# Frequently Asked Questions # Frequently Asked Questions Find answers to the most common questions about Tomba.io's email intelligence platform. ## General Platform Questions ### What is Tomba.io? Tomba.io is a comprehensive email intelligence platform that helps businesses find, verify, and enrich professional email addresses. Our platform provides: - **Email Discovery**: Find email addresses using names and company domains - **Email Verification**: Validate email deliverability and existence - **Data Enrichment**: Enhance contacts with additional professional information - **Bulk Operations**: Process large datasets efficiently - **Real-time APIs**: Fast, reliable REST endpoints for integration ### How accurate is Tomba.io's data? Our platform maintains high accuracy through: - **Multi-source verification**: We cross-reference data from multiple sources - **Regular updates**: Our database is refreshed monthly with new data - **Confidence scoring**: Each result includes a confidence score (0-100) - **Real-time verification**: Email addresses are checked for deliverability - **Quality metrics**: We track and report accuracy statistics Typical accuracy rates: - Email Finder: 85-95% accuracy for valid professional emails - Email Verification: 99%+ accuracy for deliverability status - Company Data: 90%+ accuracy for business information ### What data sources does Tomba.io use? We aggregate data from various legitimate sources: - **Public web data**: Company websites, directories, and public profiles - **Social media**: Professional networks like LinkedIn (within ToS) - **Business databases**: Publicly available business registrations - **User contributions**: Verified data from our community - **Partner networks**: Data from trusted business intelligence partners All data collection follows GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations. ### Is Tomba.io GDPR compliant? Yes, Tomba.io is fully GDPR compliant. We: - **Process data lawfully**: Based on legitimate business interests - **Respect user rights**: Support access, correction, and deletion requests - **Implement data protection**: Use encryption and secure storage - **Honor opt-outs**: Maintain suppression lists for opted-out individuals - **Provide transparency**: Clear privacy policies and data usage information Users can request data removal at any time through our support channels. ## API and Technical Questions ### How do I get started with the Tomba.io API? Getting started is simple: 1. **Sign up**: Create a free account at [app.tomba.io](https://app.tomba.io) 2. **Get credentials**: Copy your API key and secret from the dashboard 3. **Choose integration**: Use our REST API, MCP servers, or platform integrations 4. **Make test calls**: Start with our email finder or verifier endpoints 5. **Scale up**: Upgrade your plan as your usage grows See our [Getting Started Guide](./introduction) for detailed instructions. ### What are the API rate limits? Rate limits vary by subscription plan: | Plan | Hourly Limit | Monthly Quota | | -------------- | --------------- | ---------------- | | **Free** | 25 requests | 25 requests | | **Startup** | 1,000 requests | 5,000 requests | | **Growth** | 10,000 requests | 100,000 requests | | **Enterprise** | Custom | Custom | Rate limits reset hourly. When limits are exceeded, the API returns HTTP 429 status. ### How do I handle rate limiting? Best practices for rate limiting: ```python import time from requests.exceptions import RequestException def api_call_with_retry(endpoint, params, max_retries=3): for attempt in range(max_retries): try: response = requests.get(endpoint, params=params) if response.status_code == 429: # Rate limited - wait and retry wait_time = 2 ** attempt # Exponential backoff time.sleep(wait_time) continue return response.json() except RequestException as e: if attempt == max_retries - 1: raise e time.sleep(1) ``` Additional strategies: - **Batch requests**: Use bulk endpoints when available - **Cache results**: Avoid duplicate API calls - **Monitor usage**: Track consumption in your dashboard - **Upgrade plan**: Increase limits as needed ### What authentication methods are supported? Tomba.io supports several authentication methods: **API Key Authentication (Primary)** ```http GET /v1/email-finder?first_name=John&last_name=Smith&domain=example.com X-Tomba-Key: your-api-key X-Tomba-Secret: your-secret-key ``` **Bearer Token (Legacy)** ```http Authorization: Bearer your-api-key ``` **MCP Authentication** Handled automatically by MCP clients using configured credentials. ### How do I integrate with my CRM? Popular CRM integrations: **Salesforce** - Use our REST API with Apex HTTP callouts - Implement bulk operations for list enrichment - Set up real-time verification workflows **HubSpot** - Use workflows with custom code actions - Integrate with HubSpot's Operations Hub - Automate contact enrichment on form submissions **Pipedrive** - Use webhooks to trigger enrichment - Implement custom activities for verification - Bulk process existing contact databases **Custom Integration** Most CRMs support REST API connections. Use our OpenAPI specification for easy integration. ## MCP and AI Integration Questions ### What is Model Context Protocol (MCP)? Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard for connecting AI models to external tools and data sources. It provides: - **Secure communication**: Encrypted connections between AI and APIs - **Structured tool access**: Predefined functions with clear parameters - **Context management**: Maintain conversation state across interactions - **Error handling**: Robust error recovery and retry logic MCP makes it easy to give AI models access to Tomba.io's email intelligence tools. ### Which AI models and editors support MCP? **Supported Editors:** - VS Code (with GitHub Copilot and extensions) - Cursor AI Editor - Claude Desktop Application - Zed Editor with AI assistance - Windsurf IDE - Various MCP-compatible clients **AI Models:** - Claude (Anthropic) - GPT-4 (OpenAI) - GitHub Copilot - Gemini (Google) - Grok (xAI) - Custom models via MCP clients ### How do I set up Tomba.io with VS Code and GitHub Copilot? 1. **Install MCP Extension** - Open VS Code Extensions panel - Search for "Model Context Protocol" - Install the official MCP extension 2. **Configure Tomba.io MCP Server** ```json { "mcpServers": { "tomba": { "command": "tomba-mcp-server", "args": [], "env": { "TOMBA_API_KEY": "your-api-key", "TOMBA_SECRET": "your-secret" } } } } ``` 3. **Test Integration** - Ask Copilot: "Find the email address for John Smith at example.com" - Verify the MCP tools are available and working See our [VS Code Setup Guide](./llm/editor/vscode) for detailed instructions. ### What's the difference between local and remote MCP servers? **Local MCP Server** - Runs on your machine - Full control over authentication and data - Better for enterprise and privacy-focused deployments - Requires local installation and setup **Remote MCP Server** - Hosted in the cloud (e.g., Apify platform) - Simplified setup and maintenance - Better for rapid prototyping and development - Managed infrastructure and updates **Apify MCP Server** - Hosted by Apify platform - No local installation required - Easy VS Code integration - Includes additional Clearbit data sources Choose based on your security requirements and technical preferences. ## Billing and Account Questions ### How does Tomba.io pricing work? Tomba.io uses a credit-based system: **Credit Consumption:** - Email Finder: 1 credit per search - Email Verifier: 1 credit per verification - Domain Search: 1 credit per email found - Email Enrichment: 1 credit per enrichment - Bulk Operations: Credits consumed per processed item **Plans:** - **Free**: 25 credits/month - **Startup**: 5,000 credits/month ($49/month) - **Growth**: 100,000 credits/month ($199/month) - **Enterprise**: Custom pricing and limits Unused credits roll over to the next month (up to plan limits). ### Can I get a refund? Yes, we offer refunds under certain conditions: - **14-day money-back guarantee** for new paid subscriptions - **Partial refunds** for unused credits (case-by-case basis) - **Service issues**: Full refund if service is unavailable - **Billing errors**: Immediate correction and refund Contact our support team at [help.tomba.io](https://help.tomba.io) for refund requests. ### How do I upgrade or downgrade my plan? You can change plans anytime: 1. **Log in** to your [dashboard](https://app.tomba.io) 2. **Go to Billing** section 3. **Select new plan** that fits your needs 4. **Confirm change** - effective immediately **Upgrading**: Immediate access to higher limits **Downgrading**: Takes effect at next billing cycle, credits may be adjusted ### Do you offer enterprise pricing? Yes, we provide custom enterprise solutions: **Enterprise Features:** - Custom credit limits and rate limits - Dedicated support and success manager - On-premise deployment options - Custom SLA agreements - Volume discounts for high usage - White-label API options Contact our sales team for enterprise pricing and features. ## Data Quality and Sources ### How often is the data updated? Our data refresh schedule: - **Email verification**: Real-time for each request - **Company database**: Monthly comprehensive updates - **Person profiles**: Bi-weekly updates for active profiles - **Technology data**: Quarterly technology stack analysis - **Domain information**: Weekly domain registration updates Major updates are announced in our [changelog](./data/introduction). ### What happens if an email address is invalid? When verification fails: - **Clear status**: Result shows "invalid", "unknown", or specific reason - **Detailed feedback**: Explanation of why verification failed - **Confidence scoring**: Lower scores for uncertain results - **Alternative suggestions**: When available, we suggest corrections - **No charge policy**: Invalid results may not consume credits Common invalid reasons: - Mailbox doesn't exist - Domain doesn't accept email - Syntax errors in address - Temporary server issues ### How do you ensure data quality? Our quality assurance process: 1. **Multi-source verification**: Cross-reference multiple data sources 2. **Real-time validation**: Verify emails at point of delivery 3. **Community feedback**: Users can report incorrect data 4. **Machine learning**: AI models detect and filter low-quality data 5. **Regular audits**: Manual review of high-volume data sources 6. **Confidence scoring**: Transparent quality metrics for each result ### Can I report incorrect data? Yes, we encourage data quality feedback: - **Report button**: Available in dashboard results - **API feedback**: Use our data correction endpoints - **Support tickets**: Email specific corrections to support - **Bulk corrections**: Contact us for large-scale data issues Verified corrections improve our database for all users. ## Integration and Development ### Do you have SDKs or libraries? Yes, we provide official libraries for popular languages: - **JavaScript/Node.js**: `npm install tomba` - **Python**: `pip install tomba-io` - **PHP**: `composer require tomba-io/tomba-io` - **Ruby**: `gem install tomba-io` - **Go**: `go get github.com/tomba-io/go` - **C#/.NET**: Available via NuGet - **Java**: Maven and Gradle support - **Rust**: `cargo add tomba-io` See our [Libraries](./libraries) section for complete documentation. ### Can I use Tomba.io in spreadsheets? Yes, we support several spreadsheet integrations: **Google Sheets** - [Google Sheets Add-on](https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/tomba_email_extractor_email_finder_plus/915979967841) - Custom functions for email finding and verification - Bulk processing capabilities **Microsoft Excel** - [Excel Add-in](https://appsource.microsoft.com/en-us/product/office/WA200003632) - Office 365 and desktop Excel support - Real-time data refresh **Airtable** - Custom API integrations - Automation and webhook support ### How do I handle errors in my integration? Robust error handling practices: ```python import requests from requests.exceptions import RequestException def handle_tomba_api_call(endpoint, params): try: response = requests.get(endpoint, params=params, timeout=30) # Check HTTP status if response.status_code == 200: return response.json() elif response.status_code == 429: # Rate limited raise RateLimitError("API rate limit exceeded") elif response.status_code == 401: # Authentication error raise AuthError("Invalid API credentials") elif response.status_code >= 500: # Server error raise ServerError("Tomba.io server error") else: # Other client errors raise APIError(f"API error: {response.status_code}") except requests.exceptions.Timeout: raise TimeoutError("API request timed out") except requests.exceptions.ConnectionError: raise ConnectionError("Unable to connect to Tomba.io") except RequestException as e: raise APIError(f"Request failed: {str(e)}") ``` **Error Types:** - `400`: Bad request - check parameters - `401`: Authentication failed - verify credentials - `403`: Forbidden - insufficient permissions - `404`: Not found - endpoint doesn't exist - `429`: Rate limited - implement backoff - `500+`: Server errors - retry with exponential backoff ### What webhook events are available? Tomba.io supports webhooks for: - **Bulk operation completion**: When large jobs finish processing - **Data updates**: When contact information changes - **Account events**: Billing, usage, and plan changes - **Verification results**: Real-time email verification updates - **Error notifications**: Failed API calls and service issues Configure webhooks in your dashboard under Settings → Webhooks. ## Privacy and Compliance ### How do you handle personal data? We follow strict data protection principles: **Data Minimization** - Only collect necessary business contact information - No personal consumer data or private information - Focus on professional, publicly available information **Lawful Processing** - Legitimate business interest basis for B2B data - Consent where required by applicable laws - Clear opt-out mechanisms for all contacts **Security Measures** - End-to-end encryption for all data transmission - Secure data centers with SOC 2 compliance - Regular security audits and penetration testing - Access controls and audit logging ### Can people opt-out of your database? Yes, we provide multiple opt-out options: **Individual Opt-out** - Email us at privacy@tomba.io with removal requests - Use our online opt-out form - Automatic processing within 48 hours **Company-wide Opt-out** - Domain-level removal for entire organizations - Bulk opt-out for employee lists - Permanent suppression list maintenance **API Integration** - Check opt-out status via API before outreach - Respect suppression lists in your applications - Real-time opt-out verification ### Do you sell personal data? No, Tomba.io does not sell personal data. We: - **Provide access**: Through our API and platform tools - **Maintain ownership**: All data remains in our control - **Respect privacy**: Honor opt-outs and deletion requests - **Follow regulations**: Comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other laws - **Transparent usage**: Clear terms of service and privacy policy Our business model is subscription-based access to our email intelligence platform. ## Support and Resources ### How can I get help? Multiple support channels available: **Documentation** - [Complete docs](https://docs.tomba.io): Comprehensive guides and references - [API reference](https://docs.tomba.io/api): Detailed endpoint documentation - [Code examples](https://github.com/tomba-io): Sample implementations **Support Portal** - [Help center](https://help.tomba.io): Knowledge base and FAQs - **Ticket system**: Direct support for technical issues - **Live chat**: Real-time assistance during business hours **Community** - **GitHub**: Report issues and request features - **Discord**: Community chat and discussions - **Blog**: Updates, tutorials, and best practices **Status and Monitoring** - [Status page](https://status.tomba.io): Real-time service status - **Email alerts**: Notifications for service issues - **API monitoring**: Track performance and uptime ### What's your SLA for API uptime? **Service Level Commitments:** - **Uptime**: 99.9% availability (< 8.8 hours downtime/year) - **Response time**: < 500ms average API response time - **Support response**: < 24 hours for technical issues - **Enterprise SLA**: Custom agreements for enterprise customers **Monitoring and Transparency:** - Real-time status page with historical data - Automated alerts for service degradation - Monthly uptime reports - Post-mortem analysis for major incidents ### Do you provide onboarding and training? Yes, we offer comprehensive onboarding: **Free Resources** - **Getting started guide**: Step-by-step setup instructions - **Video tutorials**: Screen recordings for common tasks - **Code examples**: Ready-to-use implementations - **Webinars**: Regular training sessions and Q&A **Paid Support** (Enterprise plans) - **Dedicated onboarding**: Personal setup assistance - **Custom training**: Tailored to your use case - **Implementation guidance**: Best practices for your integration - **Ongoing support**: Regular check-ins and optimization ### How do I stay updated on new features? Stay informed about Tomba.io updates: - **Changelog**: [Monthly updates](./data/introduction) with new features - **Blog**: In-depth articles about new capabilities - **Email newsletter**: Monthly platform updates - **API versioning**: Backward-compatible updates with migration guides - **GitHub releases**: Technical updates and SDK changes **Beta Program** - Early access to new features - Feedback opportunities for product development - Direct communication with product team This FAQ covers the most common questions about Tomba.io. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please contact our support team or check our comprehensive documentation.