FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about our products, orders, services, and technical topics.
Use the menu below to jump directly to a specific section:
Topics Overview
Products
What products does Blista Brailletec offer?
We offer a wide range of aids for blind and visually impaired people. These include mechanical and electronic typewriters, various printing systems, tactile display devices, supplementary software, as well as suitable accessories and consumables. All products are designed for use in everyday life, education, and professional settings.
Where can I learn more about your products?
You can explore our products in person at our location in Marburg by appointment. In addition, we are present every May at SightCity in Frankfurt am Main and every November on the Blista Campus in Marburg. We also exhibit at the Hamburg Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired (BSVH) and the General Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired Berlin (ABSV).
Can I buy the Braille stenotype machine from you?
No, this product is currently not available.
Do you repair stenotype machines?
Yes, we carry out repairs as long as the required spare parts are still available.
Can I buy stenotype rolls for the Braille stenotype machine from you?
Yes, we offer Marburg stenotype rolls in packs of ten. The article number is HW-74650.
Can I order consumables and accessories separately?
Yes, you can order all necessary materials such as Braille paper, foils, or embossing tapes, as well as accessories for our products separately. An overview can be found here.
Orders and Delivery
How do I place an order with you?
Please send your order by email to brailletec@brailletec.de. Include your full address and your contact details. If you are already a customer, you may also provide your customer number and the contact person you usually work with.
Is delivery free of charge?
No, delivery is not free of charge. Since the size and weight of the packaging vary depending on the product, we charge additional packaging and shipping costs.
How long are your delivery times?
The delivery time depends on the type of order. Stock items such as machines are usually delivered within one to two weeks, while consumables are typically shipped within one week. For large machines, tactile signs, or custom-made products, delivery times are agreed upon individually. The stated time frames apply to deliveries within Germany.
Do you also deliver abroad?
Yes, we deliver worldwide.
Do I have to pay VAT?
As a rule, yes. However, if you hold a disability ID card and we have received a copy of it, the value-added tax (VAT) does not apply.
Health Insurance and Cost Coverage
Are your products listed in the health insurance aid catalog?
Yes, our mechanical Braille typewriter Eurotype (item no. 00-54500) and the electronic Braille typewriter Eurotype 5 (item no. 00-58005) are listed in the health insurance aid catalog.
Do health insurance providers generally cover the cost of purchase?
That depends on your individual situation and your specific health insurance provider. Please clarify cost coverage directly with your health insurance company.
Do you bill health insurance providers or other institutions directly?
No, we are not a contractual partner of the health insurance providers. Therefore, billing is handled directly with you as the customer.
If my machine was paid for by a health insurance provider or another institution, who pays for the repair?
Please clarify the procedure with your funding provider in advance.
General Service
Do you also provide service, repair, and maintenance for the machines you distribute?
Yes, we provide service, repair, and maintenance for all machines we distribute. In addition, we also offer this service for Braille typewriters from other manufacturers.
What is the contact for Brailletec Service?
Phone: 06421-8020
Email: service@brailletec.de
Device Service
Do you also provide service, repair, and maintenance for INDEX printers?
Yes, we offer service, repair, and maintenance for all INDEX printers.
Do you come to us to repair INDEX printers, or do we need to send the printer in?
It depends on the model and the type of defect. Please clarify the procedure in advance with our service team at service@brailletec.de or by phone at +49 6421 8020.
Do you repair PIAF tactile image makers?
Yes, we carry out repairs on PIAF tactile image makers.
Do you repair the 6dot Braille Label Maker?
Yes, we handle repairs for the 6dot Braille Label Maker.
Do you repair the Braille Labeler BL-1000 LINK?
Yes, we repair the Braille Labeler BL-1000 LINK.
Do you also provide service, repair, and maintenance for Erika Picht, Perkins, and Tatrapoint machines?
Yes, we offer service, repair, and maintenance for all of these machines.
Repairs and Costs
How much does it cost to repair my machine?
The cost depends on the amount of work required and the spare parts needed. An exact estimate can only be provided after we have inspected the machine.
How will I know what the repair will cost?
Upon request, we will be happy to provide you with a cost estimate once the machine has arrived and been inspected.
How long does a repair take?
Repairs are usually completed within 14 days, provided that all spare parts are available. However, unforeseen material or staffing shortages may cause delays in the service process.
Can you repair everything?
Yes and no. In rare cases, it may happen that we can no longer get your machine “up and running,” for example, if spare parts are no longer available.
If my machine cannot be repaired, what costs will I incur?
If you can part with the defective machine, disposal is free of charge. In the case of return shipping, we will charge you for the shipping costs.
Warranty and Spare Parts
What if I didn’t purchase my machine from you — how does the warranty work?
In that case, the warranty must be reviewed individually. Please contact our service team for assistance.
Phone: 06421-8020
Email: service@brailletec.de
If I’ve lost the power cord for my machine’s power supply, do I need to buy a new power supply unit?
No, the cable can be purchased separately from us. If it is a so-called cold-device cable, you can use any compatible one as long as the plug fits the power supply.
Shipping and Packaging
Where should I send the machine?
Blista Brailletec
Tom-Mutters-Str. 11
35041 Marburg
How should I pack the machine?
If possible, pack the machine in its original box or in a sturdy, appropriately sized cardboard box. Make sure the contents are well padded to prevent transport damage.
Can I also drop off the machine in person?
Yes, you are welcome to drop off the machine in person. Please note our current opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Safety and Technical Information
If the housing of my electric machine is damaged but it still works, do I need to have it repaired?
Yes, in such cases there may still be an electrical and/or mechanical risk of injury, so a repair is required.
If liquids such as water or beverages have spilled onto my machine, what should I do?
Warning: electrical hazard, possible sticking and corrosion.
Immediately disconnect the machine from the power supply to avoid any risk. Then place it upright on its left side. Send the affected machine to us for inspection and let us know that liquid has entered it so we can prevent further damage.
Consulting and Support
Do you have a consultant who can visit me at home?
We do not offer home visits ourselves. However, we will gladly help you find the right contact at an assistive technology center or consulting company in your region.
Directions and Opening Hours
How do I get to you?
Arrival by public transport:
Marburg’s main train station is about four kilometers away. From there, regular buses run toward the Wehrda industrial area, where our company is located. You will find us directly behind the Aldi store on the left-hand side.
Arrival by car:
Take the B3 exit Cölbe / Wehrda / Einkaufszentrum and follow the signs toward the Wehrda Shopping Center. Turn left from Kasseler Straße into Cölber Straße, then turn right at the first traffic light into Tom-Mutters-Straße. You will find us directly behind the Aldi store on the left-hand side.
What are your opening hours?
Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Company
Why is there a small “g” before GmbH?
The small “g” stands for *gemeinnützig* (non-profit). Instead of maximizing profits, Blista Brailletec invests in better products, improved services, and long-term job security.
What do you do?
Blista Brailletec develops, manufactures, and distributes assistive devices that enable blind and visually impaired people to access education, information, and participation. Our products promote independence and support an accessible everyday life.
