How can I as a client help to obtain a good translation?

• Realistic time limit. Whoever has tried translating, knows that it takes time. It takes longer than you expect. The time of completing the translation depends directly on the volume of the text.
• Translatable material. In which files and in what form shall I hand in my material for translation? It matters a lot, especially in the case of web texts where every link hides several new options.
• File format. In what format is the source material and in what format do I want the translation? To understand the text better, is layout (say, adding pictures) needed? Will the material go to a printing house or shall we print it out ourselves?
• Precise description of the work task. I will try to explain as precisely as possible what I expect to get. The better the translation bureau understands my needs, the better service I will get. What is the purpose of the translation? Will it be a print ad or a report?
• Target group. Who will read/use this text? Who is expected to understand it? How simple and how specialized must the translated text be?
• Auxiliary materials. I will enclose auxiliary materials or references to reliable sources from the very beginning. Is there any reference material that might help the translators to acquaint themselves with the specifics and terminology of the subject? Does our company use our own vocabulary and established product names and in what form can I transfer these data to the translation bureau? Can I interpret the abbreviations in the translatable text?
• Our representative. We know our products best. Who would be our company’s contact person to be consulted on terms if necessary? Who is ready to answer questions arising in the process of translating/editing?
• Feedback. Feedback matters a lot for the translation bureau. This way I will get texts which increasingly reflect just exactly what I need and desire because of the close cooperation during the work and feedback after the work.