Track records: why self-reported orders weigh differently
Track record numbers are only worth anything if they can be trusted. Here's how Biome distinguishes proven orders from merely claimed ones.
Orders count fully only when linked to payment or shipment proof. Self-reported orders still appear, but are labeled and weighed lower, because a claim without evidence can be made by anyone. Verification and track records are also displayed separately: one proves the business exists, the other proves how it behaves.
Every reputation system faces the same threat: people who want to win without playing. If order counts determine trust, the easiest way to raise the count is to fabricate orders — say, two accounts ordering from each other. A system that doesn't anticipate this loses meaning quickly.
The weighting rules applied
| Order type | Weight | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Linked to payment proof | Full | Money that moved is hard to fake at scale over time |
| Linked to shipment proof | Full | Goods that actually moved are proof of a real transaction |
| Self-reported, no evidence | Low, labeled | Claims can be made by anyone at no cost |
Why unevidenced orders still appear
Because removing them would harm honesty. A brand-new supplier genuinely has no evidence yet — counting them as zero would make the system harsh on newcomers. Orders without evidence remain visible, but with a clear label, so the reader of a track record knows what is proven and what is not.
Verification and track record aren't mixed
Two different numbers are often blended into one score, and that's where dishonesty begins. Verification proves the business exists — identity checked, location seen, documents reviewed. The track record proves behavior — orders completed, payments on time, disputes handled. A business can be verified yet behave badly; the two must be visible separately so neither masks the other.
What happens when faking is found
Order patterns between cooperating accounts leave traces: timing, values, and unnatural patterns. Once detected, a faking label is applied and status can be revoked. A reputation that can be bought is not a reputation — that's why these rules exist from day one.
Frequently asked questions
Are new suppliers always shown without a track record?
Yes, and that is honest. Track records are built from recorded orders. That's why verification matters as the first signal before a track record forms.
Can I remove a bad order from my track record?
No. Recorded orders and disputes stay visible. What you can do is resolve disputes well, and that resolution is also recorded.