If you have ever tried to post or receive anything important at this time of year, you’ll probably know just how much of a nightmare it can be. Suffice it to say, therefore, this is absolutely not the time to be taking chances when it comes to the most important documents and translations of all. Nevertheless, there will always be a wide variety of situations that call for urgent certified translations, which simply cannot wait for the dust to settle in the New Year.
As such, if you are planning to use certified translation services over the Christmas period, there are a few things you need to consider and discuss with your chosen service provider. Given that translation agencies cannot always tell you everything you need to know outright, it’s up to you to ask the right questions before proceeding.
- Postal Problems
For obvious reasons, postal problems could significantly delay the transmission of documents in either or both directions. As such, think carefully about your chosen method of delivery—perhaps insisting on private courier services as the only acceptable solution. Or, if it is a realistic possibility, deliver and collect the documents yourself in person.
- Office Closures
Be sure to ask any translation service providers you are interested in working with exactly which days and hours they intend to close over the Christmas period. Once again, this may not be immediately obvious, but there can nonetheless be several days or even weeks during which you will not be able to contact them. Ask in advance, and do not take anything for granted.
- Document Protection
Given the likelihood of rather unpleasant weather at this time of year, it’s also important to ensure that you and your chosen service provider sufficiently protect your documents and certified translations prior to posting them. Don’t run the risk of adverse weather damaging or destroying your important documents.
- Timely Results
Last but not least, the key to facilitating timely results is, of course, placing your order as early as possible. Despite the fact that the chaos of Christmas is just around the corner, there is still plenty of time to organize urgent certified translation jobs when and where required. It’s simply a case of ensuring you work only with those you can trust to deliver on their word.
For more information on certified translations or to discuss an order, contact the Semiotic Transfer team today.