On what basis should I employ a translator?
Depending on how often you need a translator and the range of technical knowledge you require, you might either employ competent linguists as in-house staff translators or buy in the services of a freelance translator (whom you might contact personally or through an agency) or a translation company. Freelance translators can offer you great flexibility if you require translations from or into different languages or in different subjects. Translation companies can collectively offer a wider-ranging service than individual translators, who may nonetheless be excellent in their chosen areas, and can act as a single point of contact for a multilingual project or a project that works across several subject specialisms at one time.

Translation companies, because they employ their staff on a regular basis, are more likely than agencies to be able to vouch for the competence of the staff they offer you. If you deal with either an agency or a company, it is worth enquiring what quality assurance systems they operate with respect to their employees. You may also want to check their minimum requirements for experience or qualifications for the translators they supply.

Competence, in the context of business or industry, is usually best provided by a fluent or native writer of the target language who is also experienced in the specialist field in which you want them to work.

You will of course need to specify the language combination you require e.g. German to English translation. It is customary for professional translators to translate into their mother tongue rather than into a language which is foreign to them.

What do translation agencies offer?
Translation agencies operate as intermediaries between client and translator. Agency costs are normally shared between client and translator. The client might pay less by direct contract, the translator might earn more, but each would sacrifice potential benefits.

Potential benefits of a translation agency to the client

• Screening of translators is done for you
• Single project management point for large contracts, often across several languages
• Ready identification of translators to suit specific needs 
• Offers Indemnity insurance
• Regular contact point or account manager
  
  

Potential benefits of a translation agency to the translator

• Acts as a referral point for work
• Can provide reference archives
• Offers indemnity insurance
• Regular contact point for work or contracts
• Can help with office support services
• Agency bears the brunt of any issue
• Reputable agencies guarantee payment even if client defaults
  

What is indemnity insurance?
Professional indemnity insurance provides financial protection for translators and translation agencies alike. It covers the cost of defending claims and any damages payable should a client suffer financial loss as a result of alleged neglect, error or omission.

Like anyone concerned with providing professional services, the translator or agency must consider the implications of offering a professional service. Indemnity insurance is increasingly more difficult to arrange - the risks are high, procedures may involve lengthy analysis of staff - but anyone involved in translating or offering translation services would be ill-advised not to have cover. This cover may be held personally by the translator or collectively by the agency. Agency indemnity may cost from £250 p.a. minimum for £0.25m. of cover.