5 Signs It Could Be Time to Switch Your Localisation Partner

Not all localisation partners are created equal. And while sticking with the same agency can feel comfortable, especially if you’ve worked with them for years, comfort doesn’t always mean quality. If things are starting to go sideways (even a little), it could be time to re-evaluate that working relationship. Whether it’s missed deadlines, underwhelming work, or just a nagging feeling that you could be getting more, here are five signs it could be time to switch your localisation partner.
Call us on +44 (0)1727 812 725 or email us at team@atlas-translations.co.uk to let us know what you need. We respond quickly to all enquiries!
1. You’re Doing Too Much Hand-Holding
A great localisation partner should lighten your load, not add to it. If you spend more time managing the process than benefiting from it, something’s not quite right.
Are you constantly:
- Re-explaining your brand tone and terminology?
- Correcting the same types of mistakes?
- Following up to make sure deadlines are being met?
That’s a red flag. The best localisation teams quickly get to grips with your voice, your audience, and your expectations. You shouldn’t have to start from scratch every single time.
If you’re playing project manager more than client, it might be time to switch your localisation partner.
2. Quality Has Become Hit-and-Miss
We all want to trust the final draft will be solid, but if you’re bracing yourself before opening a delivery, that’s not a good sign.
Clunky phrasing, cultural missteps, or simple grammar errors can undermine your brand and your message. Maybe it’s not all bad, but if quality feels inconsistent or like a gamble, that’s a problem.
Look out for:
- Translations that miss the mark on tone or intent
- Lack of clarity in meaning
- Awkward or literal renderings that obviously weren’t reviewed by a native speaker
If you’re doing more fixing than you’re approving, it might be time to expect better by switching your localisation partner.

3. Response Times Are Slower Than a Monday Morning
Silence can be just as frustrating as sloppy work. If you’re sending emails and hearing crickets 🦗, or chasing basic updates, you’re not being valued as a client.
Signs you’re being left on the back burner:
- It takes days (or longer) to get answers
- Questions are met with vague or dismissive replies
- There’s no sense of urgency or ownership
Your localisation partner should act like part of your team—communicative, accountable, and proactive. Not someone you need to chase down when things get busy.
4. There’s No Sector-Specific Knowledge
It’s not enough for a translator to speak two languages fluently. They need to understand your world, too.
Whether you’re in legal, medical, marketing, tech, or finance, sector-specific knowledge matters.
A translator who isn’t familiar with the language of your industry won’t spot the subtle distinctions that make content accurate, engaging, and compliant.
You might notice:
- Translations that miss crucial terminology
- Regulatory requirements are not being met
- Explanations that feel overly simplified—or just wrong
Expertise makes all the difference between “technically accurate” and “professionally appropriate.”

5. You Feel Like You’re Just Another Brick in the Wall…🧱
A good localisation partner should care about your content as much as you do. If you’re starting to feel like a thinly veiled Pink Floyd reference, that’s not a good thing.
Maybe they deliver what’s asked—but nothing more. No suggestions, no improvements, no anticipation of your needs. No curiosity about what you’re trying to achieve.
That kind of passive service might work in the short term, but it’s not how long-term partnerships are built. The right partner will:
- Ask smart questions
- Flag potential issues before they become problems
- Offer insight, flexibility, and a genuine interest in helping you succeed
If your current provider is just ticking boxes, it might be time to look elsewhere and switch your localisation partner.
It’s a Wrap!!
Sticking with a partner that no longer fits can hold your business back—especially when your messaging is going global. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s not about assigning blame. It’s about finding someone who treats your content (and your time) with the respect it deserves.

You shouldn’t have to settle for “good enough.” Sometimes the smartest move is to move on.
Contact Us
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Call us on +44 (0)1727 812 725 or email us at team@atlas-translations.co.uk to let us know what you need. We respond quickly to all enquiries!

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Global Voice, Local Touch
If you’re looking for top tips on partnering with Atlas Translations, we have some top tips to share! We answer 25 of our clients’ most frequently asked questions, ranging from typesetting queries to discussing reference materials.
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