Every business is checked against the same written criteria.

Every trade

1. A real local base. A shop, office, or home base in Northampton County or near its border, confirmed by more than a Google pin.
2. The business answers its own phone. No call centers or dispatch networks.
3. One name, one number. The business name and phone line must make sense across its public records.
4. No hidden middleman. The business does its own work or says plainly when it uses a subcontractor.
5. A credible public track record. A durable rating history or confirmed local recommendations—not a quick spike of new reviews.
6. Upfront pricing. Willing to give a service-call fee and price range over the phone.

Where it applies

• Home improvement trades: active PA HIC registration.
• Plumbers and electricians: municipal license where the town requires one, plus proof of insurance.
• Locksmiths: asks for ID and proof of ownership before opening a home or car.

Removal

A listing can come down when a business starts using multiple names, stops answering its own phone, or develops a pattern of credible complaints.