Questions on Email Bounces and API Connections in Clay | Clay

Questions on Email Bounces and API Connections in Clay

Andi D. · 2025-01-03T21:23:54.213241+00:00

Hey team, a couple questions: 1. Email waterfall enirchement People Data Lab comes back with emails that bounced but still charged 5 credits/profile, is that normal? (see screenshot 1) 2. I'm trying to add in my Apollo API as part of the waterfall and it says Missing API Key. I've connected Apollo API to Clay (used Master Key) (see screenshot 2 & 3) 3. trying to connect my Zerobounce API but when doing email validations, it says Using Your Own API Key OR Clay Credits, does it automatically use up my API credits first? (see screenshot 4)

Andi D.

Hey team, a couple questions:

1.
Email waterfall enirchement People Data Lab comes back with emails that bounced but still charged 5 credits/profile, is that normal? (see screenshot 1)
2.
I'm trying to add in my Apollo API as part of the waterfall and it says Missing API Key. I've connected Apollo API to Clay (used Master Key) (see screenshot 2 & 3)
3.
trying to connect my Zerobounce API but when doing email validations, it says Using Your Own API Key OR Clay Credits, does it automatically use up my API credits first? (see screenshot 4)

11 comments

Channeled
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Let me address your questions: 1. By default, People Data Labs enrichments use Clay's managed account and will charge credits regardless of the outcome. However, you can avoid these charges by connecting your own People Data Labs API key if you're on a paid plan (Starter, Explorer, Pro). 2. For Apollo API integration, make sure you're using the correct API key for the specific service. If you're still seeing a "Missing API Key" error despite using the Master Key, you may need to verify the key's validity or try reconnecting it. 3. When you bring your own API keys for any data enrichment tools, you can use them free of Clay credits. The system will automatically use your connected API keys first before using Clay credits.Note: For Apollo specifically, make sure you're using the correct enrichment method. The "Enrich Person From Apollo" function is recommended for getting complete contact information including email addresses. Sources: People Data Labs integration overview | Documentation | Clay University [FAQ: Why am I seeing email_not_unlocked@domain.com in Apollo?](https://docs.clay.com/en/articles/9757360-faq-why-am-i-seeing-email%5Fnot%5Funlocked-domain-com-in-apollo) FAQ | Clay.com
Channeled
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Great! I'm glad I could help. I'm here if you have any more questions.
Channeled
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Hi Andi D.! This thread was recently closed by our Support team. If you have a moment, please share your feedback:
Andi D.
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One more question, when using Waterfall to identify emails, does it use up a credit from ZeroBounce everytime an email provider comes back with invalid email?
Channeled
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When using email waterfalls, ZeroBounce validation is part of the process to ensure email quality. If you're using Clay's managed ZeroBounce account, you'll be charged 1 credit per email validation.However, the waterfall process is designed to be credit-efficient. You'll only be charged credits for the provider that successfully finds the data, and most actions that don't return a result won't incur charges.Sometimes the waterfall continues running even after finding an email - this happens when an email was found by a provider but failed the validation check. Sources: Zerobounce integration overview | Documentation | Clay University Waterfall Enrich People (Waterfalls) [Clay 101] - Clay University
Roman H.
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Hey Andi D. a credit from ZeroBounce is always charged, no matter if the email is valid or invalid We just got listed with BetterContact recently (we bundle 20+ providers, automatically verify w/a verifier like Zerbounce, and only charge when the email is actually valid)
Channeled
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Yes, when using Clay's managed ZeroBounce account, you will be charged 1 credit per email validation, regardless of whether the email is valid or invalid.The validation process is part of Clay's email waterfall system, and the system will validate emails to ensure quality data. In some cases, the waterfall continues running even after finding an email - this typically happens when an email was found but failed the validation check.Regarding BetterContact's policy, I cannot make a direct comparison as their charging model is not documented in the provided sources. Sources: Zerobounce integration overview | Documentation | Clay University Enrich People (Waterfalls) [Automated Outbound] - Clay University
Andi D.
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Oh that’s sweet! Roman H. I’ll check it out. Got any referral codes? ;)
Channeled
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I'm glad you're interested! While I don't have referral codes, I'm here if you need any help exploring our features.
Roman H.
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Good stuff! :) Andi D.
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I'm glad you're satisfied! I'm here if you need any further assistance.