The main goal of outsourcing the transcription of a recording is to have a printed copy. It may be worthwhile to think about the entire process if you desire a document that you can use and doesn’t cost too much. Transcription Services – Things to Consider
Here are some tips: Transcription Services – Things to Consider
1. What accuracy do you require the transcripts?
You may not need a transcript if you’ve already heard the recording, or plan to do so. A less precise transcript will require fewer proofing rounds and cost you less. This should always be mentioned when you are discussing transcription rates and hiring a transcriber.
A higher level of accuracy (98-99%) is recommended if you don’t plan to hear the recording, or if the transcript will be shared with customers (or other people), especially customers. Talk to the transcriptionist about this as higher accuracy takes more time and costs more.
2. Styles of transcription
There are mainly two styles of transcription that are used: Verbatim & Clean Read.
Verbatim transcription involves capturing every word and sound of the recording. It also includes nonverbal communication, such as laughter, pauses or silences. This style is perfect for research and analysis, but if you just want to find the main ideas of the recording, a transcript written in this style might be too difficult to read.
It is easier to read cleanly transcribed. It involves typing each word and removing unnecessary content like fillers, false starts or side conversations.
Verbatim transcription can take longer and is therefore more expensive. At the beginning of every project, it is important to discuss the transcription style with the transcriber.
3. Does your recording involve technical terminology?
If the answer is yes, then you need to decide whether you want your transcriptionist research these terms at the time they are being transcribed. If you prefer to fill out this information yourself, the transcriptionist may leave blanks with time-stamped time stamps at any places these terms appear on the recording. This will allow you to quickly skip to the correct part of the audio when proofing.
When outsourcing transcription work, research can be a significant expense.
4. Does your recording include heavy accents?
If the answer is yes, then it’s a good idea to find a transcriptionist who has a deep understanding of the accents involved. A trained ear is required to translate accents such as the Irish or Australian accents.
Find out if your transcription company has experienced transcriptionists that can handle different accents.
5. Turnaround time
Clear recordings take between 3-4 hours and 2 hours to transcribe and proof. Recordings with accents or background noise will take longer. The average turnaround time for most transcriptionists or transcription companies is between 3-5 days. You may need the transcript earlier than this time and will be charged rush charges. This should be discussed in advance.
6. Is the recording crystal clear?
Transcriptionists will struggle to understand your recording if it has background noise, recording problems, or people talking over one another. This type of audio usually requires multiple rounds of proofing to ensure accuracy Business Transcription Services . Therefore, it takes longer to transcribe. It is also more costly. You might send your transcriber a sample file if you have such a recording. This will allow them to give you an accurate assessment and offer a quote. A paid sample can be requested to determine if you are getting value for your money.
7. Number of speakers
If you don’t care about speaker identification (i.e. If you don’t care about speaker identification (i.e. marking each speaker’s name separately and accurately), then this is not a problem. It’s best to have your transcriber confirm that you can identify the speaker. The problem is usually limited to two or three speakers. But if the number exceeds that, the transcriber will need to listen carefully to each individual voice to correctly identify the speaker. It’s not possible for everyone to do this so it is a good idea choose a skilled transcriber/transcription company to handle such audio.
8. Formatting
This is important if you don’t want a long document with no paragraphs or page breaks. Tell your transcriptionist that you need the text divided into shorter, easier-to-read paragraphs and with page breaks at appropriate points. You may also request additional formatting, such as headings or subheadings. While this can take extra time and money, it’s worth it in the end.
9. Editing
A lot of transcription companies offer editing services which can be used to create ready-to use documents. A transcription company may offer editing services that include checking for grammar, punctuation and sentence structure Legal Transcriptions Services. Fillers, false starts, slangs and other errors can also be checked. The text can be requested to be placed in contextual headings/sections. You can also request the transcript to convert into an information product, such as an ebook, blog post or workbook, handout, PowerPoint presentation etc.
10. Transcription
Many transcription companies convert audio files from video before they begin transcription. However, this is not possible with some video formats or streaming videos. In these cases, the recordings cannot go into transcription software. Instead, they have to be transcribed directly from the recording. This process takes longer and is more expensive. You might want to look into the extra costs of transcribing videos.
11. How do you plan to send files the transcription company?
Are they able to upload recordings online? Is it possible to email the file to them? You can email the file to them (e.g. How will the transcript get delivered? You can use FTP to send the transcript or a link to it.
Many transcription companies offer online storage space that is free for you to upload files. If they don’t, you can still use the online file transfer service yousendit.com and sendthisfile.com.
12. Payment methods
Depending on the location of the transcriptionist/transcription company, there are several payment options to choose from, such as PayPal, Moneybookers, Payoneer, and Xoom. You also have the option to send moneygrams, wire transfers and checks. You can save yourself a lot by choosing a mutually agreeable method of payment.
Charging Models
There are many ways that transcription companies can charge you. These are the most popular, but not all. Below, we will examine the positives and negatives of each.
Fixed price
Fixed price transcription usually involves a combination of all the above methods. Normally, a customer will submit the audio to be transcribed and the transcription company will give a quote. The quote will only be valid for the work that was quoted. The company will consider the number of speakers, difficulty of the audio, quality of recording and turnaround time. When determining a standard transcription quote based on a fixed cost, it is important to consider these factors.
Fixed price transcription services have many positives
The transcription costs of the company’s audio transcription services are clearly displayed to you. There are no hidden fees for transcription. This is a great option for businesses with ongoing transcription contracts. Before placing an order, you can verify that the transcription company is able to deliver the work. Although you might be eligible for discounts if there is a lot of audio, it is rarely the case.
Negatives to fixed-price transcriptions
It is not a good choice for quick turnaround transcription work, as it takes time to reach the company offering the service and for them to respond with a quote. Some companies won’t respond to you even if they do contact you, which can lead to more wasted time. It can be very time-consuming to organize. This company usually has little or no automated services, so customer feedback can often be slow. Audio work is usually more expensive. You should verify the ability of transcription services to meet client needs.
Recommendations
This type of transcription service is not recommended in almost all cases. You can get the same or better results using other methods. This method would only be recommended if you have very specific formatting requirements or punctuation standards (as many of the other options listed below will not include such formatting).
Each line of typed text
A line of text is usually defined as: 65 keystrokes equals 1 line of transcription. A company usually has an agreed rate per keystroke with the transcriber and charges for those keystrokes. This method is used a lot in medical transcription, but I don’t like it. It is very difficult for clients to determine how many lines or keystrokes are needed for their transcription. Although some estimates can be made, you won’t know how much you are paying until you receive your bill. This is an unnecessary risk, especially when so many transcription methods are available.
Per-line transcription services have many positives
It is very accurate to charge for work done. This is a great option for transcription companies, as customers are willing to take the risk. Customers and businesses can often pay for work after it is finished. This can help with cash flow issues. These are some of the things you can do.
Fixed price transcription services have negatives
The customer assumes the risk of having services rendered. The cost of transcription is unknown until the work is complete. Some companies won’t complete audio work if it’s very difficult audio because no money was spent to start the work. This is especially true for customer service.
Most people think that a printed copy of an audio/video recording is the best option when outsourcing transcription. If you are looking for a document you can use and that doesn’t cost a lot, it might be worth giving the process some thought.
You can save significant time and money by outsourcing your transcription work. However, a rash decision could lead to the complete opposite. It is important to do your research before you make a decision. Good luck!
