Before diving into one of the key language service decisions – subscription-based or classic translation – allow us a brief introduction. This year, Leemeta celebrates 19 years of successful operation. What began as a curious idea has grown into one of the most technologically advanced translation agencies in the region. In addition to classic turnkey translations® carried out in accordance with international standards ISO 17100 and ISO 9001, we have, in recent years, also developed and continuously improved our subscription-based translation model. Both approaches have their strengths – and the right choice depends primarily on your needs, the type of content, and the scope of service.

Collaboration Models: Flexibility and Dynamics

Subscription-based translation enables smooth collaboration with clients who require translations on a regular basis (e.g., website content, blogs, user manuals, internal documentation, etc.). This model defines the scope and type of translation in advance based on monthly needs, which simplifies communication, saves time, and ensures faster response times.

Classic translations are better suited for one-time, complex projects or content that requires a rigorous execution process – such as legal and technical documentation, annual reports, or content intended for publication. Each project is handled individually, with a detailed offer, defined timeline, and dedicated project team.

Quality and Standardization

The classic translation process is precisely defined by international standards:

• ISO 17100 specifies requirements for a comprehensive translation process, including translation, bilingual review, and additional language checks.
• ISO 9001 ensures a quality management system, traceability, and continuous process improvement.

At Leemeta, the same professional procedures are also applied in subscription-based translation projects, including CAT tools, translation memories, terminology databases, and quality assurance (QA) checks. The key difference lies in the increased agility and speed of execution.

Speed and Responsiveness

One of the main advantages of the subscription model is its optimized workflow: both pricing and scope are agreed upon in advance, eliminating the need for approval of each individual project. This allows the translation team to begin work immediately and complete it more quickly.

With classic translations, turnaround times depend on project volume, content complexity, and how quickly the offer is approved by the client. Nevertheless, quality remains the top priority, which may result in slightly longer delivery times, particularly for multi-phase projects.

Cost Efficiency

Clients who frequently translate smaller volumes of content can significantly reduce costs over time with the subscription model, as the monthly fee is fixed or predictable based on the selected package.

Classic translations are typically billed per word or per translation page (1 page = 250 words or 1,500 characters without spaces). The price usually includes additional services such as bilingual review, QA checks, formatting, and – if required – website content integration. The final cost also depends on the language combination and complexity of the content.

Use of Translation Tools

Both models rely on advanced translation technologies:

• CAT tools (e.g., memoQ, Trados) for text segmentation and consistent terminology usage,
• Translation memories for faster and more consistent handling of repeated content,
• Terminology databases that are updated continuously based on client-specific terms,
• QA tools that detect potential errors, inconsistencies, and formatting issues.

In subscription-based translation, the benefits of these tools are even more apparent due to the continuous nature of work and the reinforcement of terminology over time.

Which Solution Is Right for You?

Both collaboration models – subscription-based and classic – offer distinct advantages and are most effective in different contexts:

If your translation needs are ongoing, dynamic, and involve various types of content, the subscription model is likely the more effective choice. On the other hand, for formal and highly specialized projects requiring strict traceability and documentation, the classic model remains the preferred solution.

For more information on our subscription packages, ISO-certified translations, or assistance in choosing the most suitable collaboration model, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We’ll be happy to advise you and provide long-term support for all your linguistic needs.