Frequently asked questions

1. I placed some items in the basket. After a break I wanted to resume shopping but my basket was empty. How did that happen?
2. Do you sell other items apart from the products listed in your online shop?
3. Do you sell stock cases only or can you provide me with custom, made-to-measure cases?
4. We are an administrative agency or a public institute, how can we place an order?
5. We are an industrial company and we can only buy with an invoice. How can we place an order?
6. I need a sturdy case that is impact-proof, watertight, dust-proof and very durable. What kind of case do you recommend?
7. Are the Tanos products and the Festool products compatible or is there a difference?
8. Why are the Tanos latches blue and the Festool latches green?
9. Do the Systainers come in other colours or only in light grey?
10. How can I modify the look of a Systainer?
11. Can I place an order via fax?
12. Is it possible to pick up articles in Bonn?
13. I'm buying for my company. Can I see the prices without VAT?
14. I want to equip my car with Systainers. Which Systainers and accessories fit my needs? Can you give me some advice?
15. What advantages do I have from logging in, even if I am not a customer?
16. Can I search for articles using the manufacturer´s (such as Tanos and Parat) product numbers?
17. Peli Cases are great but they are not exactly cheap. What justifies their prices?
18. I would like to check if my items fit in your cases. Do you have a store?
19. I have a considerable amount of camera equipment. Which cases would you recommend so that I can check it in on flights?
20. I would like to carry my camera equipment in a Peli so that it is secure, but I don't want to check it in on flights. Which cases are suitable?
21. I live abroad, but inside the EU. Do I have to pay VAT?
22. I live outside the EU. Do I have to pay German VAT?
23. I would like to put several items in a case with foam. How can I figure out the case´s dimensions?
24. How are the measurements for your cases to be understood?
25. Can you create a made-to-measure foam inlay?
26. What would be the best solution for securely packing things into a suitcase? Foam or a padded divider-set?
27. Is it possible to staple 2 or more trays in a Systainer II or bigger without slipping or dropping out of small parts out of the Systainer?

---

1. I placed some items in the basket. After a break I wanted to resume shopping but my basket was empty. How did that happen?
   For security reasons your entire shopping session is not saved on your computer. A so-called “session” is created instead. This session links your data to your visit and is automatically terminated after a certain period of time. If you create an account, you can save your shopping basket. After your session is ended, the articles remain in your basket and you can access them again simply by logging in.
2. Do you sell other items apart from the products listed in your online shop?
   If you want an item that is not listed in our online shop please fell free to contact us. We can get you almost every item from any brand and we are happy to do so. We are looking forward to your calls and e-mails.
3. Do you sell stock cases only or can you provide me with custom, made-to-measure cases?
   We can create cases tailor-made to your needs. Our in-house master-craftsmen can build a custom case according to your specifications. Feel free to contact us any time via phone or e-mail, our experts will be glad to help you.
4. We are an administrative agency or a public institute, how can we place an order?
   You are very welcome to order via our online shop. If you've already ordered online, please phone us and we will change your payment method to "invoice".
5. We are an industrial company and we can only buy with an invoice. How can we place an order?
   We are always glad to receive your orders online via our online shop or by fax. If you prefer to order via fax, please be so kind and write your order with a typewriter and do not send us handwritten orders. PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR PRICES INCLUDE THE GERMAN VAT. To terminate your order, you can register online and then phone us, we can change your payment method afterwards.
6. I need a sturdy case that is impact-proof, watertight, dust-proof and very durable. What kind of case do you recommend?
   In this case, we highly recommend cases by Peli. These cases are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of daily transport in adverse environments.Please click here for an overview of our line of Peli cases.
7. Are the Tanos products and the Festool products compatible or is there a difference?
   Yes, they are compatible. The Tanos Systainers go with the Festool Systainers and vice versa. In fact, there are many more Systainers available from different manufactures. All of them are perfectly compatible with our Tanos Systainers and can be easily combined. Please click here for an overview of our line of Systainers and complementary accessories. Please click here for an overview of our line of Systainers and complementary accessories.
8. Why are the Tanos latches blue and the Festool latches green?
   Well, simply because they can. The green colour of the Festool latches is protected by copyright. Tanos manufactures Systainers with blue latches. There is no difference in functionality, it´s just a different colour.
9. Do the Systainers come in other colours or only in light grey?
   The Systainers Mark I- IV are available in many different colours.
10. How can I modify the look of a Systainer?
    The Systainers are fully customizable in terms of logos and colour. Logos can be printed on the Systainer´s top and bottom and it´s lathes and handles. You can also use stickers, adhesive labels and spray paint.
11. Can I place an order via fax?
    Yes , you can and we are glad to receive your order by fax (our fax number is +49 (0) 228 4223961) But we do recommend that you order via our online shop. In direct comparison, orders via the online shop can be processed at a much faster rate and also allow for payment via invoice.
12. Is it possible to pick up articles in Bonn?
    Sure! Please feel free to visit us in our main shop in Bonn. For detailed directions and opening hours, please click here. If you like, you can give us a call previous to your visit and we will have your articles ready for you to collect by the time you arrive.
13. I'm buying for my company. Can I see the prices without VAT?
    Yes, it is. If you log in as a business customer, the prices will be displayed without VAT.
14. I want to equip my car with Systainers. Which Systainers and accessories fit my needs? Can you give me some advice?
    Yes, we can and we will be glad to support you. We can help you chose the proper Systainers, which exactly fit your purpose, and the corresponding accessories. We will be glad to receive your calls and or your e-mail. Please click here for the Tanos Mobil section.
15. What advantages do I have from logging in, even if I am not a customer?
    As a business client, the prices being displayed to your exclude VAT. You can also place articles in your shopping basket which are then saved and are recalled at your next login. This is ideal for comparing prices or for placing collective orders for several different people as you pay shipping fees only once.
16. Can I search for articles using the manufacturer´s (such as Tanos and Parat) product numbers?
    Yes, this is possible. Please type in the manufacturer's article no. If the item is available in different colors, please enter the corresponding article number for the color of your choice.
17. Peli Cases are great but they are not exactly cheap. What justifies their prices?
    We totally agree that Peli Cases come at a price - but they sure are worth their salt. They are manufactured from non-breakable, extremely impact-resistant heavy duty-plastics. As they are hermetically sealed (water, air-tight and dustproof) they are the first choice when sensitive and valuable items require extra protection. These features, combined with Peli´s high quality production standards and a 10 year-guarantee, which includes free replacement in case of damage, are part of the price. In other words, if you chose Peli Cases you don´t need to worry about your case (and it´s content) for the next 10 years. Peli Cases are immune to wear and tear and offer outstanding protection.
18. I would like to check if my items fit in your cases. Do you have a store?
    Yes, we have a store in Beuel and you have a brilliant idea! In fact, we highly recommend that you bring along your items before purchasing a case. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our shop in Beuel. Here you can check which case fits your specs, browse our wide range of products and ask our skilled staff for further advice. For detailed directions and opening hours, please click here.
19. I have a considerable amount of camera equipment. Which cases would you recommend so that I can check it in on flights?
    Our clear recommendation: Peli Cases. These cases are baggage-handler- resistant, no matter how roughly they treat your luggage. Peli cases are so tough, they can even withstand massive blows from a hammer.
20. I would like to carry my camera equipment in a Peli so that it is secure, but I don't want to check it in on flights. Which cases are suitable?
    This depends on the regulations of the individual airline. From our experience, all models up to and including Peli 1520 can be taken on board as cabin baggage.
21. I live abroad, but inside the EU. Do I have to pay VAT?
    This depends. If you are buying for private use, yes, you do have to pay VAT. You don´t have to pay VAT when you are buying for a company and have a VAT-No.

    Please fill in your VAT-No. and you will receive your confirmation of order without VAT.

22. I live outside the EU. Do I have to pay German VAT?
    No, you don´t. Regardless of whether you are buying for private use or for your company, you are not required to pay German VAT. Please remember that your local customs authorities may charge import taxes.
23. I would like to put several items in a case with foam. How can I figure out the case´s dimensions?
    Place your items on the floor. If you want to separate them with a layer of foam, leave a gap of approx. 3,5 cm.

    An example: Take four tumblers and arrange them in a square surrounding your objects. The tumblers mark the inner corners of the case. Note that you need to add ca. 3,5cm to the lining of the case. Now measure the length and width of the case between the tumblers. This will give you the interior measurements of the case you require.

24. How are the measurements for your cases to be understood?
    

    All our measurements are given in mm in the format:
    
    Length x Width x Height

    The case is measured lying down, except top-loading cases, which are measured standing. This means that the length is normally but not always the largest measurement and the height the smallest.

    Please click here for details and the advanced search function.

25. Can you create a made-to-measure foam inlay?
    Yes, we do manufacture custom foam inlays. Simply give us the dimensions of your case and a sketch of the desired contours so we can make an offer. If you are in a hurry and need your custom foam inlay very quickly, you can create your own inlay using pre cubed foam.
26. What would be the best solution for securely packing things into a suitcase? Foam or a padded divider-set?
    That depends on how delicate the things in question are and how many you want to put into the case. Basically: the heavier and more delicate the items, the more likely you should take foam. The more items there are, the better is a divider-set. Then a compromise suiting your needs can be found, which can consist of a combination of foam and dividers.
27. Is it possible to staple 2 or more trays in a Systainer II or bigger without slipping or dropping out of small parts out of the Systainer?
    Unfortunately not. The trays are not made for stapling inside the systainer. Because they don't have any bottom plate any small part could slip or drop out. However it is possible to fix the trays to staple them.