How we assess and score

1. What the site score means

For a specific listed product, we start with the Amazon-listing average rating out of five and rating count recorded in our affiliate catalogue. These are a dated catalogue snapshot, not a live Amazon API feed. We shrink the average toward a baseline of 4.2 stars with a weight of 500 ratings, then multiply by two and round to one decimal place for a score out of ten: score = round to one decimal (2 × ((rating × count + 4.2 × 500) / (count + 500))). A larger rating sample has more influence than a small one. The baseline and weight are editorial choices, not measured category averages. We record the source date alongside each listing.

This is a weighted shopping-platform feedback score, not a laboratory result, a hands-on test, a clinical finding, or a claim that we agree with every customer. It does not incorporate a detailed analysis of individual comments; those inform the separate article. Commission rate, product price, and advertising spend do not enter the formula. Guides and product-type comparisons do not have product-specific site scores.

2. How we write a product assessment

We first confirm the exact product identifier, listing, and category. We then read a sample of customer comments, looking for concrete descriptions of use, recurring strengths, limitations, and conflicting experiences. We compare relevant claims with product specifications where available. We write a short original synthesis in our own words and state the sample size and capture date. We do not publish raw customer comments, copy their wording, or turn a single anecdote into a product-wide conclusion.

A small or biased sample cannot establish the frequency of a problem among all buyers. We distinguish a manufacturer's claim, a customer-reported experience, and a verified specification. We do not imply first-hand testing when none took place. If the evidence is too thin or does not match the published product, we do not publish a product-specific assessment.

3. Commercial independence

Some product links earn a commission; we identify them before a reader clicks. Affiliate eligibility limits which products appear in the current catalogue, but it cannot change the scoring formula. Brands do not approve our copy or purchase a more favourable assessment. We do not display product prices.

4. Health and safety

Marketplace reviews are not evidence that a supplement, cosmetic, dental product, or pet product treats a medical condition. We do not give medical, dental, or veterinary advice. Readers should follow product instructions and consult a qualified professional for individual health questions. For children's products, safety and age limits must be confirmed against the manufacturer's current instructions.

5. Updates, images, and corrections

Ratings, rating counts, formulations, and availability can change. We date captured feedback and update an article only when we actually review new evidence. If a material factual error is found, we correct it. Product imagery is shown only after we confirm permission for the intended use. Any generated scene must be labelled as an illustration, not evidence of performance or first-hand testing.

Questions or corrections: [email protected], or see our contact page for what to include.