How to translate merch copy — Spain workflow
5-step translation workflow to get your tagline, notecard, hangtag and EU multi-language label-pack ready in Castilian Spanish (ES-ES, not ES-LATAM), Català, Euskera, Galego, English, French and Portuguese — proofed on the actual product before bulk.
Step 1 — Source brief in English
Send the source copy in English with context: where it appears (hangtag / notecard / box-bottom / leaflet), tone of voice, audience, character limits, brand glossary.
Step 2 — Mother-tongue translators
Spanish mother-tongue translators based in Madrid and Barcelona for ES-ES (explicitly not ES-LATAM — different vocabulary, voseo, idiom). Plus Català (Barcelona), Euskera (Bilbao), Galego (Santiago) partners for regional variants. EU-network for FR / PT / IT.
Step 3 — Glossary and back-translation
Project glossary in ES-ES, reviewed with your local marketing/HR contact. Critical claims back-translated to English. Glossary saved for reorders. Each regional variant has its own glossary slice.
Step 4 — On-product proofing
Spanish copy printed on strike-off of the actual hangtag / notecard / box. Visual proof confirms font, kerning, Spanish characters (ñ á é í ó ú ü ¿ ¡). 3-day sign-off window from your Madrid office.
Step 5 — Multi-language label-pack output
For Iberian/EU distribution: one label-pack with ES/CA/EU/GL/EN/FR/PT, Spanish first, regional co-official second where required, then alphabetical. ISO 3758 care symbols reduce text load. Variable-data fields short for longest-language rendering.
FAQ — translating merch copy
Cost?
Short copy (taglines, hangtags up to 50 words): 30–80€ per language. Full label-packs: 150–400€ per language including glossary and proofing.
Machine translation?
For internal never-printed copy yes. For anything printed on merchandise no — brand voice and Spanish idiom drift quickly with MT.
Right-to-left languages?
Arabic and Hebrew yes, via MENA-network partners.
ES-ES or ES-LATAM?
ES-ES default for the Spanish market. ES-MX / ES-AR for LATAM campaigns by explicit request — different vocabulary, voseo, tone.
Claim compliance?
We flag obvious risks (e.g. "biodegradable" under EU Green Claims Directive); full legal review is your counsel's job. We can recommend IP/marketing law firms in Madrid.