How MeritScore Rankings Actually Work
Breaking down the Ranking Engine v5.5 — without the techy fluff. And why they matter.
Why Some Businesses Rank Higher Than Others
Ever notice how two companies can look similar on the surface, but one shows up higher in MeritScore rankings?
It's not random. And it's not just about star ratings. MeritScore's system works more like a full report card than a single grade. It considers the whole story behind customer feedback, not just the number at the end.
"Two businesses can both have 4.8 stars. One has reviews like 'They fixed it fast.' The other has reviews like 'They wore shoe covers, explained everything clearly, and followed up the next day.'
Guess which one ranks higher?"
How Scores Are Calculated
Think of these like the six legs of a sturdy table. Strong in all areas = stable, reliable rankings.
| Pillar | Weight | What It Really Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | 25% | Work done right the first time, attention to detail, going above and beyond expectations. |
| Service | 20% | Professionalism, clear communication, showing respect for customers and their property. |
| Customer Experience | 15% | Emotional impact — relief, gratitude, loyalty, and willingness to recommend. |
| Technical Mastery | 15% | Problem-solving ability, certifications, handling tough or complex jobs. |
| Competitive Edge | 15% | What sets the business apart — reputation, unique offerings, or industry recognition. |
| Operations | 10% | Reliability, response times, consistency, and availability during emergencies. |
Adjustments are then applied for:
Review volume
More reviews = a more trustworthy score.
Consistency
Steady high ratings matter more than a mix of highs and lows.
Recency
New businesses get a small bump while they establish themselves.
Negative sentiment
A fairer system that doesn't let one bad review sink a small business, but does hold larger ones accountable if patterns emerge.
Why Rankings Differ Between Businesses
- •Some businesses get detailed reviews that describe specific strengths, not just "Great job."
- •High-ranking companies tend to perform consistently across many jobs.
- •Customers don't just use them — they actively recommend them and share their experiences.
What Top-Ranking Businesses Have in Common
1. High-quality work
Problems solved correctly the first time, with care and thoroughness.
2. Professional service
Punctual, respectful, and clear in communication.
3. Memorable experiences
Customers feel relieved, reassured, and well taken care of.
4. Expertise
Ability to handle jobs others can't, backed by training or certification.
5. Detailed reviews
Customers share rich stories that highlight excellence in multiple areas.
Score Ranges and What They Mean
| Score Range | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 90–99 | Exceptional. Consistently outstanding service. Customers become loyal advocates. |
| 80–89 | Excellent. Reliable, impressive, among the top 20% in the market. |
| 70–79 | Very good. Strong service with moments of excellence. |
| 60–69 | Solid. Meets expectations but doesn't always stand out. |
| 50–59 | Average. Gets the job done but lacks memorability or loyalty. |
| Below 50 | Needs improvement. Service, communication, or consistency issues are present. |
Bottom Line
MeritScore's Ranking Engine v5.5 is designed to reward authentic excellence. It looks past surface-level ratings to highlight businesses that consistently deliver great work, communicate well, and earn real trust from their customers.
The system can't be gamed with fake reviews or shortcuts. The businesses that rise to the top are the ones that show up, do the job right, and leave customers genuinely satisfied.