The consequences of low-quality translation 

3 Oct 2024

In today’s competitive market, the importance of quality translation cannot be overstated. Whether it’s a patent, contract or court document, accuracy and professionalism of legal documents directly impact your brand.  

Poor quality translation can harm your reputation, lead to costly delays, and result in lost business and trust. 

The cost of poor-quality translation services 

High quality translation should be a priority for any business dealing with translated documents. Here’s why: 

1. Damage to reputation and brand 
   One poor translation can ruin a company’s hard-earned reputation, eroding trust and customer loyalty. 

2. Increased costs and delays 
   Subpar quality requires corrections, causing delays and additional expenses. This disrupts current projects and diverts resources from other crucial tasks. 

3. Professional embarrassment 
   Low-quality translations can lead to professional embarrassment, damaging both internal morale and public credibility. 

4. Loss of business 
   Ultimately, poor quality can result in lost business as dissatisfied customers are unlikely to return or recommend your services. 

Is quality translation crucial for all industries? 

In a nutshell, yes.  However, some industries require the utmost precision due to the high stakes involved: 

The risks of low-quality translation in the legal industry 

Accurate translation is essential across industries, but good translation is particularly critical in the legal field. Legal documents are often complex and contain specialised language, where even the smallest mistake can lead to serious misunderstandings or disputes. This is why high quality legal translation services are so important.  

When translations are done poorly, the consequences can be severe – ranging from invalid contracts to costly legal battles: 

• Invalid Contracts: Misinterpreted clauses can lead to contracts being void or unenforceable, causing financial loss or disputes 

• Legal Disputes: Inaccurate translations can cause disagreements over terms, leading to costly legal battles and damaged business relationships 

• Violation of Rights: Poor translation may fail to properly convey legal rights and obligations, potentially resulting in the infringement of an individual’s or company’s rights 

• Regulatory Non-Compliance: Incorrect translations in legal documents, such as government filings or compliance forms, can lead to fines or legal penalties 

• Delayed Legal Proceedings: Inaccurate translations can slow down legal processes, requiring retranslation and causing costly delays 

By hiring an established legal translation agency, you can be sure of the highest quality translations. 

The role of a legal translation agency 

Legal translation agencies understand the importance of accuracy, consistency, and professionalism.  

Let us show you how our quality translation services can support your business’s success and uphold your brand’s reputation. Request a quote today and experience our commitment to excellence. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. Why is translation quality crucial for my business? 
High-quality translations maintain your brand’s reputation, avoid costly errors, and build client trust. Poor translations can cause misunderstandings, legal issues, and lost business. 

2. How do professional translation agencies ensure high standards? 
By using expert translators native in target languages and knowledgeable in specific fields, using advanced technology and strict quality control to ensure accuracy and consistency. 

3. What are the risks of using low-quality translation services? 
Low-quality services may lead to errors that damage your reputation, increase costs, and cause professional embarrassment. Investing in professional services ensures reliable, high-quality translations that support your business’s success. 

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