The most expensive localisation mistakes look "almost correct"

The costliest localisation mistakes are rarely the obvious ones – they are the ones that look almost correct. A recent client question about a single Slovak garment term showed how terminology drift creeps into fashion e-commerce content, and why termbases, CAT-tool consistency and structured QA are what keep it out.

Recently, a client questioned a garment term used in their Slovak content. After reviewing the files, we confirmed the issue came from older materials created internally.

The interesting part wasn't the mistake itself. It was why it happened.

In fashion localisation, some languages use one term for multiple garment categories, while others require much more precise differentiation.

Without terminology management, skilled linguists, and structured QA, these details are easy to miss – especially at scale.

That's why our workflows include:

• client-specific termbases,
• CAT-tool consistency support,
• elaborate in-house QA procedures,
• human review supported by AI verification,
• and fully human workflows where required.

Because multilingual e-commerce content is not just about translating words. It's about protecting product clarity, brand consistency, and customer trust in every market.

If your brand operates across multiple languages, it may be worth asking: is your localisation process designed to prevent terminology drift – or only detect it after publication?

Originally published on LinkedIn.