Terms of Service
Last updated July 2026
Acceptance of terms
By using PublishShark's products, including the Shark Score rankings ("Rankings"), you agree to these terms. If you don't agree, please don't use the service.
What Rankings is
Rankings is an independent scoring and ranking service for local businesses, computed from public data — state licensing records, Google Business Profile data, and public websites — under a published, versioned methodology. Shark Scores measure digital business performance (discoverability, reputation signals, and verified credentials). They are not a judgment of workmanship quality, and they are not endorsements.
Accuracy and no warranty
We take reasonable care to compile accurate data, but public records can be incomplete or outdated. Rankings and business records are provided "as is," without warranty of accuracy or completeness. Any business or member of the public may dispute a specific data point via the "Report incorrect data" link on a business's page.
Scores are never for sale
No business, free or paid, can pay to change its Shark Score, band, or rank. Paid plans (where offered) provide analysis, tools, and additional detail — never a different number.
Claiming a business
Business owners may claim their page for free by verifying ownership (by phone or license match). Claiming does not change a business's score; it unlocks additional detail and the ability to correct underlying data.
Intellectual property
The Shark Score methodology, site design, and compiled rankings are owned by PublishShark. Underlying public-record facts (license numbers, ratings, review counts) are not owned by us and remain public information.
Limitation of liability
To the extent permitted by law, PublishShark is not liable for decisions made based on Rankings content, including business or consumer decisions.
Changes to these terms
We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina.
Contact
Questions about these terms: info@publishshark.com.