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.
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.
Site functionality
A store must score seven checked boxes in order to receive one star in this category; three to six checked boxes to receive a half star; and zero to two checked boxes to receive no star in this category. This category consists of:
A store must score four checked boxes in order to receive one star in this category; two to three checked boxes to receive a half star; and zero to one checked boxes to receive no star in this category. This category consists of:
A store must score six checked boxes in order to receive one star in this category; two 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:
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:
For more info, visit the Certified Store rating FAQ.
A store must score seven checked boxes in order to receive one star in this category; three to six 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
- Uses Secure Server transaction
- 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
A store must score four checked boxes in order to receive one star in this category; two to three 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
- Store supplies CNET with up-to-date prices, shipping costs, and in-stock information
A store must score six checked boxes in order to receive one star in this category; two 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
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
For more info, visit the Certified Store rating FAQ.
