Reliable Verification Method

Application of the Representation Standard – Version 1.1

Purpose

This document defines the official method used by Reliable to verify individual products, services, or defined offerings. The method is intentionally scoped to remain repeatable, defensible, and scalable across markets.

Verification is based on bounded review, not exhaustive investigation.

Eligibility

Only clearly defined products, services, or offerings may be submitted for verification.

Organizations as a whole are not eligible. Each application applies to one specific offering.

Explicit Scope Limitation (Critical)

Reliable conducts a bounded review based on a bounded review of identified public-facing representations, and limited contextual information when necessary, and a limited set of publicly accessible representations.

Reliable does not perform comprehensive market surveillance, full website audits, or exhaustive reviews of all public content related to an offering.

Verification reflects the offering as presented within the defined review scope at the time of evaluation.

Step 1: Application Submission

Applicants must submit a structured application that includes:

  • Clear description of the offering
  • Defined need addressed
  • Intended use context
  • Primary public-facing page representing the offering

Applicants are responsible for ensuring submissions are representative and accurate.

Step 2: Contextual Review

Reliable reviews only the contextual information, when requested, and the primary public-facing page identified by the applicant.

If demonstrations are submitted, Reliable may review excerpts or summaries at its discretion. Reliable is not required to review full-length demonstrations, videos, or extensive documentation.

Reliable does not search for or review additional third-party content unless deemed necessary to resolve material inconsistencies.

Step 3: Evaluation Against Principles

Each offering is evaluated for conformance with the Reliable Representation Standard based on clarity, proportionality, consistency, and integrity within the defined review scope.

Integrity Clarification

Integrity evaluation applies only to claims reviewed within the defined scope.

If material inconsistencies are identified between submitted materials and the primary public-facing representation, Reliable may request clarification or decline verification.

Reliable does not guarantee detection of all inconsistencies across all marketing channels.

Step 4: Independent Decision

Reliable issues one of two outcomes:

  • Verified
  • Not Verified

Verification is not guaranteed and is not influenced by fees.

Step 5: Public Listing & Badge Issuance

Verified offerings receive:

  • Inclusion in the Reliable public directory
  • A unique verification listing URL
  • Rights to display the Verified badge linked to the listing

Verification status becomes active upon publication.

Verification Term & Monitoring

Verification is valid for a defined term.

Applicants must disclose material changes to the offering or its primary public representation during the term.

Reliable reserves the right to revoke verification if integrity standards are materially violated.

Limitations

Verification does not:

  • Guarantee performance or outcomes
  • Certify regulatory compliance
  • Represent universal suitability
  • Replace buyer due diligence

Closing

This method ensures Reliable Verification remains credible without becoming burdensome or impractical.

Verification is earned – not purchased.