Claiming and ownership policy
Most listings are researched and published by the directory before the company is involved. This page explains how a company takes control of its own listing and what that does and does not change.
A listing may appear as unclaimed
An unclaimed listing means the directory compiled the information from public sources and nobody at the business has been verified as its manager yet. Unclaimed listings are labelled as such, and their content is limited to what the directory could establish.
Claiming is free
There is no charge to claim a listing, and there never is. Claiming is separate from Directory Certified membership. A claimed free listing can correct its business details, manage its contact information, and select up to 3 service cities in addition to its physical location.
Claimants must verify their relationship to the business
A claim starts with confirming control of an email address, and is approved only once the directory is satisfied that the person is the owner or an authorised manager of that specific location. Verification may involve a business email domain, published contact details, licensing or registration records, or direct contact with the business. The verification method and the reason for the decision are recorded.
Claimed status reflects real access, not a label
A listing is shown as claimed because at least one approved owner account holds access to it. It is derived from that access rather than set as a display toggle, so a pending request, an unaccepted invitation, or an enquiry never makes a listing appear claimed.
Ownership is per location
Access is granted per physical location. A company with several locations can have the same person approved on each one, but each location is verified and recorded separately.
Rejection and revocation
A claim is rejected when the relationship to the business cannot be verified, when the request conflicts with an existing approved owner, or when the information supplied is inconsistent with the business. Access already granted can be revoked and the listing returned to unclaimed — for example when a business changes hands, when a person no longer represents the company, or when verification is found to have been misrepresented. Every grant and removal is written to an ownership history.
Claiming does not create Directory Certified status
Approving a claim gives an owner control of a free directory listing. It does not certify the company, does not display the Directory Certified badge, and does not publish a Certified profile. Directory Certified is a separate paid membership with its own editorial review, and it includes up to 15 service cities per physical location.
Owners remain responsible for their information
Information an owner submits is published as company-reported and labelled that way. The owner is responsible for its accuracy, including services, service areas, credentials, licensing, insurance and availability. Inaccurate information is corrected or removed, and repeated misstatement can end access to the listing.
Disputes
If two people claim the same location, or if you believe someone has access to your listing who should not, email support@therestorationdirectory.com. Access can be suspended while a dispute is reviewed.