Beth Worthy
6/4/2019
Many businesses focus on saving costs to be profitable. Transcription firms are not any different.
In the Transcription services industry, firms looking to keep their costs low are usually outsourcing projects to overseas vendors.
Although outsourcing may increase an agency’s profit margin, the quality of work often ends up being poor.
If you are thinking of hiring an overseas transcription agency over a US-based one, think again.
Overseas agencies may charge lower rates for transcription projects but at the expense of accuracy, confidentiality, and quality.
Here are five more reasons why you should go for a US transcription agency over an overseas one.
Your final transcripts have to be accurate. If you opt to hire an overseas agency to keep costs down, be prepared to spend a ton of time correcting errors.
Most overseas agencies hire non-native English transcriptionists.
Therefore, the transcripts they deliver are likely to be characterized by misinterpretations, mishears, and miscommunication.
On the other hand, US transcription companies hire native English speakers.
The grammar, punctuation, and spelling of native transcriptionists are way better than that of non-native speakers.
Moreover, native transcriptionists understand slang or jargon words used in certain professions.
Therefore, you are guaranteed 99% accurate transcripts when you hire a US transcription agency.
In the US, there are various laws and regulations that ensure the security of transcribed data. US-based transcription firms are aware of and abide by the policies.
When you outsource your transcription project, the security and confidentiality of your data may not be guaranteed.
This is especially the case if you hire an agency that operates in a country that doesn’t have robust confidentiality laws.
Moreover, when you outsource, the transcription agency company may share your data with unauthorized persons or store it incorrectly.
After hiring a transcription company, you’ll need to know the progress of the project.
Communication with a US-based transcription company is easy because you are in the same time zone.
If the firm is near you, you can even visit in person to check the status of your project.
On the other hand, communication with an overseas transcription company is not easy.
Your emails and phone calls may not be answered on time due to the difference in time zones.
Urgent matters may have to wait until the normal business hours of the overseas firm to be attended to.
US transcription companies are typically up to date with transcription technologies. As a result, they complete projects quickly and accurately.
On the flip side, most overseas transcription companies are based in developing countries with outdated technologies.
Others are not willing to switch to new technologies due to costs.
While an agency may keep costs low by using outdated technology, the transcribed text may be characterized by numerous errors.
Hiring experienced transcriptionists guarantees that you will get quality transcripts. US transcription agencies have been in the business for a long time.
The firms have no room for errors and, therefore, they hire the best transcriptionists. These professionals are experienced, which explains their high costs.
On the other hand, overseas transcription companies hire inexperienced or under-qualified transcriptionists. This is why the professionals accept the minimal pay they offer.
Moreover, some of the agencies are new in the industry, and this is why they charge low prices. The newer agencies don’t have the experience to deal with large projects.
As a result, they may compromise the accuracy and security of your transcription project. Overseas transcription firms may be cheap but may compromise the accuracy, security, and quality of your project.
If you want the best value for your money, hire the best human transcription service.
