How does a translation agency handle rush turnaround for urgent documents?

Begin by asking how a rush request is handled from the moment it arrives. Who sees it first? Who decides to accept or decline? Is there a checklist for what to confirm with the client, such as the format, the audience and the deadline? A calm, defined process matters more than the promise to be fast.

Then ask about people. Which translators take rush work, and are they paid extra? Rush jobs often depend on a few trusted people who are available at odd hours. If so, the agency depends on them. Ask how work is split when a document is large, and who reviews the pieces so they read as one.

Finally, look at the results. Ask for a few rush jobs, the delivery times and any complaints that followed. Check whether quality checks were shortened and whether the agency charged for the pressure. Your accountant can compare the pricing to the cost of extra effort. Ask what the agency does when it must decline. Ask also how the agency stops rush work from crowding out regular clients, since favouring urgent jobs can hurt steady ones.

Key takeaways

• Ask who decides to accept a rush job and what is confirmed with the client first.
• Find out which translators take rush work and whether the agency depends on them.
• Review several real rush jobs for delivery times, quality checks and complaints.
• Ask how rush work is kept from crowding out regular clients.