Live Translation > Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Live Translation is a radical new concept in the Translation
industry so we have tried to anticipate some of the questions you may want answering.
If we haven't answered your question here, please feel to contact
us and we will do our best to help.
Why have you launched as a Beta Service?
It is standard practice among many online companies such as Amazon or Google to
introduce new services in ‘Beta' mode. It is a way of managing customer expectations
of a new service. Live Translation's aim is to provide real-time human translation
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
However, it is possible that you may require a particular language and no translator
is logged in who can provide the translation. As our translator database grows,
this will become less likely and we will move the service from Beta. If no translator
is logged in, the default delivery time will be 24 hours. Still an improvement on
most translation services and the price will remain the same.
Back to top
How do I get a price?
Simple select your ‘source' and ‘target' languages and type or paste your text into
the text box. Then click on the Live Translation button to calculate the price and
delivery time. Then confirm your price and place your order. It's that simple.
Back to top
Can I cancel my order?
Yes. You can cancel your order at any time before a translator starts working on
it. We are sorry but we are unable to cancel projects which have already been started
on by a translator.
This means if you are shopping around for a really quick translation you can place
the order with us, and if you find someone quicker (which we doubt), you can cancel
your order with us. We do not take any payment from your card until the translation
is underway.
Back to top
How do you charge and why are your prices
so low?
We charge $0.15 / £0.09 / €0.12 per word, with a minimum charge of $1.99
/ £1.50 / €1.75. This minimum charge covers the transaction processing
costs as well as the first 10 words for translation. This also makes it worthwhile
for translators to actually undertake a project.
Our prices are low because our technology allows us to provide translators with
an extra revenue stream in between larger projects which would normally take too
much administration time to be profitable. We pay translators a fixed price per
word which is above the industry average per word and in return they provide a great
service and excellent quality at unbelievable prices.
We also keep the process simple by only accepting text based projects without formatting.
This removes the hidden cost of page formatting which is built into the price of
many translation companies.
Back to top
Which Languages do you translate?
The number of languages we provide is growing
rapidly as we recruit new translators. We currently have translators available in
most of the major European languages as well as regional variations such as
Spanish for Latin America and French
for Canada . We are planning to add support for Asian and Russian languages
soon.
Back to top
How do you guarantee quality?
We have a rigorous selection process for potential translators which means they
must fulfil the following criteria
- Must be a native speakers
- Degree level education or equivalent
- At least one year of industry experience
- References to be provided by two satisfied clients
- Member of a professional body or association
Back to top
How long will my translation take?
The delivery time is displayed on the first page of the order process after entering
your text and clicking on ‘Live Translation'.
Depending on the subject matter, a typical translator will be able to translate
between 200 -300 words per hour. This gives enough time to get a thorough understanding
of the text, translate accurately and review the finished translation. Our site
calculations are based on 200 words per hour to build in some flexibility, we also
have a minimum turnaround of 5 minutes to allow for administration.
Therefore, if you have 100 words and there is a suitable translator available to
start the project immediately, it will be ready in about 30 minutes. Of course,
during busy periods there may be a queue of projects ahead of yours so the delivery
time may be extended.
If there are no suitable translators logged in, then the standard delivery time
will default to 24 hours. However, all suitable translators will be emailed to inform
them that there is a project available so the chances are the translation will be
ready sooner than that.
If you need a project urgently, why not place your order with us and then continue
to shop around. You can cancel your order at anytime prior to a translator commencing
the translation. No funds are taken from your credit card until we start the project.
Back to top
Why shouldn't I use computer translations
such as Babel Fish?
You should! But not for communicating with other people.
Free computer translation sites such as Alta Vista's Babel Fish and FreeTranslation.com
are designed to help you get a gist of what a piece of foreign text says. They do
not recommend you use the services to translate your own text. The goal of getting
a computer to translate as good as a human has long since been abandoned by the
major translation software companies such as Systran. They now concentrate on niche
sectors such a translating volumes and volumes of legal text which is then edited
by humans to get it to make sense.
Computer translations are not suited to the writing style of humans. They fail dramatically
at any text that isn't written in the most basic style and often apply grammar which
is inappropriate for it's intended use. Try getting a translation of ‘I Love You'
using FreeTranslation.com. The computer translates the term formally. At the worst,
this could cause a nasty row. For business customers, a mistranslation could mean
losing a valuable contract, shipping an incorrect order, or even worse, posting
inaccurate safety information which could cost lives.
Back to top
How secure is your website?
Our servers and databases are hosted by the USA's leading hosting provider in a
secure, state-of-the-art datacenter with 24/7 monitoring and physical security.
All transactions are protected by up to 256 bit high assurance SSL encryption to
ensure your information and text remains totally secure.
In addition, our comprehensive Privacy Policy means that we will never share or
sell your information with other companies and your project with us will be covered
by our standard Confidentiality Agreement as part of our Terms and Conditions.
Back to top
What methods of payment do you accept?
We currently accept Visa and MasterCard debit and credit cards. We plan to accept
American Express, PayPal and company Purchase Orders in the near future.
Back to top
Will you send me unsolicited emails if I register?
Emails you will receive from the site will be about your order or changes to the
service. In addition, we occasionally send emails with special offers but you can
easily opt out of these communications at any time.
Back to top
Are your translators native speakers?
All our translators are native speakers, as well as being highly qualified and experienced
individuals.
Back to top
Do you offer an affiliate program?
Yes. Our translation affiliate program offers
very generous commission rates on both new and repeat business. We feel our translation
service compliments many other websites such as those providing business services,
language learning, overseas property investment, website and graphic design and
dating sites. Sign up now to start earning.
Back to top
How do I become a translator?
Working for Live Translation is very rewarding and varied. You can choose when you
want to log-in and how long for. We pay above industry standard rates per word to
ensure we attract the best translators.
- Are you a native speaker of the language you want to translate into?
- Do you hold a degree or other linguistic qualification?
- Have you at least one year's commercial experience?
- Can you provide two references from satisfied customers?
If you can answer ‘Yes' to all the above questions, then you are probably the calibre
of translator that can work for Live Translation. Please complete the
Translator Registration form and we will review your application promptly.
Back to top
How do I partner with Live Translation?
Live Translation is built using open, web services based technologies. We are currently
working with strategic technology and translation partners
to integrate Live Translation into their services. We would welcome the opportunity
to explore your partnership proposals. Please send to
info@livetranslation.com or use our Contact Form.
Back to top
Where are you located? How do I contact you?
Our translators are based all around the world, but our registered office is in
the UK .
You can contact us via Telephone, Email,
Mail or using our Contact Form. Our details are below.
Email: info@livetranslation.com
UK: 0845 2 57 58 49
Live Translation Ltd
Brunswick Enterprise Centre
Queensgate
Huddersfield
HD1 3DH
United Kingdom
Back to top