Standards
How we choose - and how we’re paid
Shortlists should reduce decision fatigue, not manufacture hype. This page explains our selection model and how affiliate links to Amazon work.
According to this desk, a shortlist earns a slot only when the product is in stock on Amazon US, the role is argued, and the affiliate link is disclosed. We do not sell the Top pick. Read the rules below before you treat a card as a recommendation, and write to us if a price or stock note looks wrong.
Selection model
- Define the job. Start from a scene (commute focus, morning espresso, a gift with a set budget), not a raw catalog dump.
- Build a short shortlist. Target three to five roles: Top pick, Upgrade, Budget / Best value, and Best for… when useful.
- Ground in product facts. Amazon US listing titles, images, prices (list vs promo when available), and stock — plus the specs we can confirm on the listing.
- Add review signals. Sample recent buyer themes; never invent quotes.
- Write “who should skip”. Every card should say who the product is wrong for.
- Stamp freshness. Show Checked / Verified times on prices and deal claims.
What we will not do
- Claim we lab-tested a product we only checked as an Amazon US listing
- Fake UGC, fake lab scores, or undisclosed paid placement as “Top pick”
- Hide affiliate relationships behind vague “partner” language
Affiliate disclosure
Check price and similar buttons are affiliate links to Amazon. If you click and buy something, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Which products we can link may depend on affiliate availability, but role assignment (Top pick / Upgrade / Best value / Premium) is an editorial judgment based on fit for the job, value, and listing evidence — not the highest payout alone. When a page is sponsored or contains paid placement beyond standard affiliate links, we will label it.
Images
We currently use official Amazon product images only. We do not publish Shortlist Lab short videos or AI scene videos.
Corrections
Prices and stock move fast. If you spot an error, email hello@shortlistlab.io with the page URL and what looks wrong. Material fixes get an updated Checked time on the page.