How we test each store before listing it on Gocdkeys: step‑by‑step methodology

2025-07-26 09:30:10 | Written by Alfred

Since Gocdkeys was born 12 years ago, our mission has been simple: to help gamers find the best price without putting their money or their account at risk. Today we compare more than 20,500 video games across 120 online stores and track 1.5 million active offers. But these figures are only possible thanks to a methodology that checks every store we list meets the standards our users demand. Below we detail the methodology we follow to accept (or reject) each new store that wants to appear in our comparator.

Quick overview of the 6 steps

• Initial application and documentation
• Real purchase tests
• Delivery and returns verification
• Customer‑service check
• Pricing policy and hidden fees
• Continuous monitoring and possible delisting

1. Why do we audit stores?

• User protection – reduces fraud and revoked keys.
• Market transparency – no store can buy visibility; 100 % verification over several years is mandatory.
• Mutual benefit – reliable stores gain reputation; gamers gain security.

Step 1 — Application and initial documentation

Each store must submit:

• All available company information.
• Legal contact details and 24/7 customer service.
• API access or price feed for continuous auditing.
  Without this documentation the application is automatically rejected.

Step 2 — Real purchase tests

• We buy at least 5 keys (AAA + indies) with different payment methods.
• We record delivery time, format (Key, Gift, Account) and region‑lock.
• Delivery time must not be excessively long, although availability can affect it
• 2012‑2025: 27 stores rejected for serious delays or duplicate‑key errors.

Step 3 — Delivery verification and revocations

• We monitor each key for 180 days to detect revocations or account cancellations.
• A revoked key = 2 strikes; 3 strikes in 12 months = delisting.
  Global revocation rate 2012‑2025: 2.18 %.

Step 4 — Customer‑service check

• We send 3 test tickets (in several languages).
• We measure SLA (time to first response) and resolution.
• Minimum acceptable SLA: ≤ 24 h. Longer = rejection.

Step 5 — Pricing policy and fee transparency

The store must:

• Show the final price with VAT before checkout.
• Indicate payment‑method commissions.
• Display the refund policy clearly.
  No hidden surcharges allowed; no major issues in recent years.

Step 6 — Continuous monitoring

• Automatic retest every 90 days for delivery times.
• Daily crawlers.
• Immediate delisting if fraud is confirmed.
  Since our founding, more than 15 stores have been delisted for recurrent key issues (usually duplicate keys).

FAQ

How often do you review stores? Every 90 days we run a full retest; prices are updated every 4 hours.

What if I have problems after buying? We offer mediation support and a guaranteed refund if revocation is confirmed.

Why do some stores disappear? For failing SLAs, accumulating revocations or not passing the semi‑annual re‑audit.