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How the HonestCollabs reliability score works

The full methodology: the four dimensions, the 3-report minimum, anonymity protections, and the brand right of reply — explained plainly.

The HonestCollabs team··6 min read

The short answer

The HonestCollabs score averages four dimensions creators rate after a paid deal — paid on time, brief clarity, responsiveness, and would-work-again — each 1–5. A public score appears only once a brand has 3+ reports, reports are anonymous by default, and brands can publish one response per report.

What does the score measure?

Every report rates four things that predict whether a collaboration goes well. We deliberately don’t score "how big the cheque was" — reliability, not generosity, is what creators need to know before signing.

DimensionThe question
Paid on timeDid the brand pay the agreed amount on the agreed date?
Clear briefWas scope clear and stable, or did it creep?
ResponsiveDid the brand reply in reasonable time throughout?
Would work againWould the creator take another deal from this brand?

Why does a score need 3 or more reports?

A single report can’t be a fair public verdict, and it could be traced back to one identifiable creator. Requiring three reports protects anonymity and turns anecdote into signal. Below the threshold, we show the reports exist but withhold the aggregate number.

How is anonymity protected?

  • Reports are anonymous by default — we publish a creator type (e.g. "UGC creator"), never an identity.
  • Aggregate-only display below the report threshold.
  • We never show deal values tied to a single report in a way that could identify the creator.

What can a brand do?

Brands can claim their profile and publish one response per report. Right of reply keeps the registry fair: a brand that owns a mistake and fixes it can say so, on the record.

Frequently asked

How many reviews does a brand need before it gets a score?
Three. A public reliability score only appears once a brand has 3 or more creator reports, which protects creator anonymity and turns single anecdotes into a reliable aggregate.
Are creator reports anonymous?
Yes, by default. HonestCollabs publishes a creator type such as "UGC creator" but never the creator’s identity, and only shows aggregate scores once the 3-report threshold is met.

Worked with a brand recently?

Add an anonymous report and help the next creator vet before they sign.

Submit a report

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