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Cheap Transcription vs. Great Value
Is it really worth paying for professional transcription?
‘You get what you pay for’ is an idiom you often hear these days. In a world where AI is appearing in every industry and company around the world, what does this mean when you need to get a transcription of an audio or video file? There has been an explosion of free and low-cost transcription services like MacWhisper, Amazon Transcribe, Clipto and Otter.ai , that you can now use in the office or at home which are quick and easy to use, but what are the benefits of paying a professional transcription company to do this instead? In this article, we take a look at some of the things to consider when choosing which one is best to use.
Are you compromising quality for price?
We are always weighing up quality over price, especially when it comes to audio and video transcription. Opting for the cheapest without considering quality could ultimately lead to inaccurate transcripts, which may end up costing you more time and effort in the long run. What do you need to look out for?
- Speed: Professional transcription services can save you time by delivering accurate transcripts at a much faster speed than doing it yourself. They have the people, equipment and experience to return transcriptions in very short timeframes without compromising on quality.
- Accuracy: Always ensure that you check the reputation of the company that you use, and look at reviews, testimonials and Trustpilot, to assess the quality of their work. Inquire about a company’s quality control – do they have a team that reviews transcriptions for completeness and accuracy? This can often significantly improve the quality of the transcription that you get back. Choose a company which is experienced in delivering high quality results and experienced in the content that you require – specialised knowledge is worth paying for.
- Price: It is essential to understand the pricing structure upfront and beware of any hidden fees. If you need your transcription quickly, formatted to your style, or you have poor quality audio, this will likely cost more – so always be clear on what you need so that you get the best price for your requirements.
- Security: Always prioritise companies that are clear about their data security and confidentiality. Look for companies that have their own secure file transfer service, that their transcribers are DBS checked, and that they have stringent confidentiality policies in place.
- Personnel: Transcription companies undertake rigorous testing of transcribers before they join the team, which can include tests on spelling, grammar and speed. They will also ensure that transcribers have the correct equipment in place, like high-speed broadband, the latest version of software packages, and reliable hardware to get the job done in time.
Don’t be tempted by free or cheap options
Whilst it may be tempting to evaluate the cost of transcription and go for the company offering the lowest transcription charges, it may be an unwise move. Free AI software may sound attractive, but by prioritising quality when you select a transcription company, you will ensure that you will achieve your desired outcome. Of course, cost will always play an important part in what service you select, but it is important that it does not come at the expense of quality and accuracy. Rock-bottom prices doesn’t always equate with fantastic quality.
At McGowan Transcriptions we pride ourselves in providing high-quality, accurate transcripts to a wide variety of businesses. Our skilled team are experts in understanding how vital accuracy is to you and your industry, and your transcript will go through rigorous checks to ensure it’s the most accurate it can be before it’s sent on to you. We’ve been transcribing since 1993, so you can be sure we have the experience and expertise to provide you with the most accurate transcripts possible for your business. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with the team today by calling 0800 158 3747 or drop us an email at office@mcgowantranscriptions.co.uk.
Written by Cheryl Evans
April 2024
