How to Outsource Transcription – an Insider’s Perspective

To put it plainly, outsourcing works. It represents an indispensable resource at every level and scale of business. It allows big business to trim payroll and find an eager, alternative work source. Outsourcing sometimes allows small business owners and sole proprietorships an opportunity to even have employees. Once you’ve addressed the need and desire to look for outside transcription help, here’s what you do.
Number one—do not allow price to be the most important factor in the selection process. It is certainly an important facet of the decision, but if you select based solely on price, you will almost always be disappointed. In my business, www.infoaces.com, I have been tasked to “rescue” projects from the hands of low-priced outsourced labor on numerous occasions. For several of these projects I was not selected in the initial bidding process often losing out to someone charging less than half of my rate. I like to leave the door open in the event things don’t work out, and I’ve gotten some of my best repeat customers in this manner.
Number two—check out the feedback and testimonials. Lukewarm and moderate feedback are definite warning signals. Low and no feedback are big no-no’s. Let someone else pay to “break them in”. How the transcriber responds to less than stellar feedback is another indicator of their level of customer service. If they are unable to handle criticism or are quick to offer excuses, then you have an idea of what might be in store for you. Conversely, if you see a trend of positive repeat customer feedback, you can usually assume they are doing things right.
Number three—develop a five minute audio test recording and request prospective transcribers to return a proofed result. It’s an excellent method to see if the language barrier or overseas communication might pose problems. Make sure you put words specific to your niche or business. Include words that are not in the MS Word spell checker. One test audio I did had two obscure names of mushrooms in the recording. All it took was a quick check at Wikipedia to get the accurate spelling. I learned from the customer that I was awarded the project based in large part on correctly identifying those two types of mushrooms. That one project has resulted in a great repeat customer as well.
While this article is specific to transcription, many of the points translate well into other areas of the outsource selection process. Exercise a little due diligence in choosing outsourced labor. Check out their feedback. Request a test run. Test their email response time. Test their command of the English language. See what others have said about them. Hopefully, this will help to bring two parties from across the world (or continent) together to a form mutually beneficial partnership. Good luck with your choices. Please feel free to email me with any feedback, tips, suggestions, comments or anything! Leona. Info Aces Transcription Services