I created tranzlashion.com as a parody of the cheap, dodgy translation agencies that seem to pop up everywhere online.

You know the type: flashy websites promising “lightning speed” translations at rock-bottom prices, vague claims about “quality”, stock photos of people pointing at keyboards, and a suspicious overuse of the ® symbol.

The site features all the hallmarks of a questionable LSP:

• Meaningless slogans — “Because every single language deserves to be translated immediately!”
• Impossible promises — Get a free quote in “light speed”!
• Vague buzzwords — We will “take you by the hand and guide you to grow your language needs into the future!”
• The customer is always right — “We will assure you and/or your multiple clients and customers who is the boss of quality. Yes, that’s right: you are.”
• Proprietary magic — “patent pending” tools and “psychic intuition”

Why I made it

After 30 years in the translation industry, I’ve seen countless agencies come and go. Many of them share a similar aesthetic: cheap templates, stock imagery, buzzword-heavy copy, and promises that would make any professional translator wince.

I thought it would be fun to create an over-the-top parody that captures the essence of these sites. It’s meant as gentle industry humour — a knowing wink to fellow translators who’ve received “exciting opportunities” from such companies offering rates that wouldn’t cover a cup of coffee.

Check it out at tranzlashion.com and see if you can spot all the red flags!

Disclaimer: Tranzlashion® is not a real company. Please do not actually request translations. If you need quality Dutch↔English translation, you know where to find me.