content first.

Need a Japanese translation company in Tokyo? Want to ensure high-quality results without overspending? Start by delivering a polished, final version of your materials. This single step can save you time, money, and stress while ensuring the translation reflects your message perfectly.

Remember, more haste, less speed. By finalizing your content before engaging professional Japanese translators, you’ll set your project up for success from the very beginning.

---

About the Author
Ivan Vandermerwe is the CEO of SAECULII YK, owner of the Japan based Translation Company Tokyo Visit SAECULII for the latest professional case studies, articles and news on Japanese Translation Services

Copyright (C) SAECULII YK. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this article is permitted with inclusion of the “About the Author” reference as is (including text links, japan-translators.saeculii.com/english/info/contact.cfm), and this copyright information. Articles may not be altered without written permission from SAECULII YK.