Retail Translation
Translation of product labels, store signage, return and warranty policies, and advertising for retailers serving customers in more than one language.
The short answer
Retailers translate what customers read before and after they buy: labels, signs, offers and policies. In the US, a Spanish-language ad or flyer must carry its disclosures in Spanish (16 CFR 14.9), and textile labels must show fibre content and origin (16 CFR 303). In Quebec, public signs and commercial advertising must be in French, with French markedly predominant.
Rules that apply
Each rule links to its source. Checked 4 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the office that will receive your documents.
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| Advertising and sales material in a language other than English must make required disclosures in that language. | 16 CFR 14.9 |
| Textile products must be labelled with fibre content, country of origin and the dealer or manufacturer identity. | 16 CFR part 303 |
| Imported goods must be marked with the English name of the country of origin. | 19 CFR 134.45(a) |
| Public signs, posters and commercial advertising in Quebec must be in French; another language may be added if French is markedly predominant. | Charter of the French Language, CQLR c. C-11, s. 58 |
| Required food label statements must be in English, and complete in any foreign language used. | 21 CFR 101.15(c) |
In the store
Shelf talkers, aisle signs, price cards, promotional banners, safety notices and checkout information are short, but they are read in seconds and must not confuse. "Buy one, get one 50% off" needs to be as clear in Spanish as in English, and the conditions in the small print must match. We keep translated signs short enough for the same layout and use the words customers in your area actually use; a store in Newark and a store in Miami may want different Spanish.
Policies customers rely on
Return, exchange, price-match and warranty policies are promises. A translated return policy that gives 30 days where the English gives 14 creates a dispute at the counter. Translate policies in full, keep them on the same revision as the English, and post both where customers can see them.
Labels and private-label products
Private-label goods carry the retailer's name, so the retailer owns the label's compliance. Food, cosmetics, textiles and household chemicals each have mandatory statements; if any part of a label is in a second language, all mandatory statements must be. See our product label page for the rules by product type.
Flyers, circulars and ads
Weekly circulars in Spanish or Chinese are common in New Jersey and New York. Prices, dates and limits ("while supplies last", "limit 2 per customer") are translated exactly, and required disclosures appear in the circular's language. If the English circular changes after translation, send the changes the same day so both print with the same offer.
Canada and Quebec
Retailers expanding into Canada face bilingual labelling and, in Quebec, French signage and advertising rules, including French predominance on commercial signs. Plan French versions of the storefront, signage, receipts and website before opening.
Staff materials
Store associates who read another language better than English need training, safety and policy materials they understand: register procedures, loss prevention, safety rules for stockrooms and loading docks, and HR policies. These are short and practical, and they keep the same terms as the customer-facing signs, so a "price adjustment" means the same thing to staff and shoppers.
Loyalty programs and receipts
Loyalty terms, gift card terms and receipt messages are contractual. Expiry dates, fees and conditions must match the English exactly; a translated gift card that omits an inactivity fee disclosure creates the same problem as an English one would.
What we don't do
We translate text; we do not design signage or artwork, or certify label compliance.
Documents we translate for this
Brochure translation
Translation of brochures, catalogues, flyers and sales sheets, with text-expansion and disclosure rules handled for each market.
User Manual translation
Translation of user manuals, instructions and quick-start guides for products sold in the US, the EU, Canada and elsewhere, following each market's …
Price
$39 for the first page (up to 250 words) into English, $49 into any other language, then $0.116 per additional word. Each file is priced on its own. The signed certificate of accuracy is included.
Full pricingTurnaround
24 hours standard for most documents. Expedited service is +50% for 6–8 hours and +100% for 1–3 hours. Large files are quoted with a delivery date before you pay.
Questions
Do you translate weekly circulars?
Yes. Send the final English the same day it is approved, and any later changes, so both versions print with the same offer.
Do you translate safety notices for stockrooms?
Yes, short and consistent with the training materials, in the languages your staff read.
Can you translate a return policy for in-store posting?
Yes, in full and matching the English exactly, so staff and customers read the same rules.
Do you translate gift card and loyalty terms?
Yes, exactly, with expiry, fees and conditions matching the English.
Do Spanish-language store flyers need Spanish disclosures?
Yes. Under 16 CFR 14.9, required disclosures must appear in the language of the advertisement.
Can you keep signs short enough for our layouts?
Yes. Send the dimensions or character limits, and we write the shortest accurate wording.
Which Spanish should we use for New Jersey stores?
A neutral US Spanish works for most stores. If your customers are mainly from one country, tell us and we adjust vocabulary.
Related
Prepared by Global Certified Translations, Edgewater, NJ. Translations are signed by a State Court Certified Translator. This page explains translation requirements; it is not legal advice.
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