Verification Fees
What the IBBF verification fee covers, and what it does not.
One Verification Process
IBBF has a single verification process. There are no tiers, plans or packages, and no higher-priced option.
May Include:
- Document review
- Ownership and identity verification
- Profile authenticity checks
- Clarification requests where needed
- Physical verification in certain cases, where IBBF considers it necessary
What the Fee Covers
The verification fee covers the cost of carrying out the verification - reviewing documents, making checks, and processing the request. It is a service fee, not a membership. IBBF has no members.
- Listing on IBBF is free and always will be
- A business can be listed, respond to complaints and appear in search without paying anything
- The fee applies only to businesses that choose verification
- Verification is voluntary
Important Clarification
Verification fees are charged for the review, assessment, and processing of verification requests.
Payment of verification fees does not guarantee:
- Verification approval
- Trust level assignment
- Badge issuance
- Endorsement or recommendation by IBBF
Verification outcomes depend on submitted information, review findings, participation, responsiveness, and compliance with platform standards. Trust levels cannot be purchased. The BASIC shield is issued to every business that passes verification. The HIGH shield is earned through conduct - how a business handles complaints and engages with consumers - and is never available for payment.
If Verification Is Not Approved
Before rejecting a request for missing or unclear documents, IBBF asks the business for them and allows time to respond.
If verification is not approved after that, the fee is not refunded — the review was carried out and its cost was incurred. A business may apply again at any time; a new application requires the fee again.