Help
How can we help?
Answers about hardware, software, payment, withdrawal and selling on OROBO. Nothing that fits? We usually reply within two working days.
Requesting hardware through OROBO
How do I buy hardware through OROBO?
Add products to your request with “Request” in the catalogue or on the product page, state quantity, goal and timing, and send it. OROBO checks the need and intended use, screens buyer and seller against the EU and US sanctions lists and obtains the quote from the manufacturer or its dealer. You sign the contract directly with the seller.
Does OROBO sell the hardware itself?
No. OROBO only brokers. The seller is the manufacturer or its dealer: they issue the quote and invoice, deliver and are liable for defects. OROBO is neither seller nor importer and does not accept payments for goods.
What does brokering cost?
Nothing for you. The seller alone sets the price. OROBO may receive a commission from the seller; on request we tell you whether and how much. It influences neither recommendations nor order.
Are the catalogue prices binding?
No. They are non-binding, rounded guide values from manufacturers’ public information, excluding VAT, shipping and duties. Only the seller’s quote is binding. The seller states delivery time, shipping and duties in the quote; OROBO asks for them with your request.
Who does OROBO broker for?
For now, buyers in the EU, the EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. OROBO does not broker for persons or companies on sanctions lists, for military use or into countries under embargo. Export licences remain the seller’s responsibility.
Who receives my contact details?
At first, only OROBO. Your contact details only go to a seller once you have agreed — and only to the seller making you the quote.
Can I compare products and save them?
Yes. The comparison puts up to four products side by side: manufacturer, country, guide price, effort, uses and export rules. The saved list keeps products in your browser, without an account.
Software through OROBO
How do I get software through OROBO?
For open-source software, the download on the software page leads to the project’s verified official source; OROBO keeps no copies of its own. For software as a service (SaaS), the button leads to the manufacturer’s site, where you buy and are billed. If the link is a partner link, “Advertisement” is shown right next to it.
What does “checked” mean?
OROBO checks software against published criteria, such as whether the source is reachable, which licence applies and whether the code scan finds anything harmful — right on submission and daily after that. The check is not a guarantee of being error-free or secure.
Can OROBO set up the software for us?
Yes. We offer setup and integration as a service. The entry point is the AI Compass for €490 (businesses only): a written assessment with three prioritised use cases, vetted software, hardware needs and costs – delivered within 5 working days from the completed questionnaire.
AI Compass and research briefing
How does the AI Compass work?
You book it on the business page and pay via Stripe (€490, businesses only). You then receive a short questionnaire and an appointment for an online call of up to 45 minutes. You get the report (PDF) five working days after we receive the fully completed questionnaire. One round of revisions is included.
What does the research briefing include?
A written report (PDF) on a topic from AI, hardware or robotics confirmed in advance: state of research, who delivers, what it costs, what is realistic — with sources. Delivered seven working days after the topic is confirmed, €990, businesses only. One round of revisions is included.
Why businesses only?
The fixed-price services are aimed at businesses within the meaning of § 14 of the German Civil Code. Private clients and family offices, please write to us via the contact form; we will make a separate offer.
Payment and invoices
How and to whom do I pay?
You pay for OROBO’s fixed-price services (AI Compass, research briefing) via Stripe to Oroboros Design. You pay for hardware directly to the seller on the seller’s terms — never to OROBO. You pay for software as a service to the manufacturer.
Do I get an invoice — and why without VAT?
Yes. Oroboros Design issues an invoice for fixed-price services. As a small business under § 19 of the German VAT Act, Oroboros Design does not charge VAT; the fixed prices are final prices. For hardware, you receive the invoice from the seller. If something is missing from the invoice, such as your order number, write to us.
Returns and withdrawal
Can I withdraw from a contract?
Consumers have a right of withdrawal of fourteen days from conclusion of the contract; the withdrawal notice in § 7 of the Terms is authoritative. For digital content it expires if provision begins before the end of the period with your express consent. You declare withdrawal via “Withdraw from contract” in the footer of every page or by email.
How do I return hardware?
You buy hardware from the seller. The seller’s return, withdrawal and warranty terms therefore apply, and the seller is your contact for defects. OROBO helps you reach the right contact at the seller.
Does the right of withdrawal apply to the AI Compass?
The fixed-price services are for businesses only; the statutory consumer right of withdrawal does not apply to them. If a report does not fit your question, one round of revisions is included. Write to us and we will find a solution.
Becoming a seller
How do I become a seller on OROBO?
Software providers submit their product via “Submit a product”. OROBO checks it automatically against the published criteria; only then does it appear. Hardware manufacturers and dealers get in touch via the page for manufacturers; we agree a commission that is only due on a brokered deal.
What does listing cost?
Listing and the automatic check are free, with no subscription. The OROBO checkout is not yet enabled; until then you sell via your own payment link, with no OROBO fee.
What happens if my product is not approved?
If we restrict a product or account, we state the reasons in writing. You can object by email; a person reviews the objection. The ranking criteria are published.
Privacy in brief
What data does OROBO store for a request?
The details from the form — such as name, company, email, phone, country and need — to handle your request. They only go to a seller with your consent. Everything else is in the privacy policy.
How do I get access to or erase my data?
Write to orobo@oroboros-design.com. We reply within one month, as Art. 12(3) GDPR provides.
Is an AI answering on the website?
Yes. OROBO answers questions on the website with AI; these answers are labelled. A person reviews and approves the recommendations and messages we send you.
Contact and response times
How do I reach OROBO?
Via the contact form or by email to orobo@oroboros-design.com. Phone: +49 151 58775031. OROBO is run by Oroboros Design, owner Daouda Ndiaye, Cologne.
How quickly do you reply?
Requests and messages usually within two working days. We deliver the AI Compass five working days after the completed questionnaire and the research briefing seven working days after the confirmed topic. We answer GDPR access requests within one month.
Where do I report a dangerous product or a security vulnerability?
Report software via “Report” on the software page and hardware via the contact form. Please report a security vulnerability confidentially by email, not publicly; the contact details are also in security.txt.
Response times and deadlines
| Matter | Reply or delivery |
|---|---|
| Hardware request, project request, message | usually within 2 working days |
| AI Compass (report) | 5 working days from the completed questionnaire |
| Research briefing (report) | 7 working days from the confirmed topic |
| Manufacturer’s quote | depends on the manufacturer; OROBO follows up after 5 working days |
| Access, correction, erasure (GDPR) | within one month (Art. 12(3) GDPR) |
| Report of a dangerous product | reviewed within 2 working days, immediately if there is a risk |
Working days: Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany).
Write to us. A person reads every message and usually replies within two working days.