•  The recording quality.  Background disturbances, speakers talking too softly, coughing and/or sneezing, banging and clanging of objects, several attendees speaking at once or aside conversations, speakers are not talking into the microphone, not enough audio visual equipment for the venue, and other peripherals such as a computer for a PowerPoint presentation overpowering the speaker’s voice.

• Focus groups, conferences, and meetings where you typically have multiple participants will increase the transcription time significantly.  One-on-one interviews do not fit into this category because usually it is two people speaking, one asking questions and another answering questions.

• Heavy or strong accents take more time.  It may be necessary to listen a few times to understand what the speaker is saying.

• Non-verbatim transcripts take good listening skills and are more challenging than verbatim transcripts.  Following closely and deciphering what the speaker is trying to convey, punctuating the document properly, editing empty words such as uh-huh, you knows, etc., takes time.  With verbatim transcripts, you are typing exactly what the speaker is saying so there is nothing to really think about, other than punctuation.

• Speakers talking extremely fast so their words run together.

Note: Please note that the length of the audio is different than the amount of transcription time.  Individuals speak faster than they type.

Make sure the speakers identify themselves each and every time they speak.  This may seem like a nuisance, but it is impossible for the transcriptionist to always identify a speaker each and every time when other speakers are commenting in between and there is no distinct difference such as an accent that stands out.  Typically, we put “Male” or “Female” if we are unable to identify the speaker.

Digital files such as mp3, .wav, or .dss formats are great and convenient.

Of course you will.  A lot of services send work overseas and their workers are inexperienced.  They lack the business know-how, knowledge of US terminology and practices due to cultural differences, and they have high error ratios. Emphasis appears to be on volume rather than quality as the priority.

Our rates are industry standard and competitive.  They reflect the professional and reliable service we provide.  We save you time and money because of low error rates.  Highly skilled personnel and tight quality control procedures are the reason for these low rates.  All recordings are run twice and proofread at no extra cost.  We go the extra mile for our clients.  You can see what our customers are saying. Take a look our testimonials.

Yes.  Sometimes clients assume that the audio they provide is clear.  However, once transcribing starts the audio is poor.  We will contact you immediately to reach agreement on a new price before continuing with the transcript.

Turnaround times vary depending on the project and amount of audio.  If at all possible, we try to keep continuity on the project for it will be cohesive.  Of course we are flexible depending on your deadline.

Yes, we can.  We just ask that you call us ahead of time to discuss your project so we can adequately plan and assign the appropriate staff members to complete your project in the specified time-frame.

Yes, we do.  The rate is substantially higher because it then becomes necessary to work holidays, weekends and literally around the clock to meet your deadline.

It is extremely important.  All transcriptionists and staff members must sign a disclosure and confidentiality agreement and they include the fact that legal action will be taken if necessary.  A 24/7 computer technician ensures confidentiality.