You’ve got a year to use up your Life Admin credit, so if we speak for 15 minutes, you’ll have 45 minutes remaining and twelve months to use it. Just keep in mind that if you need to schedule a time to discuss anything with us or be on the line for a three-way call, you’ll use a minimum of 15 minutes per session.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Red Tape Translation handle privacy procedures during phone calls?
For certain phone calls, you might need to identify yourself or give verbal permission to have me on the line. You might also have to give a phone password or other personal information. If you’re making a payment, you might have to give your credit card number over the phone. Rest assured I do not ever record your personal information. If you’re still not comfortable giving me access to this information, you might prefer to use your Telephone Time for something else.
How does Red Tape Translation handle sensitive information during phone calls?
With confidentiality, tact, professionalism and neutrality.
How long does it take before I get my translations?
Once I’ve seen your documents, I will tell you when you can expect to receive your translation/s. Your translator will start working as soon as we can see that you’ve paid.
Coaching is minimum 1 hour, but we won’t need to talk for that long. Do I lose my remaining time?
You can keep remaining time in credit for up to six months. You can also use that credit towards other services like translation or Telephone Time. Keep in mind that when you book a coaching slot, you will automatically use at least 30 of your 60 minutes.
When can’t I use Life Admin?
If you want me to make calls, keep in mind that some banks or other organisations might not reveal information over the telephone when a third party is present on the line for security reasons, even after you have given your consent verbally. Unfortunately, a refund of time used to make that phone call will not be possible.
Life Admin is not an tax or legal advisory service – e.g. I can’t represent you in a legal dispute or complete your tax return or VAT statement. I also can’t give you insurance recommendations. I can help you to translate a contract but I can’t offer my opinion on whether sections of it are legally sound.
Can you give me a ballpark quote for a translation without having seen the document?
No. I have to see the document before any numbers can be generated, ballpark figures or otherwise.
Can I get a quote for a translation based on a similar document?
I can only give you a binding quote once I’ve seen the document you actually want translated.
Can I bring the document to your office?
It’s not necessary and our office is not always manned. Please send a PDF of your document/s using the contact form. We’re very quick to respond!
Do I have to show the original document?
Not usually, I can work with a scan as long as it is good quality and legible. The only exception would be if the office that needs your certified translation has stated specifically that the translator must sight the original document. I rarely see this in Germany, but it can be common for passport, visa or citizenship applications being sent away to foreign countries. If that’s the case, you must let me know in advance. I will organise an appointment for you to pick up your translation personally in Berlin and you should bring the original document with you.
Can you travel anywhere with me?
In Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich we travel anywhere within the defined metro areas (e.g. Berlin AB, Frankfurt City Zone, Munich Inner District). If your appointment is outside these areas, contact us for more information.
Which languages do you offer?
All interpreters speak fluent German and English. It might also be possible to find an interpreter who offers another language pair – just ask.