Professional transcription services can help you to save time in preparing the necessary data for research, analysis and other additional purposes. The quality of a transcription service is assessed in terms of accuracy and price. There are a number of different providers, but not all of them are equal. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a transcription service.
Avoid Outsourcing
For English/British companies looking for accurate transcriptions the best option is to stick with a transcription service with native English speakers. It is always advisable to work with a company the employs full time, native English speakers and can guarantee consistently high standards of transcript. Avoid providers who outsource or subcontract their work to other transcription companies overseas.
Turnaround Time
The best transcription service providers will be able to deliver results quickly and accurately. Lots will even offer same-day turnaround which is highly convenient if you’re trying to meet a deadline. Work with a team of experienced transcriptionists; the best transcription providers specialising in digital transcription will only hire transcriptionists who have passed grammar and punctuation tests – they understand that accurate punctuation is key to a good quality transcript. As the client you need to carefully assess the quality of the services being offered. A minimum of 99% accuracy is essential for reliable transcripts.
Confidentiality Agreement
Choose a transcription company with in-house transcriptionists that can guarantee confidentiality. Employees of a professional transcription company are obliged to sign a comprehensive and full confidentiality agreement. Their identities will have been verified and they would have undergone thorough background checks too.
Established Company
Look out for transcription service providers that have been around for 10 years or more, as these will often be more trustworthy than newer businesses. Their resilience and years in the transcription game is proof of their hard work. It shows that they are trusted by many different clients.
Easy to Contact, Flexibility
The chosen transcription company should offer phone and email support, so you as the client can easily get answers and updates each time you want to do a follow up. Transcription services must be flexible when it comes to handling the needs of various different clients.
Scalability
If you are undertaking sizeable projects that will require bulk transcription services, it’s important to choose a provider who has this type of experience. If you choose not to research an appropriate provider you could be left with transcripts that are delivered late, or with errors due to their inefficiencies.
Secure Delivery
Ensure that the transcription company can deliver the completed transcripts securely through email or a file sharing system that only you have access to for downloading.
Value for Money, Pricing
Does the pricing seem realistic? Some companies choose to push incredibly cheap per-minute rates. However, they might not be able to guarantee the level of quality and accuracy that you require. The cheapest option isn’t necessarily the best option when it comes to transcription services.
Is there a combined price structure for all the service offered by the company? Or are there nasty hidden costs associated depending on what options you choose. The more variable the pricing, the harder it will be for you to decide what is within your budget or not.
