How Are Translation Costs Calculated
Before buying any product or service, a smart buyer would take the initiative to get the exact price to acquire certain products and services. Withal, you must determine the value you will get for the money you spend. The same principle applies in acquiring a professional translation service, clients would like to know the translation costs and try to find the lowest bid (which might not be a good idea).
How Much Does Professional Translation Costs?
The cost of a professional translation service depends greatly on the distinct approach of what a translation project requires. Moreover, there are plenty of variables involved in determining the translation costs. So, how does a translation cost works or calculated?
Pricing guidelines to consider in calculating the translation costs
Price per word
This pricing is the most basic unit of calculating the cost of a translation service. Most professional translators and companies opt to charge their translation per word. It is logical and fair to base the calculation of a translation service through per word.
Price per page
Translation services can also be calculated per page. When both parties have agreed, the total cost will be calculated by the number of pages of a document. Most often, the price per page will be gauged by the estimated number of words on a single page.
Price per hour
Other translators will choose an hourly rate for their translation services. The reason behind this pricing is the upfront revisions require completing the project. Thus, professional translators will provide a quotation of the updates they have done on an hourly rate.
Aside from the factors mentioned above, other professional translators prefer either a minimum or fixed price. They have set standards to guide them in the translation services that they are going to render. Furthermore, the calculation of the total translation costs will also greatly depend on some factors, and below is a list of these factors.
- How many numbers need to be translated?
- How complex is the document that needs to be translated?
- What is the language requirement for the translation service?
- What is the turnaround time?
- What is the total volume of work?
- What are the formats and styling required?