Our Review System and comparison chart gives the reader a good idea of what is offered on each site. The overall ranking is compiled from unbiased
reviews and feedback from customers and readers who email us their comments and experiences with each website.
A store will receive a 0.5 to 5-star rating based on the level of compliance in these four categories : site functionality, store standards, order
fulfillment, and customer feedback. A store receives stars depending on the number of boxes checked within each category.
The total number of stars received for each of the four categories below will equal the store’s overall rating (new stores display the status of
Not Yet Rated during their initial 30-day evaluation period). For example, a store that scores 1.5 stars for customer feedback, 1 star for
order fulfillment, 1 for store standards, and 1 star for site functionality will receive a Certified Store rating of 4.5 stars.
We have taken care ONLY to review sites which are reputable, and credible. These sites have therefore passed the litmus test, so to speak, and can
be purchased from with confidence. Sites which have had complaints of shoddy merchandise, inaccurate or misrepresented merchandise, or
non-shipment, would be removed from our website review list.
Please be wary when purchasing from websites that are NOT on our review lists, as they have either:
1. Received numerous complaints in the past
2. New with no previous customer experience to rely on.
We hope these charts and comprehensive reviews are helpful.
Happy online shopping!
Criteria Scoring
Site functionality
A store must score six checked boxes in order to receive one star in this category; three to five checked boxes to receive a half star; and zero
to two checked boxes to receive no star in this category. This category consists of :
* Uses Shopping Cart technology and totaling orders
* Accepts multiple credit cards
* Offers a published return policy
* Offers a published FAQ/help policy
* Offers a published policy on when credit cards are charged
* Links user to product-specific “buy” page
Store standards
A store must score 3 checked boxes in order to receive one star in this category, two checked boxes to receive a half star; and zero to one
checked boxes to receive no star in this category. This category consists of :
* Store responds to e-mail within two business days
* Store has a clearly published privacy policy
* Site clearly states how to contact store
Order fulfillment
A store must score six checked boxes in order to receive one star in this category; three to five checked boxes to receive a half star; and zero
to two checked boxes to receive no star in this category. This category consists of :
* Resolving order problems swiftly and efficiently
* Honors prices displayed on store Web site without any hassle or excuses
* Provides a fully e-commerce-enabled site
* Processes orders promptly and sends an e-mail confirmation and order summary within one business day of the initial order
* Delivers merchandise in professional packaging
* Offers a published policy on when credit cards are charged
Customer feedback
A store must score four checked boxes in order to receive two stars in this category; two to three checked boxes to receive one star; one checked
box to receive a half star; and zero checked boxes to receive no stars in this category. This category consists of :
* Provides accessible, supportive, and professional customer-service staff
* Provides accurate product description and pricing on store site
* Provides on-time delivery
* Store has received greater than 85% positive feedback
Full Reviews