Our Methodology

Say GoodBuy exists to do the research for you. That only works if the research holds up. This page explains exactly how we decide what goes on the site.

What counts as a source

Every reason to avoid a company links to a named publication with a direct URL and a publication date. We only cite: established news organizations such as Reuters, the Associated Press, The New York Times, NPR, and the BBC. Government agencies and official records, including sites like sec.gov, cfpb.gov, and congress.gov. Court filings and regulatory actions with documented outcomes.

What we never cite

We do not cite Wikipedia. We do not cite petition sites, anonymous blogs, press releases, or law firm marketing pages. We do not cite any party with a financial stake in the claim. We do not cite lawsuits that were dismissed, even when the underlying concern seems valid. When research originates with a watchdog or advocacy organization, we prefer to cite independent news coverage of its findings, and we weigh such reports against their sourcing. If a claim cannot be traced to credible reporting or an official record, it does not appear on this site.

How recent is the information

We prioritize reporting from the last several years and review older claims carefully before including them. Every reason displays its publication date so you can judge for yourself.

How we vet ethical alternatives

Alternatives are reviewed manually. We look for independent certifications such as B-Corp and Fair Trade, worker ownership structures, and verifiable sustainability practices. We favor independent and local businesses over large conglomerates.

Updates and corrections

Every company page shows a Last Updated date reflecting the most recent review of that entry. If you believe something on this site is inaccurate or outdated, email hello@saygoodbuy.co. We review every report and update or remove claims that do not hold up.

Independence

Say GoodBuy is independently run and free, and it will stay that way. No company can pay to be included, excluded, or listed as an alternative. No ads, no sponsors, no affiliate links. This site exists to serve you, not to sell to you. We did the research so you don't have to, and nobody paid us to say any of it.