
You’ve been burned before.
Missed deadlines, confusing communication, and translations that made your brand sound… off. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many companies find out the hard way that not all translation partners are created equal—especially when navigating the crowded and complex market in China.
But what if there were a way to spot the red flags early?
What if you had a proven checklist—built from real-world experience—that could help you avoid costly mistakes and choose a partner who actually makes your life easier?
In this post, we share insights from our clients’ past struggles and how they found peace of mind working with AZ-Loc. Whether you’re expanding into China or just need help with your next big project, this guide will help you ask the right questions and make a smart, stress-free choice.
✅ Communication: Are they really listening?
- Do they understand your instructions clearly?
- Do they take your requests seriously?
- Are they proactive in keeping you updated as the project progresses?
- Do they respond to your feedback quickly and respectfully?

✅ Accountability & Integrity: Do they follow through?
- Do they act in your best interest—not just theirs?
- Do they guide you through challenges instead of letting you make preventable mistakes?
- Are deadlines consistently met?
- Does the quality match what was agreed on?
- Do they take steps to reduce your costs when possible?
- Do they select the most qualified translators for your project?
- Are they transparent about their capabilities—and limitations?
- Will they share your translation memories and termbases without charging extra?
✅ Speed: Do they respect your time?
- Do they respond quickly to calls and emails?
- Are they flexible and able to adapt to last-minute changes?
✅ Workflow: Is there a system in place?
- Do they follow a structured workflow to ensure quality?
- Do they use quality assurance (QA) tools to catch errors or inconsistencies?
- Are they willing to provide tracked revisions to prove your translation was double-checked?
✅ Resources: Who’s actually doing the work?
- Is the translator a native speaker of the target language?
- Do they have real-world experience in the subject matter?
- Can they show similar past projects and results?
- Do they have positive reviews or references you can contact?
Other points to consider:
- ISO certification can be helpful, but it’s not everything. A certificate alone doesn’t guarantee quality.
- In-country native speakers typically deliver more accurate and culturally relevant translations.
- Field expertise matters—especially for legal, medical, or technical content.
- Put everything in writing. Always spell out your expectations in a clear contract to avoid surprises later.
At AZ-Loc, we check all these boxes—and more. We’ve helped clients around the world navigate China’s translation market with clarity and confidence.
So what’s your next step?
Let’s talk. We’ll prepare a tailored proposal that covers everything you need—without the stress.
Remember:
- Translation is the fastest, easiest, and most affordable way to grow in a new market.
- For important content, human translation isn’t optional—it’s essential.
- Quality translation is an investment that pays off quickly.
Ready to get started?