🔍 How CostChat Ratings & Editorial Badges Work
At CostChat, we believe that transparency, authenticity, and consumer trust are the cornerstones of informed decision-making. Our Rating & Editorial Badge System helps users quickly identify top-performing service providers based on real-world feedback — not paid placement.
⭐ The Power of Real Reviews
Every listing on CostChat pulls ratings and reviews from public sources like Google Reviews. These are verified, unfiltered, and reflect genuine customer experiences. No business can pay to alter their review data.
🏅 Editorial Badges: Quality You Can See
We award three elite badges to providers who demonstrate excellence — based on real performance, not payments:
- 💎 Trusted Choice: 4.6+ rating and 50+ reviews
- 🏅 Top Rated Pro: 4.7+ rating and 150+ reviews
- 🏆 Elite Provider: 4.8+ rating and 250+ reviews
❌ No Badge? No Problem.
Many quality providers are still earning their first reviews. We encourage users to read all reviews and use our comparison tools to make confident decisions.
✅ Why This Matters
- For Consumers: A trustworthy, at-a-glance indicator of service quality.
- For Providers: Earn recognition based on merit, not marketing spend.
- For CostChat: We remain 100% unbiased and data-driven.
🔒 Editorial Integrity
CostChat never accepts payment for reviews or badge placement. Our badge system is automatic and based solely on published criteria.
Have questions or feedback? Contact our editorial team or visit the FAQ.