Consumer FAQs
Finding a trusted service provider can be a daunting process. But, we are here to help. Here are some of the questions that we frequently hear from consumers that contact us.
Do I have to pay to view your directory or your provider profiles?
How do you find the service providers that are included in the directory?
Do you only select the biggest firms for your directory?
Do you rank service providers?
I have seen your research lists in various magazines. Are you affiliated with the magazines in which you publish your research lists?
How do I know if any of the providers that are in your directory will be able to address my personal needs?
What do you do with my personal information?
How long will it take for a service provider to contact me after I've requested more information about that provider?
I need help choosing a provider. Do you have any tools that I can use to help me with the selection process?
Do I have to pay to view your directory or your provider profiles?
Our directory and our provider profiles are completely FREE to consumers. There is no charge to search our directory or to view provider profiles, and we encourage consumers to contact the providers listed in our directory if they need their services.
How do you find the service providers that are included in the directory?
Using public and private data sources, our research team identifies service providers that it believes meet pre-determined industry criteria. Service providers that meet specific industry criteria are then invited to participate in an individual interview to begin the certification process.
Do you only select the biggest firms for your directory?
No, we look for service providers that are among the best in their industries, exceed their industry’s standards for professionalism, have no outstanding lawsuits or grievances from clients against them and have a time-tested track record of success. That can include both large and small firms.
Do you rank service providers?
No, we do not rank service providers. We understand that professional services must be uniquely tailored to each individual that needs those services. As a result, one size does not fit all, and, as a result we do not provide a numerical or other ranking of service providers. However, you can rest assured that each service provider that is included in our directory has passed through our rigorous certification process.
I have seen your research lists in various magazines. Are you affiliated with the magazines in which you publish your research lists?
We are completely independent of, not affiliated with, not owned by and not compensated by any of the publications in which our research lists appear.
How do I know if any of the providers that are in your directory will be able to address my personal needs?
Our directory only includes providers that have passed our rigorous certification process. For the vast majority of consumers, the providers that are included in the directory can and will address your needs since these providers are among the leaders in their respective industries. We recognize, however, that in some cases, you may have very specialized needs that fall outside of the norm. When and if that occurs, please feel free to contact us to discuss your particular requirements.
What do you do with my personal information?
Your personal information is very important to us. We DO NOT share your personal information with anyone unless you specifically ask us to connect you with a service provider. If you do ask us to connect you with a service provider, we will only share your information with that provider – no one else. To learn more about privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.
How long will it take for a service provider to contact me after I've requested more information about that provider?
There is no specific timeframe within which each provider must respond to your inquiry. However, in most instances, providers will make contact with you within 1-2 business days.
I need help choosing a provider. Do you have any tools that I can use to help me with the selection process?
Yes, we have created a number of tools to help you with the selection process. Those tools include brief industry overview videos, industry selection guides, provider benchmarking tools and numerous regional research reports detailing our findings about service providers by industry in a given geographic area. View these tools here.
