Question 1

Does ROTIS offer extra login security?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your account for an extra layer of protection beyond your password.

Question 2

Why was I signed out automatically?

Accepted Answer

For your security, ROTIS signs you out automatically after 20 minutes of inactivity. Just log back in to continue where you left off.

Question 3

Why is my account locked?

Accepted Answer

Your account locks after repeated failed sign-in attempts to protect it from unauthorized access. If this happens to you, ask ROTIS on WhatsApp to help you regain access.

Question 4

Does ROTIS store my Mobile Money or card PIN?

Accepted Answer

No, ROTIS never stores your card or Mobile Money PINs. All payments are handled securely without ROTIS keeping that sensitive information.

Question 5

What does 'priority shop' mean in search results?

Accepted Answer

ROTIS admins can mark certain shops as priority, which affects how they are shown in your search results. These shops are always clearly labelled so you know which ones they are.

Question 6

Do sponsored listings change the product data I see?

Accepted Answer

No, ad and priority placement only affects the order or visibility of results. It does not change the actual product data, prices or details coming from the marketplaces.

Question 7

What are affiliate links on ROTIS?

Accepted Answer

Some links to 1688 and other marketplace listings are affiliate links, meaning ROTIS may earn a small commission from the marketplace when you use them. This never changes the price you pay as a buyer.

Question 8

If I click an affiliate link, do I pay more?

Accepted Answer

No, your price stays exactly the same whether or not the link is an affiliate link. The commission comes from the marketplace, not from you.

Question 9

What is ROTIS and what does it do?

Accepted Answer

ROTIS is a sourcing service based in Douala that helps you find products on Chinese marketplaces like 1688, Taobao and Yiwugo, and get quotations in FCFA. ROTIS does not sell the goods itself; the actual sale contract is always between you and the Chinese supplier.

Question 10

Which marketplaces can I search on ROTIS?

Accepted Answer

You can search 1688, Taobao and Yiwugo. JD and Dewu are not currently live, so products from those two sites won't appear yet.

Question 11

Do I need an account to search for products?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need an account to run searches and build a cart. Create your account, then start searching in FCFA right away.

Question 12

How do I get started sourcing my first product?

Accepted Answer

Search for the product, add the items you like to your cart, then forward the cart to ROTIS as a quote request. You'll need a WhatsApp number to do this, so have it ready before you submit.

Question 13

How do I pay for my subscription or order?

Accepted Answer

Payments on ROTIS are made through MTN Mobile Money only. Make sure the number you use is active before confirming a payment.

Question 14

Why is my price shown in RMB and FCFA?

Accepted Answer

Suppliers list prices in RMB, and ROTIS converts it to an approximate FCFA amount using its own exchange rate, which may include a margin for currency movement. The exact amount you pay is confirmed in your quotation.

Question 15

Can I get a refund if my order hasn't been placed yet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you prepaid but the order hasn't been placed with the supplier, ROTIS refunds you in full minus transfer charges within 14 days. Ask ROTIS on WhatsApp to start a refund request.

Question 16

What happens if the supplier refunds ROTIS?

Accepted Answer

Any refund ROTIS receives from a supplier is passed on to you within 14 days of ROTIS receiving it.

Question 17

Can I get a refund on my subscription fee?

Accepted Answer

Subscription fees are not refundable once the billing period has started, even if you don't use all your searches. Unused searches also do not roll over to the next month.

Question 18

Where do the search results come from?

Accepted Answer

Results come from third-party Chinese marketplaces through a data provider called Onebound, with automatic translation applied so you can read them in French or English.

Question 19

Why do prices or stock sometimes look out of date?

Accepted Answer

Search results are cached for up to 24 hours to keep the service fast, so prices or availability on the supplier's page may have changed slightly since your last search.

Question 20

Why is the FCFA price only approximate?

Accepted Answer

Original prices are in RMB, and ROTIS converts them to an approximate FCFA amount using an exchange rate it sets, which may include a small margin to cover currency movement. The final cost is confirmed in your written quotation.

Question 21

Can translations be inaccurate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, product titles and descriptions are translated automatically, so wording can occasionally be imperfect. If something is unclear, ask ROTIS on WhatsApp before you request a quote.

Question 22

Why does the free plan limit my searches?

Accepted Answer

The Free plan gives you 3 searches a day with no CSV export, which is meant for trying ROTIS out. Upgrade to Basic, Pro or Enterprise for more searches and export options.

Question 23

How do I request a quotation?

Accepted Answer

Add the products you want to your cart and forward it to ROTIS as a quote request, with a compulsory WhatsApp number so our team can reach you. You can have up to 3 open requests at a time.

Question 24

How long is a quotation valid?

Accepted Answer

A written quotation from ROTIS is valid for 7 calendar days. If you need more time, open your cart to request a new quote once it expires.

Question 25

Does the quotation include shipping and customs?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. International transport, warehouse handling, customs and duty charges are extra unless they are specifically listed in your quotation, so always check the breakdown.

Question 26

Why can I only have 3 open quote requests?

Accepted Answer

The limit of 3 open requests at a time helps our team give each request proper attention. Close or finalize one before opening another, or ask ROTIS on WhatsApp if you need help managing requests.

Question 27

What search plans are available?

Accepted Answer

Free gives 3 searches a day with no CSV export. Basic is 5,499 FCFA/month for 250 searches, Pro is 10,499 FCFA/month for 600 searches, and Enterprise is 19,999 FCFA/month for 1,000 searches plus team seats. Unused searches do not roll over to the next month.

Question 28

Does ROTIS handle customs clearance?

Accepted Answer

ROTIS can help coordinate transport and customs steps, but customs and duty charges are separate costs that apply unless your quotation already includes them. Confirm the details with ROTIS on WhatsApp before you commit.

Question 29

Who is responsible if the supplier sends the wrong item?

Accepted Answer

Since the sale is between you and the supplier, report the issue to ROTIS within 7 days of receiving the goods, with photos. ROTIS will negotiate in good faith with the supplier but cannot force them or the marketplace to act.

Question 30

What should I do if my goods arrive damaged?

Accepted Answer

Take clear photos as soon as you notice the damage and report it to ROTIS within 7 days of receipt. ROTIS will raise the dispute with the supplier on your behalf, though a resolution can't be guaranteed since it's not the seller.

Question 31

Are international transport costs fixed in advance?

Accepted Answer

Transport, warehouse and customs costs are only fixed once they're written into your quotation. Ask ROTIS for a full landed-cost breakdown before you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Merchant essentials

Account & Security

Admin & Sponsored Listings

Affiliate Information

Getting Started

Payments & Currency

Product Search & Onebound API Data

Quotations & Pricing

Shipping & Customs