Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions. They are not exhaustive, so please do not hesitate to get in touch should you have any queries.
1. General
2. Our services
3. Personnel
4. The translation process
5. Quotations and payment
6. Help and support
1. General
1.1. Who or what is "A2MS"?
A2MS is a translation company run by Martine Filiptchenko, a professional freelance translator from Russian into French.
1.2. Where is A2MS and how can I contact you?
A2MS is located in Lyon, France. Contact details are available on our Contact page.
1.3. Why should I choose A2MS?
We aim to provide top-quality translations at a price you can afford, using expert mother tongue translators to ensure you accuracy and fluency.
1.4. Which languages do you translate from/into?
Our languages are detailed on our Languages page within the site. Please Email us if you require a language which is not listed.
1.5. I am a personal client - can you cater for me?
Yes. We provide quality services for all clients, business and private.
1.6. Why don't professional translators translate into a language which is not their mother tongue?
Only a native speaker can capture the nuance and tone of their language. Translating into a language which is not one's mother tongue can have disastrous consequences.
1.7. Wouldn't it be cheaper to use a free web-based translation program?
Yes. But these programs translate on a word-for-word basis. Machines should really only be consulted for the most basic translations, and even then are never reliable.
1.8. How will I know that the translation I will receive will be high quality?
We aim to provide high quality translations at all times. We will never take on a translation that exceeds our capabilities - in such instances we will suggest other experienced and accredited professionals. We make every effort to ensure that translations are accurate and carefully checked before dispatch and that specified instructions are followed.
1.9. What have previous clients thought of your services?
We have always received positive feedback from our clients.
2. Our services
2.1. What services does A2MS offer?
We offer translation, proofreading and editing and website localisation services, and specialist arts translation. We cover a wide range of fields from artistic to technical, marketing, contracts and aviation.
2.2. I need a website translated and proofread. Can you help?
Yes. Please contact us for a free quotation.
2.3. I am interested in setting up a long-term business relationship with you.
We can offer discounted rates to businesses wishing to establish long-term links. Please contact us for further details.
2.4. I need a text translated urgently. Can you help?
Yes. We check our e-mail regularly and our answer machine is always ready to receive your calls.
2.5. Do you use machine translation/translation tools?
Yes. We use Trados, a memory tool which can ensure consistency of terminology within a document.
2.6. Do you offer interpreting?
No. We prefer to concentrate on our translation work.
3. Personnel
3.1. Who works for A2MS?
A2MS is a small and friendly translation company run by Martine Filiptchenko, a professional freelance translator, and by her husband, Stepan Filiptchenko, a professional freelance translator too and backed by a team of c.100 professional freelance translators.
3.2. What qualifications and experience do you have?
I am a Grenoble University graduate in Russian, lived 2 years in St Petersburg and my husband is a native Russian living in France since 1990.
4. The translation process
4.1. What is a source document?
The source document is the document which needs to be translated.
4.2. What is a target document?
The target document is the finished translation.
4.3. What is proofreading?
Proofreading involves careful checking of a document. This is part of the standard translation process but we can carry out proofreading of unrelated documents for a competitive fee.
4.4. Do I have to pay extra for my documents to be proofread?
No. Proofreading comes as part of the translation process. However, if you wish the translation to be proofread by a second translator, there is an additional cost.
4.5. Do you use machines to translate documents?
No. All our translations are performed by human translators.
4.6. How long will it take for you to finish my translation?
This depends on the length and technicality of your document, and on the deadline agreed for its completion. Please be aware that a good translation does take time, and that rushed translations often signify compromise of quality.
5. Quotations and payment
5.1. How can I request a quotation?
You can request a free quotation by contacting us at sales@a2ms.com
5.2. What are your rates?
We quote for each project on an individual basis. Please contact us for a no-obligations quotation.
5.3. How do your rates compare with other agencies'?
Our rates are neither cheap nor expensive. We aim to offer value for money.
5.4. Do you charge per word, per line, per page or per document?
We charge per word but will give you a quotation based on an entire project.
5.5. Do you charge by the source or target document word count?
We charge by the French or English word. In this way you know how much your document will cost to translate and there will be no nasty surprises on completion.
5.6. My document is in .pdf, .gif or fax format and I don't know how many words there are.
Please send us the document and we will carry out a word count for you and give you an estimate.
5.7. Which currency do I pay in?
Euros.
5.8. Can I pay by cheque?
Yes.
5.9. Can I pay by direct bank transfer?
Yes.
5.10. Do I pay before you begin to translate my document or on completion?
For companies, we invoice you upon completion of the project. Payment should be made within 30 days of invoice. After 30 days surcharges may be applicable. Personal clients are required to pay in advance.
5.11. Are there any hidden charges?
No. You will be notified of any changes to the agreed details.
5.12. What about VAT?
VAT is 19.6%.
6. Help and support
6.1. What do I do if I'm not happy with my translation?
Please get in touch with us and we will try to resolve any issues that you might have.
6.2. I have a query about a term in your translation.
Please get in touch with us and we will do our best to resolve any problems. Typographical errors and omissions will be corrected free of charge - further translations will be charged to invoice.
6.3. Can I see some of your completed work?
Client confidentiality prevents this.
6.4. I need documents translated into other languages. Whom do I contact?
Please contact us and we can suggest professionals who might be able to help.
6.5. I am a freelance translator and am interested in working with you in translation projects.
We are not currently looking for translators, however you can send you CV at sales@a2ms.com
6.6. A link is broken in your site/other site comments.
Please contact us and we will verify and correct the problem.