Looking for ways to save on translation costs?

It’s important to understand that while competitive pricing is essential, prioritizing “cheap” over “quality” can end up costing you far more in the long run.

This doesn’t mean you should overpay for professional Japanese translation. However, it does mean recognizing when lower costs might sacrifice the quality and professionalism you need.

The True Cost of Cheap Translation

If you’ve ever been tempted by a deal that seems too good to be true, you probably know how that story ends. Below a certain rate, quality is often the first thing to go. This holds especially true for translation projects, where cheap pricing often leads to costly mistakes.

Here are some common pitfalls when cost-cutting goes too far:

• UNQUALIFIED TRANSLATORS: Corners get cut in evaluating translators, leading to inexperienced or unskilled professionals handling your project.
• NON-NATIVE TRANSLATORS: Low-cost non-native speakers may deliver translations that sound unnatural or stilted.
• OVERRELIANCE ON MACHINE TRANSLATION: Automated solutions often result in gibberish that fails to convey your intended message.
• SKIPPING PROOFREADING: Omitting critical steps like proofreading can allow errors to slip through, tarnishing your reputation.

The Law of Diminishing Returns

At a certain point, reducing costs leads to diminishing returns. When translation companies are forced to operate on razor-thin margins, quality inevitably suffers. What seems like a cost-saving decision at first can quickly spiral into rework, lost time, and even reputational damage.

Consider this real-world example by SAECULII TRANSLATION JAPAN, a Tokyo-based translation company. A client prioritized cost over quality and ended up with a poorly translated document riddled with errors. The additional cost of revisions and lost business opportunities far outweighed the initial savings. Read the complete article:

Over emphasis on translation costs can be, well, costly

How to Avoid Costly Mistakes

Instead of chasing the cheapest deal, focus on value and professionalism. A reputable Japanese translation company will offer:

• Experienced, Native Translators: Professionals who understand both the language and cultural nuances.
• Quality Assurance Processes: Robust TEP (Translation, Editing, Proofing) methodology implementation to ensure accuracy.
• Transparent Pricing: Competitive rates that balance cost with quality.

Invest in Professional Japanese Translation

Ultimately, cheap translation can lead to expensive consequences. Work with a trusted translation company in Japan to ensure your project is handled with care and expertise. Investing in quality now will save you money—and headaches—down the line.

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

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