Consensus & Ratings

Ratings & Data Logic

How we turn neighbor input into structured consensus—without star inflation, pay-for-play scores, or anonymous gossip.

Harvey-ball consensus

Instead of five-star averages that cluster at 4.8, we score three dimensions on a 1–5 Harvey scale: Reliability (shows up, honors quotes), Price (transparent, fair for the trade), and Vibe (community fit, communication, environment).

Full

Mixed

Low

Composite “consensus score” (0–100) weights verified submissions, recency, and license checks—not ad spend.

Entity types we verify

  • Licensed trades — HVAC, roofing, plumbing: NJ license lookup, insurance bond, permit history where available.
  • Educators & tutors — district employment or accredited program; parent reviews require verified household.
  • Wellness & cannabis — state license, compliance workshops, safety audit references.
  • Dining & retail — health inspection grade, local ownership, reader deal fulfillment track record.
  • Public entities — parks boards, schools: no star score; accountability timelines and RFP links instead.

What we reject

  • Paid placement disguised as editorial rankings
  • Anonymous one-line revenge reviews
  • Imported Yelp/Google aggregates without local verification
  • Competitor-flagging campaigns (coordinated downvotes)

Submission & appeals

Readers sign in with a verified household. Businesses may claim a profile to respond on the record and upload license documents. Disputed scores enter a 10-business-day review queue.

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