Transcription Services - What to look for.
When searching for the ideal provider of transcription services, it is important to evaluate each potential business partner to make sure that what you need is what they offer. This means paying close attention to several key factors, including price, process, delivery options, and editing. Here are some suggestions on how to determine which service in your area would be the best option for your needs.

It is important to realize that not all transcription services structure their pricing in exactly the same way. Some services charge a flat rate per hour, while others go with a rate that applies every fifteen minutes. Depending on how long you expect your meeting to last, going with a service that charges in increments less than a hour is probably a good idea, since those by the hour providers are likely to charge for a full hour when you go even five minutes into a new hour. However, do the math before you assume this is the best option. You may find that a service charging a low hourly rate may in fact be a better deal than a moderately price service that bills using quarter hours.

Another aspect to consider is the turnaround time offered by each of the transcription services you consider. Many services guarantee that the completed transcript will be delivered in anywhere from forty-eight to seventy-two hours as a matter of course. Check into the possibility of accelerated delivery, as this is an extra benefit some transcription services offer, usually for an additional fee. When the transcript is needed for quick review and use, paying that fee may be worth your while.

Format is also very important when evaluating different transcription services. Once upon a time, a hard copy manuscript was the only option. Today, customers can choose a variety of electronic documents that can be delivered via email, posted on a secure FTP site, or even loaded onto a disk and sent to the customer by courier. Always ask what modes of delivery are available, how they affect the delivery time, and if there are any additional costs associated with each of the delivery options.

Last, you want to know if you can request one or more rounds of editing before the project is completed. This can be very important to the look of the final transcript. There may be verbiage that you want omitted or changed slightly before it is shared with others in your organization. Having the ability to receive a draft copy, identify any changes needed, then receiving the final edited copy, can be a great benefit. However, be aware that some services charge extra for editing, while others offer one round of editing as part of the basic charges. Just about every service will charge extra for a second round of editing.

After reviewing several transcription services, there is a good chance you will find at least one or two that will meet your needs and be within your price range. Ask for references, and make it a point to check out what current and past customers have to say about each service. Often, this will allow you to make a final determination, and hire the service that will be your partner for many years to come.