Online audio transcription service

Researchers and university students, journalists, podcasters, consultants, small businesses and non-profits that record conversations.

Per audio minute or per audio hour, with higher rates for poor audio, many speakers or fast turnaround. Timestamps and speaker labels can be charged as extras.

• Careful listening
• Fast, accurate typing
• Good grammar and punctuation
• Patience with difficult audio

• Recordings often hold private or sensitive information. Agree on confidentiality in writing and check your privacy obligations under federal and provincial law
• Research and medical recordings may come with extra consent or data storage rules, so check before accepting them
• Check when you must register for GST/HST once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Check with your municipality whether you need a home-based business licence
• Automatic transcription tools are common, so offer a clear edge such as accuracy, speaker labels and a human review
• Long typing sessions strain hands and eyes, so plan breaks

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $300 to $1,200, depending on your computer, headphones, transcription software and any extras such as insurance or a simple website. Costs can stay low because the work is done remotely.

Recordings often hold private information, so agree on confidentiality in writing and check your privacy obligations under federal and provincial law. Research and medical recordings may carry extra consent or storage rules. Also check GST/HST registration and any municipal home-based licence.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many clients you have, the audio quality and your turnaround. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week of work.