## **Overview**

When working with clients, it is important to understand exactly when OTTO credits are used and what happens if a client never installs the OTTO code. This article explains what our support team has confirmed about credit consumption timing and the recommended workflow to protect your credits before committing them to a new project.

## **When Are OTTO Credits Consumed?**

Based on confirmed support guidance, OTTO credits are deducted when a new OTTO project is created, not when OTTO is activated or deployed on the site. This means:

- Creating a project for a client uses one credit right away.
- If the client never installs the OTTO code, the credit is still consumed.
- Simply leaving a project inactive does not protect or return your credit.

Understanding this timing is critical before you create any new project on behalf of a client.

## **Recovering Credits**

If you need to recover an OTTO credit, options may be available depending on your situation — such as removing the website from the project or deleting the project entirely. The availability, timing, and conditions of credit recovery (including any waiting periods or data loss implications) can vary. To understand exactly what recovery options apply to your account and project, please contact our support team directly for guidance before taking any action.

## **Recommended Workflow: Validate Installation Before Creating a Project**

To avoid losing credits when a client is undecided or has not yet installed the OTTO code, follow this workflow **before** creating the project in Search Atlas:

1. **Share the OTTO installation instructions with your client first.** Send them the installation documentation and ask them to add the OTTO script to their website before you proceed.
2. **Ask the client to confirm installation in writing.** Get a clear confirmation via email, message, or your preferred communication channel before taking any action in the platform.
3. **Only create the OTTO project once installation is confirmed.** This ensures that when you use a credit, the client is ready to proceed and the project will be actively used.

If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type **human teammate** to be connected with a member of our team.