Like other researchers, you will agree that extracting information from audio and video content is the most challenging part of researching. It’s tiring and time-consuming. Apart from that, these formats make it hard to analyze and compare data. Fortunately, you don’t have to subject yourself to these challenges.
You only need to look for the best research transcription services to transfer your data to a workable text format. With that in mind, read on to find out how to choose the best research transcription services.
Tips for Finding the Right Research Transcription Services
Whether you are doing market, medical, academic, or legal research, you will have to extract data from audio and video formats at some point. That’s where research transcription services come in. When you take advantage of them, you will save tons of time and money.
However, finding the ideal transcription vendor isn’t as easy as it sounds. With so many available, you have to consider various things to find the best agency for your individual needs. Let’s discuss the steps you should follow to find the perfect party to convert your audio files into valuable text.
Look at the Level of Accuracy
About 80% of studies use qualitative methods to gather data. These techniques include focus groups and research. To ensure accuracy, researchers must come up with questions and record countless interviews. Fortunately, they don’t have to do everything on their own. They can use the best transcription services to convert the audio and videos into an easier-to-consume text format.
However, recorded content can lose its accuracy if researchers use unreliable vendors. As a result, it would be best to look at the level of accuracy of each service you are considering. The goal is to find a transcription provider that maintains high accuracy. You can ask the agency to give you a free trial. Also, copy typing services and verbal transcription are among the most accurate options. This is because not only are they based on human transcribers, but they also have stringent quality control measures in place.
Check the Turnaround Time
Every researcher strives to conduct each research project on time. That can only happen if you promptly complete each step of the process, including transcription. So, it’s only wise to check the turnaround time of the transcription service you are about to use to avoid last-minute delays. The agency should prioritize your deadlines whether you have a bulk order request or a short recording.
You can determine if the provider will meet your deadlines by looking at ETAs. An honest agency will set realistic expectations to deliver accurate projects within the specified time. Additionally, the vendor should have enough human resources to complete urgent orders quickly without errors and inefficiencies.
Find Out About the Supported Audio Formats
You don’t want to pick a transcription agency only to find out they can’t handle your project because of the audio format. So, take your time to determine if the agency supports a wide range of formats. This way, you will never have to use your time and money to edit and convert your files into the accepted types. Even if the company doesn’t support your audio formats, they should at least handle the file conversions for you.
Compare Pricing
Pricing is probably the most crucial factor when choosing a transcription service. No matter how much you want to work with an agency, you can’t if the pricing is too high for you. It is even more complicated if the agency charges hidden fees. But this doesn’t mean that you are done for. All you have to do to find one that delivers value for money is to compare different vendors. While at it, choose a transcription company that offers affordable rates and a pay-as-you-go model.
Consider Security and Confidentiality
Whether your audio and video files relate to a sales strategy or patent, you must ensure that the agency you choose to work with will guarantee 100% security and confidentiality. You don’t want your files to get into the hands of your competitors. So, make it a habit to ensure the vendor has adopted vital security and confidentiality processes to keep your data safe.
Additionally, ask for a non-disclosure agreement to be sure. You should also find out if the transcription provider will delete your files from their system after it completes the work.
Final Thoughts
The research transcription agency you choose will make or break the accuracy of your research. Therefore, take your time to check the level of accuracy and turnaround time. Also, check the pricing to ensure you get value for your money. Finally, pick an agency that will prioritize the safety and confidentiality of your research transcript.
