Tigerfish Transcribing Review: Is It a Good Company For Beginners?

Exploring a transcription career? This Tigerfish Transcribing review offers a concise guide to their platform, ideal for both newcomers and seasoned pros in remote transcription work.

Discover if Tigerfish, with its approachable application process and supportive environment, matches your career needs.

Ouick Details:

Overview of Tigerfish Transcribing

Tigerfish Transcribing, with its roots dating back to 1989, is a notable player in the transcription service industry.

It’s a platform that’s particularly welcoming for those new to transcription work, offering a range of projects across diverse sectors like legal and healthcare.

What sets Tigerfish apart is its approachable, straightforward application process coupled with a supportive work environment.

This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to step into remote transcription work, from beginners to experienced transcribers.

Its commitment to flexibility and a balance of workload positions it as a reliable option for those seeking to work from home.

What Are The Job Requirements?

Age and Residency: Must be 18 or older and a legal resident of the United States.

Language Skills: A strong command of the English language is essential.

Typing Proficiency: Accurate and fast typing skills, generally around 65 words per minute.

Technical Requirements: A reliable PC with Windows OS (not Mac-compatible), high-speed internet, and a phone for regular communication.

Software: Free Express Scribe Transcription software is initially used, but later, you need to purchase Start Stop’s Power Play software ($229) if hired.

These requirements ensure efficiency in handling the diverse transcription tasks at Tigerfish.

Application and Training Process

To apply and train at Tigerfish Transcribing, there are some simple steps to follow. 

First off, you should get to know their transcription style guide, which you can download from their website. 

It’s really important to get this right because it shows you how they want the work done. 

Then, you take a transcription test where you transcribe different types of audio files, like interviews or presentations. 

This test is key to seeing how good you are at transcribing. Once you’ve sent in your test, you just have to wait to hear back from them. 

Tigerfish does all this to make sure everyone who transcribes for them is good at it.

Workload and Job Types

At Tigerfish Transcribing, the workload varies. Sometimes, there’s a lot of work to do, other times, not so much. 

It really depends on how many clients need stuff transcribed. The types of jobs they offer are pretty varied. 

You might be transcribing interviews, focus groups, or presentations. It’s a mix, which keeps things interesting. 

But remember, it’s not always steady. Sometimes you’ll be busy, other times it might be quiet.

Pay Structure and Earning Potential

At Tigerfish Transcribing, they pay per line of transcription. This usually works out to about half a cent per word. It’s not a lot, but it’s pretty standard for this kind of job.

If you’re fast and experienced, you might earn around $8 to $10 an hour. But for newbies, expect the pay to be on the lower side. 

It’s good for some extra cash, but it’s not typically a full-time income kind of deal.

Work Flexibility

Tigerfish Transcribing offers great flexibility. You can work from home and choose the hours that suit you best. 

This makes it ideal for anyone looking for a side hustle or needing to balance work with other commitments. 

However, the amount of work can fluctuate, so it’s more suited for part-time rather than full-time income.

Positive Experience of Transcribers

Many transcribers at Tigerfish have positive experiences, which are highlighted by their long-term commitment to the company, with some staying for over 10 years. 

This longevity is often attributed to a good balance between work and personal life and a supportive team environment. 

The flexibility of work hours and the opportunity for beginners to grow and develop their skills are also appreciated. 

This positive feedback from numerous transcribers points towards a nurturing and rewarding work environment at Tigerfish.

Tigerfish Transcribing Complaints

Some people say that working for Tigerfish Transcribing can be hard because the amount of work changes a lot, and this makes it hard to count on getting consistent income. 

Additionally, there’s a notable start-up cost due to the required transcription software. 

The pay rates are considered low by some, especially given the high workload at times. 

Also, the audio quality of some files can be poor, which can be challenging to transcribe. 

Plus, the requirement of being a U.S. resident limits opportunities for interested individuals outside the country.

Who Should Join Tigerfish Transcribing?

People who should consider joining Tigerfish Transcribing are those looking for flexible, work-from-home opportunities, especially if they are new to transcription. 

It’s a good fit for U.S. residents who have strong English language skills, can type accurately and quickly, and are comfortable with a variable workload. 

Those willing to invest in necessary software and looking to gain experience in transcription would find Tigerfish a suitable platform. 

It’s good for individuals looking for part-time work or a side hustle rather than a full-time income.

Tigerfish Transcribing Alternatives

If Tigerfish Transcribing doesn’t fit your needs, there are other good options to look at. 

TranscribeMe and Rev are well-liked for their transcription jobs, which have different pay and rules. 

Scribie is a nice choice for newbies, and it uses AI to help with the work. If you’ve done this job before and want better pay, try GMR Transcription. 

Also, CastingWords and GoTranscript are solid choices in this field, each with its special features and jobs.

Final Verdict

Based on the user experiences, Tigerfish Transcribing stands out as a decent option for those new to transcription, offering a flexible work schedule and a supportive work environment. 

While the pay rates are on the lower side and the workload can be inconsistent, it’s a good starting point for gaining experience in the field. 

However, the requirement of being a U.S. resident and the initial investment in software may be downsides for some. 

Overall, Tigerfish is a solid choice for beginners looking for part-time transcription work.