Translations of Commercial texts: from commercial letters to offers, estimates and price lists

The vertical organization of business translation information

To draft and translate a document for commercial purposes it is preferable to put the "inverted pyramid" method into practice This technique, often used by journalists who publish on the Web, consists of starting their message from the conclusions and then gradually ending by illustrating the details of the proposal. The rest of the text is translated to justify the central value of the offer that will be enhanced by different and persuasive details.

The readers/recipients (often represented by important company figures such as the general manager) generally have little time available. Therefore, it is important that the initial message is concise, incisive and captivating.

The register of language adopted by business translations must be respectful, professional and credible.

Specific attributes of Web publishing applicable in the drafting and translation of a commercial text:

• sharp, readable and brief graphic structure
• use of lists to organize the concepts
• short and bold paragraphs to emphasize the key criteria.