Regardless of whether their primary business is interpretation equipment or audiovisual equipment with interpretation equipment as a sideline, these companies are in the business of renting equipment.  If they also provide interpreters along with the hardware, it is of secondary importance.

Their main drawback is that the people who run these companies are usually experts in equipment who have no knowledge of interpretation and, therefore, are not able to judge the competence of the freelancers they hire.  As such, they  hire interpreters who present themselves as being able to do the job, and have no way of knowing whether or not the interpreter is, in fact, as competent as he or she claims to be, since they have no knowledge of the complexities of interpretation and interpreters.

Besides lacking the knowledge to select the best interpreter for the job, equipment companies cannot prepare, supervise, or give the interpreters guidance, before or during the conferences.  The freelancers they hire are on their own and must make do as best they can.  Even a top interpreter has a hard time doing acceptable work under these circumstances.

What is worse, many rental companies are more concerned with their bottom line than with the caliber of their interpreters and tend to hire low paid freelancers of barely marginal competence.

By contracting a freelancer directly you maintain better control over the quality of the interpretation and have first-hand contact with the persons who will be ultimately doing the work.  On the other hand, you will still need to rent the interpretation equipment and do all the necessary coordination (languages, channels, frequencies, installation, technicians, etc.)

Can you do all the work yourself?  Not unless you are an experienced meeting planner with extensive knowledge of interpretation equipment and interpreters. 

Can you save money by doing it yourself?  Not unless you organize several conferences a year and decide to buy your own equipment.  If you are renting equipment, the most cost-effective option will be a translation/interpretation company.

Can be your best choice, because they will coordinate all the aspects of the interpretation, as well as provide you with the expertise needed to avert problems and solve any that may come up.  In addition, you will be in a better position to negotiate a volume discount with a single supplier.  In addition, a reputable interpretation company will provide the highest quality interpretation. 

    However,  not all those who claim to be interpretation companies are.  Very often, the same people described above when discussing translators,  are not above trying their hand at a bit of interpreting.  Therefore, before you hire an interpretation company, make sure that:

• They have experience in your particular field.

• They own the equipment (and are not simply renting it)

• They have their own technicians.

• They provide interpreters.

• They manage all aspects of the interpretation.

• They provide a list of references for work done in the past 5 years, or more.

• Their equipment is in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act.

• Their equipment is in compliance with ISO 4043.

• The owner is an interpreter and will personally manage your meeting.

Above all, make sure that you are not dealing with a broker.  All a broker-agency will do is sub-contract your meeting by bits and pieces.  This is the surest way to have your interpretation fall apart!