One of the biggest challenges of translating as a profession is overcoming stereotypes. Stereotypes are no new concept and have existed for a long time and in relation to many groups and classes etc. A frequently overlooked fact arising stereotypes of the linguist's profession is that obtaining a reliable translation requires more than just knowledge or even professional working knowledge of a language on the part of the person charged with performing the task.

For general topics that come into the everyday vocabulary of many people or some less technical topics, mere ability to read, write, speak and understand the spoken language can suffice. However, even so, the translator must be capable of correctly expressing the pertinent concepts in the target language. Furthermore, they must be capable of producing the finished work with highly accurate grammar, syntax and spelling.

When the word technical is used in the sense of technical translation, great care must be taken for "technical" applies to  a multitude of sectors. For instance, competence to translate washing machine manuals is not automatic endorsement of competence to translate automotive materials or even safety data sheets. This is why it is essential at the quote seeking stage for potential clients to trust the person they will potentially be dealing with contractually by providing a copy of their all important documents so that the content can be accurately assessed.

This is so regardless of whether the quote is being sought from a translation company or an individual. Surely there can be nothing worse than reaching the contract signed stage of the process only to discover that the content isn't quite what was expected. This brings us on to the fact that alarm bells should ring when a professional from any sector contacts a business to obtain a quote for language work and is not asked to provide a copy of the documents in order to confirm a fee and delivery time. Open communication from the outset avoids costly errors, misspent money and precious time.