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Tigerfish Transcription Review: Read Before Applying

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Tigerfish Transcription is one of the many transcription companies that hire at-home transcriptionists.  It’s a legitimate company that has been in business since 1989, demanding some of the highest quality work from its transcribers.  Known for their attention to detail as well as the two-hour guarantee, they say nobody can come close.  Simply put, it’s yet another transcribing company that deems to be the best and often hires at-home transcriptionists.

And, sure, while Tigerfish Transcription is a reputable company and one that hires transcriptionists on occasions, the true question here is if it’s worth your time applying.

In today’s review, I check out Tigerfish to let you know how the company operates, what you can expect to make as well as how you can apply.  If you like the idea of typing and making money while working from home, then this is a review for you.

Let’s begin!

Tigerfish Transcription Job Review

What is Tigerfish Transcription?

As you probably already know, transcription requires you to listen to an audio file and then type what you hear into a word document such as Microsoft Word.  If you were to apply, it would be your responsibility to convert audio files into written form.  The concept in itself is standard, but it’s required that you can type quite fast since it’s hard to keep up with an audio file if you can’t type more than 50+ words per minute.

Tigerfish works with a variety of clientele/genres, such as documentary film footage, police investigations as well as focus groups.  They seem to work with quite a few sectors, so I’m sure there will be something to keep you entertained.

They were founded in 1989, claiming to have transcriptionists who have worked with them for more than a decade, simply due to being known for being friendly and flexible.

There’s no doubt the company is legitimate.  It’s one with a long history and may be one to consider joining if applying.



Requirements

If you’re interested in applying with Tigerfish Transcription, they do ask you to meet a few requirements, including:

  • must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • high-speed internet is mandatory
  • a telephone number where you can be reached
  • Windows-based computer ONLY (Mac isn’t compatible with software they use)
  • copy of Express Scribe (it’s free and can be downloaded here)
  • if hired, you will need to purchase a copy of Start Stop PowerPlay

There’s no mention as to how much experience you should have or how fast you type.  However, the company will require that you pass a test before consideration.

Application Test

During the application process, the company does ask that you download an audio file and then transcribe it on your computer via the Express Scribe software mentioned earlier.  It’s a recording that consists of three five-minute segments representative of typical transcription material.

You will need to download the Tigerfish Transcription Style Guide to better understand what kind of conventions they employ.  Failing to read this can almost guarantee that you will fail the test.

These tests are standard among any transcription company, as it gives them an indicator of your work.  Be prepared to listen to some hard-to-hear audio as well as straightforward clips.  They want to test you to your limits to see how good you can do.

Depending on your typing speeds, be prepared to invest at least an hour+ of your time to read both the style guide as well as transcribe the audio.  When you’re ready to submit, the transcriptions will be saved as a special file

Applying

If you’re interested in applying, then you will have to meet the requirements noted above as well as take that application test.  All of the directions can be found directly via this application link.

The company wants you to keep in mind that if you do apply, you may not hear back as they receive a lot of e-mail applications.  Most of this is due to websites, such as mine, reviewing the company.  Plus, from what I read, they seem like an okay company to work for if you’re looking for transcription work.

When you do apply, successful applicants will be reviewed and then contacted.  It could take weeks because they only check in on applications every so often.

Applications can only be sent to the email listed on the application page.

Work

If you were to get hired, the work is straight-forward.  Basically, a client will submit files that need to be completed to the company, in which will you will be offered the opportunity.  Since you’re an independent contractor, you’re able to choose the work you want as well as when you want to work.

After the order is submitted, the file is transferred to you if you accept and it must be completed before the deadline noted.

You will type the document using the Start Stop PowerPlay software and will then re-submit it back to Tigerfish, where editors will look over your work before submitting it back to the client.  And, as long as your accuracy rate is a 98% or above, you will continue to receive work.

As mentioned, work can vary, from transcribing audio in a movie to a police investigation.  A lot of the work you do will vary.

How Much Does Tigerfish Pay?

I couldn’t find much from previous employees/freelancers online, but the average transcriptionist online can make about $0.005 per word transcribed, from what I gather, which means you can net about $7 to $10 per hour, depending on how fast you type.  Yes, it’s not much, but to some people, this may be what you’re looking for.

Like most transcription companies, Tigerfish may offer bonuses for jobs that need to be completed within the next few hours or have a quick turnaround time.  These incentives are often needed if the work needs to be done fast.

And, remember, as a freelancer, you will be responsible for your taxes.  No benefits are available directly from Tigerfish.

Tigerfish doesn’t make any claims that you can get rich nor do I, so take it for what it is.  It’s an opportunity to earn maybe $10 to $50+ per day, depending how hard you work.

Payouts are weekly via PayPal.

Final Thoughts

5/10Tigerfish is one of the many transcription companies out there and yes, it’s 100% legit.

It doesn’t always seem like they are hiring, but you can always apply if you’re interested in working with them.  It may take time to hear back, but keep a note that they only reach out to those who qualify.  Also, just remember that the application test and studying the style guide can take you more than two hours to complete.  You won’t be compensated for your time, but this is fairly standard for the industry.

I’m going to rank this company near the bottom of my legitimate transcription companies, however, as they do require you to purchase the Start-Stop PowerPlay software as mentioned.  And, if you don’t know what this retails for, it’s a whopping $229!

You won’t get rich typing with Tigerfish, but I feel you can net about $10 to $12+ per hour if you’re fast enough.  Of course, you can earn even more if you’re a faster than average typist.  If it were me, I would check out the more well known companies such as Rev or TranscribeMe to stay busier and get hired quicker.

That’s going to wrap it up.

As always, if you want to comment on Tigerfish with your previous experiences, you’re more than welcome to do so in the comments below.

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Tom Nathaniel

Hi! My name is Tom Nathaniel, and I created LushDollar to help share my honest thoughts on everything money. You won't find gimmicks here. It's the Internet's most honest money site after all. I graduated from Arizona State University, and I have worked in the finance industry since 2006, consulting with multiple Fortune 5000 companies.

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