Switching Localization Vendors--Take this Quiz

Take this short True-or-False quiz:

1) You think your localization company is much too expensive.
2) Your other contractors or in-house teams cannot work with your localization company.
3) Your in-country offices are complaining about the translation.
4) Your overseas customers are complaining about the translation.

If you scored 2 or more True, you might look into peeling off a language and trying a new vendor out. If you scored 1 True, you should have a chat with your vendor and work out the problem. If you scored 0 True, you are in the localization minority and should count your blessings.

Making a vendor switch involves a lot of re-plumbing and re-education. If your vendor is charging a fair price for good, steady, reliable work, and they're making you look good (or at least, they're not embarrassing you), there's plenty to be said for that.

Keep in mind also that this is a relationship. The vendor won't necessarily get it right the first time--neither will you--but if they show improvement, and they're willing to work with you on making things better, you have the beginning of a beautiful friendship.