How PepGuide Scores Vendors
Each vendor receives five independent 1–10 scores. PepGuide does not publish one composite rank because strong testing with a short track record describes a different risk profile than a long history with thinner documentation.
Testing/COA
Depth and credibility of lab testing. Named 3P labs, test scope (HPLC, MS, endotoxin, heavy metals, sterility), batch-specific COAs, independent verifiability. The bands below set a ceiling based on test scope. Lab count, conformity sampling, fill accuracy, and independent verification can hold a vendor below that ceiling.
- 10: Multiple named 3P labs, full panel (HPLC + MS + Endotoxin + Heavy Metals + Sterility) on all COAs, or the full panel added within the last 3 months, batch-specific and publicly verifiable
- 9: Full panel except one of Sterility, Heavy Metals, or Endotoxin is missing (only one), or single-lab with otherwise full panel
- 8: HPLC + MS batch-specific COAs plus at least one advanced test (endotoxin) with strong verification, two or more advanced tests missing
- 7: Named 3P lab, HPLC + MS batch-specific COAs, purity and identity only, no advanced contaminant testing
- 5–6: Named 3P lab but limited scope, or claims without full verification
- 3–4: HPLC-only with weak verification, or documented failures in independent testing
- 1–2: No disclosed testing, or independently confirmed failing results
Transparency
Documentation visibility and willingness to disclose. Named labs, batch traceability, specific purity numbers, disclosed ownership and facilities.
- 9–10: Every claim backed by specific data, full batch traceability, named facility, per-product purity numbers
- 7–8: Most claims documented, COAs posted openly
- 5–6: Claims made but documentation inconsistent or incomplete
- 3–4: Vague claims with minimal documentation
- 1–2: No meaningful disclosure
Track Record
Operational history and documented quality over time. Years operating, batch volume tested, Finnrick independent results, documented incidents.
- 9–10: 5+ years, A/B-tier Finnrick ratings across 20+ samples, zero documented incidents
- 7–8: 3+ years, mostly positive independent data, minor incidents handled well
- 5–6: 1–3 years, or limited independent data available
- 3–4: Under 1 year, concerning Finnrick results, or multiple documented incidents
- 1–2: No track record, or catastrophic documented failures
Pricing/Payments
Price competitiveness relative to what you actually receive. Per-mg pricing, testing-included vs tier upgrade, payment friction, hidden fees.
- 9–10: Below-market per-mg pricing with full testing included at base price
- 7–8: Market-competitive pricing with reasonable value delivered
- 5–6: Average pricing
- 3–4: Premium pricing without commensurate quality delivery
- 1–2: Uncompetitive, costs don’t match what’s delivered
Operations
Ordering, fulfillment, and support experience. Shipping speed, payment options, customer service, refund policies, packaging.
- 9–10: Same-day US shipping, multiple payment options, responsive support, clear MBG
- 7–8: Fast US shipping, multiple payment methods, reasonable policies
- 5–6: Standard shipping, limited payment options, or limited support
- 3–4: Slow shipping, crypto-only, or 21+ day international transit
- 1–2: No support infrastructure, no guarantees, high customs risk
Known limitations
- Public evidence is uneven, so newer or smaller vendors may score lower where there is simply less to verify.
- Independent testing services can have conflicts, incomplete sampling, or changing methods; no single source is treated as conclusive.
- Prices, payment methods, stock, policies, and testing programs change. Reviews are dated and should be rechecked against the current batch and vendor documentation.
- A score is not proof that a product is safe, lawful, authentic, sterile, or suitable for any use.