Transcript Services: Getting Top Quality at Reasonable Rates
We know: transcript services make life convenient and easy. When you have audio, video, or text that needs typing, it saves a TON of time and frustration to have professionals do it for you. Did you know that transcription services charge higher rates for certain work? Below are six things transcript services charge premiums for, along with measures YOU can take to keep transcription costs reasonable and ensure the highest quality documents. Transcript Services Charge Premiums for: 1) Unreasonable Background Noise There's little more costly than expecting transcription companies to work miracles on audio that sounds like it was recorded in a wind tunnel, a moving 18-wheeler, or smack dab in the midst of a gaggle of squealing, banging toddlers walking seven barking mastiffs. Granted, it's not always possible to produce recordings captured in perfect, sanctuary-like silence—but it's important to try to create as ideal a recording environment as possible. This helps ensure the most accurate, sensible transcripts possible, and lower transcription rates. Fast Fix: Transcript services can't charge premiums for interference that isn't there. Coerce your participants to move pets, babies, rowdy colleagues, and nagging spouses to alternate (but distant) locations during your meeting. If that's impossible, courteously—but firmly—ask when (not "if") you can call back when background noise is reduced. Once they realize you simply can't (or won't) proceed without a certain measure of quiet, they'll typically respect your request and make it happen. 2) Mutterers and Whisperers "Pssst! Shrubba wishes plazzle foo? Wentaba max flannigan wentexxle pharb!" Eh? While the above may be "colorful," it is also, unfortunately, completely nonsensical. You might be surprised to learn that transcript services often receive similarly unintelligible media, due to [...]