# How Verdict SG Scores Businesses — Our Mystery-Shopping Methodology

> Live, in-progress. Last updated 18 August 2026.

Every Verdict SG ranking is produced by mystery-shopping each firm with an identical scripted enquiry and scoring it against the same public, weighted 100-point rubric.

## The weighted rubric

| Criterion | Weight | What we assess |
|---|---|---|
| Communication & Responsiveness | 40% | Reply speed, plus reachability: SG phone number given, rep confirmed Singapore-based, in-person meeting availability |
| Transparency | 15% | Whether pricing, scope and add-on/government fees were disclosed upfront |
| Expertise | 15% | Accuracy and depth of advice, including unprompted flags of material points |
| Value | 15% | Price relative to scope and quality; a firm with no price scores 0 here |
| Service | 15% | Professionalism, clarity, whether a call/meeting was offered |

Weighted TOTAL = (Communication & Responsiveness × 2) + (Transparency + Expertise + Value + Service) × 0.75.

## Why Communication & Responsiveness is weighted 40%

A firm you cannot reach — or can only reach via an overseas number with no confirmed Singapore presence — is close to worthless regardless of price. This criterion factors in three verifiable signals: a Singapore phone number given, confirmation the rep is Singapore-based, and whether an in-person meeting is offered or available.

## Disclosure: VIVOS (prior ownership)

**Ownership note.** VIVOS was mystery-shopped and scored while Verdict SG had the same ownership as VIVOS. Ownership of Verdict SG has since changed, and the score is retained as-is.

## Disclosure: the phone-number gate (Sleek, Paul Hype Page & Co)

Both firms' enquiry forms require a working Singapore phone number before a quote can even be requested, with no email-only path — unlike the other 10 firms in this category. This is documented as a genuine methodology finding, not a score of 0 and not a silent omission.

## Status

As of 18 August 2026: 13 firms contacted, 4 fully scored, 1 (SBS Consulting) replied but gave no price, 6 still awaiting a first reply, 2 excluded for the phone-gate reason above.

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[See the current standings →](https://verdictsg-4ay.pages.dev/best-incorporation-services-singapore.html)
