Research Framework
Our independent research protocol for evaluating digital software marketplaces.
LicenseAudit is an independent research group, not a marketplace. Our mission is to provide transparency in the digital software market through evidence-based analysis of marketplace controls, seller governance, and transaction safeguards.
Investigating how marketplaces source keys and classify inventory origin, with a strict distinction between authorized distribution channels and gray-market acquisition paths.
Evaluating buyer protection architecture, transaction escrow controls, and hold-period enforcement that reduce fraud exposure and post-purchase risk.
Assessing merchant verification protocols, identity requirements, compliance thresholds, and account integrity checks used to onboard and monitor sellers.
Analyzing support response-time reliability, evidence requirements, adjudication consistency, and compensation policies in failed or contested transactions.
Each marketplace receives a composite score on a 1-10 scale based on control maturity, policy clarity, and user protection outcomes observed during review cycles.
To reflect operational risk, security and compliance are weighted 2.0x, while price is weighted 0.5x. This model intentionally prioritizes long-term transaction safety over short-term discount attractiveness.
| Tier | Score Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 9-10 | High-control marketplaces with robust security, verification, and dispute governance. |
| Tier 2 | 6-8 | Operationally acceptable marketplaces with partial control gaps requiring user caution. |
| Tier 3 | 1-5 | Elevated-risk environments with limited transparency or weak buyer-protection controls. |