1. How to: Choose a Localization Vendor
This article was originally published on the Acclaro blog.
Category: Localization Tips
Choosing a localization vendor can be difficult. Wading through
the technical jargon, scope details and pitches is a steep
learning curve for the uninitiated. Some understandably skip
directly to the most easily identifiable point of comparison: the
price quote. However, that can be risky if your company’s
brand, global product launch or multimillion dollar deal is tied
to the localization effort.
Savvy buyers ask prospective vendors the right
questionsbefore they even get a formal proposal and evaluate
the vendor’s competence and service levels during the sales
process. By doing this, the company has an opportunity to
predict its future experience with the vendor.
Read our five considerations for hiring a localization partner,
before you even ask for pricing:
1. Assess how much knowledge you or your company has with translation and localization.
Do you have a dedicated internal expert or team to coordinate the process? Are your
marketers, developers or writers well versed in creating global-ready products and
information? The answers will help you determine if you want a vendor to follow your
direction or if you’ll need to lean on them for advice. Also, this point will determine
whether you need a full service, on-stop shop, or if you just need to buy translation
services piecemeal.
2. Consider how you want the vendor to fit into your overall editorial or product
development process. Understand your goals and ask the vendor how they would help
you achieve them. You are choosing a partner who will play a key part in creating your
international brand, ensuring timely global launches and participating in your overall
success overseas. Make sure they share your vision and their process maps with yours.
3. Take a very close look at each of the prospective translation providers. Meet with the
firms key employees to review their approach to your plans. Then, choose a provider
that fits well with your organization and goals.
Page 1: How to: Choose a Localization Vendor Copyright © Acclaro 2012

2. 4. Determine what your partner can add. Even the most experienced companies have
opportunities for improvement. Look for a vendor that will make suggestions to help you
get more efficient. One of the many benefits of outsourcing is that you gain knowledge
from shared experience of the industry and their other clients. Pick a company and then
map out the entire process on both sides to look for opportunities to streamline
operations.
5. Based on your organizational needs, develop a clear understanding of the services you
want from the vendor. Translation only? Multilingual formatting and desktop publishing?
What about full quality assurance (QA) on the final product? Then ask the vendor to
assess the scope (e.g., words, pages, graphics, etc.) and effort in detail. This will enable
you to compare quotes with confidence.
This whole endeavor takes time and mutual engagement to define plans, volumes, deadlines,
processes, roles and responsibilities. Your prospective vendor should act like a consultant
helping you through this process. If the localization agency doesn’t get it – it’s unlikely to work
out. Move on.
About Acclaro: Acclarois an international translation and localization company that
helps the world’s leading brands succeed across cultures. We specialize inwebsite
translation, marketing campaigns, documents and software localization to give clients
an authentic voice in key language markets.
North America: 1-866-468-5106 Worldwide: +1-914-468-0222
www.acclaro.comsales@acclaro.com
Page 2: How to: Choose a Localization Vendor Copyright © Acclaro 2012