How We Choose & Compare Products

BazaarScout uses category-specific criteria, evidence gates and explainable trade-offs rather than a universal product ranking.

1. Establish canonical product identity

We separate a canonical product from its variants and merchant listings. A different seller or offer does not automatically become a different product.

2. Apply category-specific eligibility

Budget, intended use, product type, required specifications and exclusions are applied before shortlist logic. Different product categories intentionally use different criteria.

3. Normalize comparable specifications

Where evidence supports it, source specifications are mapped to category-aware attributes so comparisons focus on meaningful differences rather than inconsistent merchant wording.

4. Separate eligibility from preference

Hard requirements determine whether a product qualifies. Preferences help explain qualifying choices, so a preference score cannot hide a failed must-have.

5. Gate time-sensitive commercial claims

Current price, reference price, discount, availability, coupon, bank offer, cashback and deal labels are withheld when source evidence or freshness requirements are not satisfied.

6. Explain the result

Shortlists and algorithmic signals should expose criteria, supporting evidence and important trade-offs. Affiliate payout is not a ranking factor.

Signals stay separate

Editorial assessments, external customer ratings, merchant data and BazaarScout algorithmic signals are different evidence classes and are not merged into a misleading single claim.

Time-sensitive commercial evidence follows the separate Price, Deal & Freshness Methodology.