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How long is your turnaround time?
Our standard turnaround time is 10-15 working days, with shorter documents (i.e., under 2,000 words) being completed in less time and longer documents (10,000-15,000 words) requiring the full 15 working days. Documents over 15,000 words may require a longer than "standard" turnaround time. Translation is a process that involves several steps. Our standard turnaround time reflects the most cost-effective timing for quality translation. Of course, we also offer RUSH service if your particular deadline requires a shorter turnaround time.
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What is the cost for translating my document into English?
We offer competitive prices in the translation industry and only use highly skilled, experienced technical translators. The cost for translating your document depends on the language, subject matter, word count, and turnaround time. Rates for languages vary, with major European languages at the low end of the scale and Asian languages at the high end. Your final translation will include translation by a qualified technical translator, review by a professional editor, word processing and proofreading provided by our word processing department.
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Can I get my document translated faster than "standard" turnaround time?
Can I have my document back tomorrow?
Ordinarily, we consider RUSH service to be 5 working days or less. RUSH service can be provided to meet your deadline, but will involve an additional cost. Turnaround time and pricing (RUSH prices range between 25% and 50% over our "standard" pricing) depend on the language, the subject matter, the length of the document, the exact deadline. Although it is extremely difficult to return a highly complex technical translation on the next day after placement of an order, it is not impossible. Please ask!
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How will my finished document be formatted?
Documents are formatted to closely match the original whenever possible and such formatting is included with your translation. Figures, charts and photos are electronically scanned and pasted (not reproduced) into your translation. Keys may be used in conjunction with figures that contain words. Or we can retype tables as needed at a word-processing charge of $35/hr.
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Are there any other additional costs?
Your quoted price will cover everything except the following.
- Document retrieval (if no copy is provided to us, e.g., a published patent): Between $5 and $25.00
- Overnight delivery to any recipient (via FedEx): $19.00-$25.00 per delivery (Saturday delivery is an additional $10.00)
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Do you use native speakers?
All of our professionals translate into their native language, and most have had experience publishing their own research papers, technical reports, or patents.
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Is the translator familiar/educated in the subject of my translation?
Our regular translators, many of whom have worked with us for 20 years or more, are all professional scientists or engineers as well as translators who have frequently published their own research materials. We have available several translators in many languages with various educational and technical backgrounds. We will always make every effort to match your particular job with the most qualified translator for the subject matter of your particular document. For additional quality control, every translation that is completed by the translator is then edited by an editor suitable for the particular language and subject matter.
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Do you use machine translation?
The simple answer is: "Not yet." Although software programs can now accomplish some forms of translation, in most cases they cannot even be used for "draft" translation. These programs are best suited to repetitive, list-form texts or texts written with specific criteria for use with machine translation.
However, the work of the translator has been greatly facilitated by the many software programs designed to aid the translation process, and our professionals make use of such tools and continually try new ones. These tools include translation memory for storing previous work and for building glossaries of specialized terms, and speech-recognition software to speed document preparation.
Finally, continually improving computer technology and the Internet have greatly facilitated our searches for reference materials, as well as our communication with clients, professional translators, editors, and consultants.
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I only have a fax copy of the document that needs to be translated.
Can you use it?
It is always preferable to have the highest quality original available to provide to our translators (especially Japanese!). In general, as long as the document is sufficiently legible, we can translate it. If a fax copy is poor, an original may be mailed or sent by overnight service to us, depending on your time constraints. Additionally, many patents and certain other materials can now be easily retrieved over the Internet. If you prefer, we can retrieve such documents for you at cost.
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Can you translate a handwritten document?
It is always preferable to have the highest quality original available. However, if the handwritten document is legible we can translate it. Since it may be difficult to decipher handwriting, additional cost may be incurred due to the additional time required for preparing the translation. We will always provide you with a firm price quote for any particular document.
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Do you "certify/verify" translations? What is your procedure?
Yes. You may have your document "verified" or "certified" by the translator. Our certifications are accepted by the USPTO, the FDA, the INS and other U.S. and international regulatory agencies. If necessary, we can also notarize this certification. There is no fee for this service if it is requested at the time of translation. If it is requested at a later date, delivery charges will apply.
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Can you provide a "draft" translation?
We have found that draft translations, usually performed with some urgency under time pressure, are often misleading. In our early days, before we were aware of this and tried to accommodate a customer's request, we did provide draft translations. Unfortunately, this service was not very helpful to our clients and was a source of complaints-and so we discontinued it. If you just need a rough indication of content, perhaps a quick machine translation would be more helpful. Many websites offer this service without charge, e.g., http:\\babelfish.altavista.com.
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Can I get references?
Of course! Please contact us with your request.
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What type of payment can you accept?
At this time, we accept checks, money orders, or ACH transfer. Currently we do not accept credit cards.
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