Frequently Asked Questions for
Translation Services

Translation pricing is usually calculated per word based on the language pair (English to Spanish for example). However, for specialized services like desktop publishing (DTP), localization engineering, or interpreting, pricing may be per hour or a flat project fee, depending on complexity and scope.
For document translation, the per-word rate can vary based on language pair, subject matter complexity (e.g., legal or medical translations), and urgency. In regions like the European Union or North America, clients often prefer per-word pricing for budget clarity, while certain Asian markets might also consider factors like character count for specific scripts. GPI provides detailed quotes upfront subject to client’s review and approval, ensuring transparency regardless of the billing model.
To receive an exact quote tailored to your project's specific requirements, contact GPI for a personalized consultation and analysis of your content.

GPI applies a minimum charge per project to account for the essential project management, quality assurance, and administrative overhead involved in initiating any translation or localization task, regardless of its size. This ensures every project meets our rigorous quality standards from the start.
While the minimum charge is a global policy, its specific value may vary slightly based on the complexity of the language pair or the specialized services required. For instance, a highly technical translation into a less common language might have a slightly higher minimum due to the specialized translation teams involved.
For a clear understanding of the minimum charge applicable to your specific translation or localization needs, please request a free, no-obligation quote.

Yes, GPI offers rush or expedited translation and localization services to meet urgent deadlines. While we try to avoid applying RUSH charges, these are typically priced at a premium due to the accelerated resource allocation and extended work hours sometimes required to successfully complete the project. This ensures your time-sensitive projects are delivered promptly without compromising quality.
The premium for expedited services varies depending on the language pair, project volume, technical complexity, and the required turnaround time. Our global offices and network of linguists allows us to leverage different time zones for quicker turnarounds, providing significant benefit to clients with global operations who operate 24/7.

Yes, GPI offers volume discounts for larger translation and localization projects, recognizing the efficiencies gained with increased content. These discounts are designed to provide greater cost-effectiveness for clients with substantial and ongoing language service needs.

Volume discounts and pricing are typically applied based on the total word counts, number of projects and number of languages a client might have in a given year. The potential for leveraging dedicated translation and project management teams, translation memory and terminology management tools are greater with ongoing and consistent work from clients. For example, businesses undertaking large-scale website localization for multiple European languages or substantial technical documentation for Asian markets will find cost benefits with these larger volumes. Our approach helps long-term partners, from Fortune 500 companies to growing enterprises, manage their budgets effectively while maintaining high-quality outputs across all their global content.

To understand how volume discounts can benefit your extensive translation projects, please speak with a GPI account manager.

Project scope is determined through a detailed consultation process where GPI analyzes your content (word counts, page counts, subject matters), target languages, technical requirements, desired turnaround times, and any specific industry or regulatory considerations. Pricing is then calculated based on this comprehensive assessment to provide a precise and all-inclusive quote. Quotes are free, confidential and non-obligating.

This initial scoping phase is crucial for ensuring accurate pricing and successful project execution. For instance, a website localization project for a client in Germany might require not only translation but also cultural adaptation, SEO keyword research specific to the DACH region, and integration with a CMS, all of which define the scope and impact pricing. Similarly, a legal document translation for use in Latin America may require sworn translation and apostille services, which are factored into the scope. Our detailed approach ensures no hidden costs and full transparency for clients across all regions, from North America to Asia-Pacific.

For a thorough project scope definition and a transparent pricing proposal, initiate a consultation with GPI's expert team.

Yes, GPI's standard translation and localization services typically include a defined number of revisions or opportunities for client feedback to ensure complete satisfaction with the final delivery. Our aim is to achieve linguistic accuracy and cultural appropriateness that aligns perfectly with your expectations.

The specific number of revision included is outlined in your project agreement (quote) reflecting common industry practices and our commitment to quality. Typically clients are provided the opportunity for one review and approval cycle on all translations. For highly specialized content, such as medical translations for the FDA or technical manuals for EU machinery directives, thorough review cycles are crucial, and we work collaboratively with clients to incorporate their feedback. Whether you are a marketing team in New York or a legal department in Paris, our process facilitates clear communication to address any stylistic preferences or nuanced adjustments required.

For details on the revision policy applicable to your specific project, please refer to your project proposal or contact your dedicated GPI project manager.

GPI accepts a variety of convenient payment methods to facilitate seamless transactions for our global clientele. The most common payment options are check or bank transfers (wire transfers). Our goal is to provide flexible options that suit international business practices.

For clients in North America and Europe, bank transfers and credit card payments are widely utilized. For businesses operating in other regions, we can discuss additional localized payment solutions to ensure ease of transaction. All payment processes adhere to strict security protocols, regardless of your geographic location, from Dubai to Sydney. We aim to make the payment process as straightforward as our translation services. As of January 2025, GPI accepts Bitcoin as payment for services from certain key accounts.

For specific details regarding accepted payment methods or to discuss a particular arrangement, please reach out to GPI's accounting department or your project manager.

As of January 2025, GPI accepts Bitcoin as payment for services from certain key accounts.

No, GPI's standard translation process inherently includes multiple layers of quality assurance, including rigorous proofreading and quality control (QA) by a second independent linguist, ensuring accuracy and fluency. These essential steps are integrated into our per-word pricing and are not charged separately.

This comprehensive approach to quality is fundamental to our ISO-certified processes and is applied consistently across all projects, from legal documents for German courts to marketing collateral for Japanese consumers. We believe that high-quality translation is a multi-step process, and proofreading and QA are critical components for delivering a polished, error-free final product. This commitment applies globally, providing clients in Canada, the UK, or South Korea with peace of mind.

Discover more about GPI's stringent quality assurance protocols, ISO certifications and our commitment to delivering superior translation and localization services by visiting https://www.globalizationpartners.com/about/iso-certifications-and-security/.

All charges are detailed on GPI’s comprehensive quote form and line items with specific tasks are broken out. GPI typically charges a Project Management Fee on all projects ranging from 5-10%. You will receive a comprehensive quote that outlines all costs upfront, avoiding hidden administrative charges. To see an example of a GPI quote please visit our Quick Quote Calculator and try it for yourself. https://www.globalizationpartners.com/translation-quote-calculator/

For a detailed breakdown of all potential costs for your specific translation or localization project, request a customized quote from GPI.

Yes, GPI provides free, no-obligation quotes for all translation and localization projects. We encourage prospective clients to obtain a detailed estimate tailored to their specific needs, allowing them to understand the scope and cost before committing.

Whether you're planning a small document translation for immigration purposes in Canada or a large-scale software localization for global deployment from your office in Singapore, our team will analyze your project requirements and provide a comprehensive proposal. This commitment to transparency ensures you can make informed decisions, regardless of your industry or geographical location.

To receive your personalized, free, and no-obligation quote, simply contact GPI with your project details.

Getting started with GPI is straightforward: You can simply:
1) Submit your project details and content through our website “Request A Quote” form.
2) Send an email or contact our sales team directly.
3) Try our Quick Quote Calculator.
4) Call us at 1-703-286-2193 (USA)

You can easily contact GPI's global sales team through various channels: by filling out the request for a quote form on our website, sending an email to our general sales address, or by calling our regional offices directly during business hours. Our team is strategically located to serve clients across different time zones.
USA: +1 703 286 2193
UAE: +971 56 4992369
UK: +44-20-8638 8202

GPI primarily operates on a per-project billing model, meaning you are billed for each specific translation or localization project as it is completed, ensuring transparent and predictable costs. There are generally no ongoing retainer fees or hidden recurring charges unless explicitly agreed upon for specific long-term service agreements.

While most services are project-based, we do offer flexible solutions like managed translation services or framework agreements for clients with continuous, high-volume content needs, which may involve a different billing structure for increased efficiency and cost savings. This is particularly beneficial for large multinational corporations with consistent localization demands across multiple regions, from Europe to Asia-Pacific, who may prefer a recurring service model. Our goal is to align our billing with your specific operational and budgetary requirements.

GPI's quality assurance (QA) process is a rigorous, multi-step methodology designed to deliver accurate, culturally appropriate, and high-quality translations consistently. Our comprehensive approach ensures linguistic precision and contextual relevance for every project, regardless of scale or complexity. We utilize a combination of proprietary and industry standard QA process depending on the specific translation requirements.

GPI is ISO certified for both ISO 17100-Translation Services and ISO 18587:2017-Post Editing for Machine Translations. We utilize a combination of checklist-based QA processes along with our own AI-Powered QA checker which utilizes grading methodologies from both private and public industry QA models including the Multidimensional Quality Metric (MQM) framework. From initial glossary development to final client review and approval, quality assurance is embedded in our translation process.

For instance, in regions like the European Union and North America, our processes integrate specific compliance checks essential for highly regulated industries such as life sciences and legal services. We also leverage sophisticated translation memory (TM) tools and terminology management systems to maintain consistency, particularly for large-scale enterprise localization projects across diverse global markets.

To learn more about how our QA processes can benefit your global content strategy, explore our detailed methodology or contact GPI for a tailored consultation.

Yes, GPI strictly adheres to ISO 17100:2015, the international standard for translation services, ensuring a robust and quality-driven process from project initiation to final delivery.

Our adherence to these standards means that clients in markets with stringent regulatory requirements, such as the EU for medical device documentation or Japan for technical manuals, can trust in the quality and reliability of our translations. We apply these best practices across all our services, from legal translation in the Americas to marketing localization for Asian markets, ensuring linguistic accuracy and cultural appropriateness in every target locale.

Discover how GPI's certified processes can guarantee the highest quality for your translation projects by visiting our accreditations page.

Yes, GPI strictly adheres to ISO 18587:2017, the international standard that specifies requirements for post-editing of machine translation output. This commitment ensures that our MTPE (Machine Translation Post-Editing) services meet defined quality criteria and are performed by qualified linguists.

Our compliance with ISO 18587:2017 means that when we deploy MTPE workflows for content, whether it's technical documentation for manufacturing facilities in Asia or e-commerce content for European online stores, the human post-editors involved possess the necessary competencies and qualifications. The standard guides the entire post-editing process, guaranteeing that the final output achieves a quality level comparable to, or exceeding, human-only translation for its intended purpose. This provides clients with confidence in the reliability and accuracy of our hybrid translation solutions across all global locales. To learn more, please visit: https://www.globalizationpartners.com/about/iso-certifications-and-security/.

Absolutely. All translations at GPI undergo a mandatory review by a second, independent linguist as a critical part of our rigorous quality assurance process. This dual-linguist approach significantly enhances accuracy, ensures stylistic consistency, and verifies cultural appropriateness.

This standard practice aligns with both ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 requirements, providing an additional layer of linguistic and cultural validation. For example, a document translated for Brazilian Portuguese will be reviewed by a linguist intimately familiar with the nuances of that specific variant, ensuring it resonates authentically with local audiences. Similarly, technical translations for industries in Germany or South Korea are not only translated by subject matter experts but also reviewed by another expert to confirm technical precision and terminological accuracy.

Explore the depth of our translation services and quality control measures by contacting GPI for a detailed discussion about your project needs.

GPI ensures unparalleled consistency across large and/or recurring projects through a strategic combination of advanced translation technologies, stringent linguistic asset management, and dedicated project teams. This approach guarantees uniform terminology, style, and messaging, crucial for global brand integrity.

We leverage sophisticated translation memory (TM) systems to reuse previously approved content, significantly reducing costs and turnaround times while maintaining consistency across all linguistic assets. For clients with complex content requirements or specific brand guidelines, particularly those operating across multiple European or North American markets, we develop and maintain comprehensive client-specific glossaries and style guides. Furthermore, a dedicated team of linguists and project managers is assigned to recurring projects, fostering deep familiarity with the client's content and brand voice, ensuring consistent localization solutions for every release.

Learn how GPI can streamline your continuous localization efforts and maintain brand consistency across all your global communications by requesting a consultation.

GPI works exclusively with highly qualified and certified professional linguists who possess deep expertise in their respective language pairs and subject matter areas. Our global network comprises translators, editors, and proofreaders who meet stringent criteria in line with ISO 17100-Translation Services resourcing standards for translator selection and grading.

Our linguists typically hold university degrees in translation, linguistics, or relevant specialized fields (e.g., law, medicine, engineering). Many also possess certifications from recognized international bodies like the American Translators Association (ATA) in North America, the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) in the UK, or similar professional associations across Europe and Asia. For specialized fields such as medical translation or legal document translation, we engage linguists with specific industry accreditations and verifiable experience, ensuring not only linguistic accuracy but also adherence to regional regulatory nuances, such as HIPAA compliance in the US or GDPR considerations in the EU.

To discover more about the expertise of our global team, contact GPI for detailed linguist profiles relevant to your industry.

Yes, for recurring projects or ongoing client relationships, GPI offers the flexibility to request specific translators or editors to maintain stylistic consistency and leverage established working relationships. We understand the value of a dedicated linguistic team.

This approach is particularly beneficial for long-term localization programs or projects requiring a deep understanding of a client's unique brand voice and industry-specific terminology. For instance, a client requiring continuous updates to their website for the Japanese market or their software localized for German-speaking regions can benefit from having the same linguists ensure a consistent tone and message over time. We strive to assign preferred linguists whenever possible, based on their availability and suitability for the project's scope and specialized requirements.

Discuss your preferences for dedicated linguistic resources by reaching out to GPI to explore how we can best support your ongoing translation needs.

GPI maintains a proactive and client-centric approach to address any potential errors or client dissatisfaction, ensuring swift resolution and continuous improvement.

Should an issue arise, our dedicated project managers act promptly, initiating a thorough internal review process to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions. For example, if a client in Australia flags a stylistic concern in a marketing translation, we will engage the original linguists and a senior reviewer to refine the content until it perfectly aligns with their expectations. We value client feedback as a crucial component of our continuous improvement cycle, integrating lessons learned into our linguistic assets and processes to prevent future occurrences, especially vital for complex technical documentation or highly sensitive legal translations across diverse jurisdictions.

For any concerns regarding a delivered project, please contact your GPI project manager directly, or learn more about our commitment to client satisfaction.

Yes, GPI highly recommends and facilitates in-country review (ICR) and client review rounds as an integral part of our localization process, especially for culturally sensitive or high-visibility content. This collaborative step ensures optimal linguistic and cultural accuracy tailored to specific target markets.

ICR is particularly valuable for projects targeting diverse regional nuances, such as marketing collateral for Latin American Spanish or user interfaces for various Asian languages, where local stakeholders can provide invaluable feedback on terminology, tone, and cultural appropriateness. We provide a streamlined review platform and clear guidelines to facilitate efficient feedback collection and integration, ensuring that the final translation resonates perfectly with local audiences. This process is crucial for achieving truly effective global market penetration and avoiding costly misinterpretations.

Discover how our in-country review process can refine your localized content by contacting GPI to discuss your project's specific review needs.

Yes, GPI provides sample translations and detailed case studies that showcase our expertise across various industries, language pairs, and content types. These resources demonstrate our commitment to quality and our ability to meet diverse client requirements.

Our portfolio includes examples of technical translations for manufacturing in Germany, legal document translations for corporate clients in the United States, and marketing localization projects for e-commerce platforms in the UK, among others. These samples allow potential clients to assess our linguistic quality, stylistic versatility, and subject matter proficiency. Case studies provide insights into how GPI has successfully navigated complex translation and localization challenges for global brands, detailing our processes, solutions, and measurable outcomes.

To request relevant sample translations, please contact GPI. To review GPI’s published case studies, please visit: https://www.globalizationpartners.com/resource/case-study/

GPI manages industry-specific terminology through the creation and maintenance of client-specific glossaries and terminology databases. This ensures the correct terminology is used consistently across all of a client’s projects. This is paramount for highly technical or regulated fields. All glossaries undergo a review and approval process with the client making sure, brand names, technical terms and client proprietary terms are correctly translated and utilized throughout the lifetime of the content.

To see how a glossary project works, see a nice case study and blog on topic:

https://www.globalizationpartners.com/2021/03/25/importance-of-glossary-for-translation-services/
https://www.globalizationpartners.com/resources/the-international-cricket-council/

Learn more about our robust terminology management solutions and how they can benefit your industry-specific content by connecting with GPI.

GPI ensures translation accuracy through a multi-layered approach to Quality Assurance (QA) that combines 1) the expertise of highly qualified human linguists 2)adherence to international quality standards such as ISO 17100 and ISO 18587, and 3) the strategic deployment of advanced linguistic technologies including translation memory and GPI’s own ARTEE 1000, an AI-powered translation checker and scorer. This comprehensive methodology minimizes errors and maximizes precision.

GPI’s basic QA steps to ensure translation accuracy include:
1) Selecting native-speaking linguists who are subject matter experts in the relevant field, ensuring deep contextual understanding.
2) Building glossaries and style guides subject to a client’s review and approval.
3) Utilization of translation memory technology (TM) to ensure consistency.
4) A thorough proofreading and review by a second independent linguist, a critical step conforming to ISO 17100 standards.
5) Utilization of sophisticated quality assurance (QA) tools that conduct automated checks for terminology consistency, numerical accuracy, and grammatical correctness, especially beneficial for large volumes of technical documentation or legal contracts where even minor discrepancies can have significant impacts.

Yes, GPI provides comprehensive certified translation services for legal and official documents, ensuring full compliance with the specific requirements of governmental, academic, and legal authorities worldwide. This service is crucial for legal proceedings, immigration, academic applications, and international business, to name a few.

The requirements for certified translations vary significantly by country and jurisdiction. For instance, clients in the United States often require notarized translations for legal documents, while many European Union countries, such as Germany or Spain, may require sworn translations performed by a court-appointed translator. We also facilitate apostille services for documents intended for use in countries party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Our global network of certified linguists and legal experts ensures that your documents, whether birth certificates, academic transcripts, or business contracts, are accurately translated and officially recognized in your target region.

To understand the specific certification requirements for your documents in your target country, contact GPI for expert guidance on official document translation.

Yes, GPI specializes in providing high-precision technical translation services across a vast array of industries, ensuring that complex technical information is accurately and clearly communicated in any language. Our expertise spans diverse technical domains. We work with a global network of subject matter expert linguists who possess deep technical knowledge in fields such as engineering, IT, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. Whether you require translation of user manuals for electronics in Japan, software localization for cloud platforms in the US, patent applications for new machinery in Germany, or technical specifications for energy projects in the Middle East, our teams ensure terminological accuracy and contextual relevance. We utilize advanced translation memory and terminology management systems to maintain consistency across all technical documentation, crucial for product efficacy and user safety. To discuss your specific technical translation needs and ensure your content resonates with global technical audiences, contact GPI today.

Yes, GPI actively develops and utilizes translation style guides and glossaries as foundational tools to ensure linguistic consistency, brand voice adherence, and terminological accuracy across all client projects. These assets are vital for large-scale and ongoing localization initiatives. Our process involves collaborating closely with clients, especially those with established brand guidelines or complex product lines, to create comprehensive glossaries of approved terminology and detailed style guides that define tone, formatting, and cultural nuances. For example, a global consumer brand entering the Chinese market would benefit from a style guide that specifies appropriate regional dialects and culturally sensitive phrasing, while a pharmaceutical company expanding into Latin America would require a precise medical glossary for consistent drug nomenclature. These linguistic assets are continuously updated and shared with all linguists working on a project, ensuring a unified and consistent output, critical for global marketing campaigns and technical documentation. To learn more about glossary development, please see: https://www.globalizationpartners.com/resources/the-international-cricket-council/