Editorial Standards
Our Commitment
The Last Buy exists to give consumers trustworthy durability information. That mission only works if our content is accurate, our scoring is independent, and our process is transparent. These standards govern everything we publish.
Independence
Our editorial and scoring processes are completely independent of our revenue model.
- No brand, manufacturer, or retailer can pay for a higher score
- We do not accept sponsored content or paid product placements
- Affiliate commissions do not influence which products we review or how we score them
- We do not accept free products in exchange for reviews or scores
If a conflict of interest ever arises, we disclose it explicitly on the relevant page.
Accuracy
We take accuracy seriously and correct mistakes promptly.
- All Durability Index scores are generated through our documented methodology using verifiable data sources
- Product specifications are sourced from manufacturer data and verified against multiple sources where possible
- Community sentiment data is aggregated from public sources and processed through our scoring algorithms
- When we make an error, we correct it and note the correction
Data Sources
We are transparent about where our data comes from:
- Product specifications: Manufacturer websites, retailer listings, and product documentation
- Warranty information: Direct from manufacturer warranty terms and conditions
- Community data: Reddit (r/BuyItForLife and category-specific communities), enthusiast forums, and long-term owner reviews
- Brand reputation: Historical reliability data, customer service reputation, and industry reporting
- Repairability: iFixit scores (where available), parts availability research, and repair community feedback
We do not fabricate data or present estimates as facts. When data is limited or uncertain, we note it in our scoring.
Content Guidelines
All content on The Last Buy follows these principles:
- Plain language. We write for real people making real purchasing decisions, not for SEO algorithms.
- No sensationalism. We do not exaggerate durability claims -- positive or negative.
- Cite our sources. When we make a claim, we back it up with data or clearly label it as our analysis.
- Update regularly. Products change, warranties change, and community sentiment evolves. We update our scores and content to reflect current information.
- Respect the reader. We assume you are smart and capable of making your own decisions. We provide the data and analysis; you make the call.
Corrections Policy
If you find an error in our content or believe a score is incorrect:
- Email us at hello@thelastbuy.com with specifics
- We will investigate within 5 business days
- If we confirm an error, we will correct it and add a correction note
- Material scoring changes will be noted with the date and reason for the change
Questions
We welcome scrutiny. If you have questions about our editorial process, data sources, or scoring methodology, contact us at hello@thelastbuy.com.
Transparency is not a marketing claim for us. It is how we operate.