What should I ask about a translation agency that relies on just one language pair?

Start with the clients. In a single-pair agency, a few large accounts may carry most of the work. Ask for the client list, how long each has stayed and what share each represents. Ask where new clients come from and whether that source depends on one channel or person.

Then look at depth. How many active translators and reviewers handle the pair, and how is the work split? If one or two people produce most of it, the agency depends on them. Ask about subject strengths. A narrow pair with strong specialist knowledge may be a real advantage, while a general offering may be easier to replace.

Finally, ask about direction. Has the agency tried a second pair, and what happened? Ask what the seller thinks could disrupt the market for this pair, and what clients say about price pressure. If you plan to expand, ask whether the current team and systems could handle it. Your accountant can help you read the concentration in the numbers. Ask whether clients buy other services from the agency, such as review or formatting, since extra services can soften a narrow focus.

Key takeaways

• Check how much work comes from the largest clients and how they found the agency.
• Count the active translators and reviewers for the pair and see how work is split.
• Ask what happened when the agency tried anything beyond that pair.
• Ask whether clients also buy other services, such as review or formatting.