Frequently Asked Questions
What are Best Pick Reports and Home Reports?
What is a Best Pick?
Why should I trust EBSCO Research?
How are the publications funded?
Are EBSCO Research ratings based on limited reviews?
Do you just check company references?
If I participate in an EBSCO Research interview, will my name be released?
How can I contribute feedback to EBSCO Research?
How many interviews have you conducted?
How can I get a copy of EBSCO Research’s annual publications?
What are Best Pick Reports and Home Reports?
Best Pick Reports and Home Reports are local consumer resources that provide valuable information on home service industries and recommend top-rated "Best Pick" companies through independent research each year. The reports are published by EBSCO Research LLC, a subsidiary of EBSCO Industries Inc.
What is a Best Pick?
A Best Pick company is one that has been deemed to be exceptional with regard to its quality of work and customer service through our independent consumer satisfaction research process. All Best Pick companies must:
- Maintain an A grade based on more than 100 reviews in our research database.
- Carry general liability insurance as well as any other types of insurance required by the state.
- Hold proper professional licenses.
- Sign the Best Pick Company Pledge.
- Requalify each year.
Why should I trust EBSCO Research?
We track and rate thousands of businesses and showcase Best Pick companies in our annual reports, which are posted online and mailed to homes in many communities. Companies cannot buy a good rating; the only way contractors can obtain a good rating is to earn it by having many satisfied customers and good reviews.
How are the publications funded?
Once research is complete, companies that excel in each category have the option of participating in the Best Pick program. Those who choose to participate receive the Best Pick designation and authorize us to include their names in our annual publication. These companies pay a listing fee that allows us to mail the publication at no cost to homeowners. Participation in the Best Pick program is by invite only and is completely voluntary.
Are EBSCO Research ratings based on limited reviews?
We have more than 100 reviews on each of the Best Pick companies. To help our readers understand the statistical validity of the rating, we note the number of reviews upon which each rating is based.
Do you just check company references?
No. We never accept references, letters of recommendation, write-in reviews, or third-party references in our research.
If I participate in an EBSCO Research interview, will my name be released?
Comments and opinions may be publicly displayed, but they will not be attributed to you without your permission.
How can I contribute feedback to EBSCO Research?
If one of our researchers contacts you, we would greatly appreciate any feedback you can share about your experiences.
How many interviews have you conducted?
In the past three years, we have conducted thousands of phone interviews with homeowners who had firsthand experience with home service providers. Those interviews have resulted in over 365,000 company reviews in the past three years. Our research process is ongoing. Each year, we conduct thousands of new interviews with homeowners.
How can I get a copy of EBSCO Research’s annual publications?
Our annual reports are available to anyone, free of charge. If you would like to request a copy, click here or feel free to contact us.