How we test each store before listing it on Gocdkeys: step‑by‑step methodology

2026-03-09 07:35:12 | Geschrieben von Alfred

Since GOCDKEYS was founded more than 14 years ago, our mission has always been the same: to help gamers find the best price without putting their money or accounts at risk. Today, we compare more than 20,500 video games, work with 120 online stores, and monitor over 1.5 million active deals.

These figures would not be possible without a strict verification methodology, designed to ensure that every store listed in our price comparison platform meets the security and reliability standards our users expect. In this guide, we explain step by step how we evaluate each store before accepting (or rejecting) it, and how we continue to monitor it once it is listed.

TIP - The checks described in this guide apply to all stores listed on GOCDKEYS. For this reason, when consulting the GOCDKEYS price comparison tool, only stores that have passed this verification process are shown.

At GoCDKeys, we don’t just compare prices — we continuously monitor the stores we list to protect users. If you want to understand how we act when issues arise and what measures we take to prevent problems from affecting more buyers, you can read how GoCDKeys protects users from issues with digital game stores.

Quick overview of the methodology

Before going into detail, these are the six main pillars of our auditing process:

• Initial application and documentation
• Real purchase tests
• Delivery and revocation verification
• Customer support evaluation
• Pricing policy and fee transparency
• Continuous monitoring and possible delisting

Why do we audit stores?

Auditing stores is not an administrative formality; it is a core part of our service.First, we protect users. The CD Key market has both advantages and risks, and our goal is to minimize issues such as fraud, revoked keys, or account bans.Second, we promote market transparency. All stores are listed under the same conditions and no store can buy visibility or ranking positions. Visibility is only granted after passing a long-term verification process.Finally, there is a mutual benefit: reliable stores gain reputation and visibility, while users can buy with greater confidence.

Step 1 — Initial application and documentation

Any store applying to be listed on GOCDKEYS must provide, at minimum:

• Available business information (legal entity, country, legal details).
• Valid contact details and 24/7 customer support, allowing us to resolve user issues quickly.
• Access to an API or price feed, required for continuous auditing and monitoring.

Without this documentation, the application is automatically rejected.

Step 2 — Real purchase tests

Before accepting a store, we perform real purchases using our own funds:

• At least five purchases of different games, including AAA titles and indie games.
• Use of different payment methods.
• Recording of:
  • delivery time
  • delivery format (Key, Gift, or Account)
  • possible regional restrictions

This process is applied both to long-established products and to recent high-demand releases such as Crimson Desert, allowing us to verify that the store delivers the exact format advertised, that activation matches the stated region, and that the full purchase flow meets our reliability standards before the offer is listed on GoCDKeys.

We also assess whether delivery times are reasonable. While delays may vary depending on availability, excessive or inconsistent delays are not acceptable.Between 2012 and 2025, 27 stores were rejected due to serious delivery issues or duplicated keys.

Step 3 — Delivery and revocation verification

Once a key has been delivered, the process does not end there.Each key is monitored for 180 days to ensure there are no revocations or account cancellations, such as well-known Steam account bans. In more than 13 years of activity, we have never had a Steam account banned due to a verified store.If a key is revoked:

• the store receives a first warning
• after three incidents within a 12-month period, the store is delisted

Between 2012 and 2025, the global key revocation rate was 2.18%, which is considered low for this market.

Step 4 — Customer support evaluation

We test customer support through real scenarios:

• Submission of three test support tickets, in different languages.
• Measurement of response time (SLA) and issue resolution quality.

The minimum acceptable SLA is a first response within 24 hours. If a store fails to meet this requirement, it is considered unsuitable for our users and is rejected.

Step 5 — Pricing policy and fee transparency

All listed stores must:

• Display the final price including VAT before checkout.
• Clearly indicate any fees related to payment methods.
• Show their refund policy in a visible and accessible way.

Payment method fees or taxes cannot be avoided and are not considered hidden fees. In recent years, no significant issues have been detected in this area among verified stores.

Step 6 — Continuous monitoring and possible delisting

Verification does not end once a store is listed on GOCDKEYS:

• Automatic re-tests every 90 days for delivery times.
• Daily price monitoring via crawlers.
• Immediate delisting in case of confirmed fraud or repeated user-reported issues.

Since GOCDKEYS was founded, more than 15 stores have been delisted due to recurring problems, with duplicated keys being one of the most common issues in this market.

Key information before buying CD Keys

In addition to verifying stores, GOCDKEYS aims to ensure users fully understand the market before purchasing digital games. For this reason, we explain whether CD Keys are legal, how this market works, and the most common mistakes to avoid when buying CD Keys, so users can make informed decisions and buy safely.

• Are CD Keys legal? What you should know before buying digital games
  
• Common mistakes when buying CD Keys and how to avoid them

Frequently asked questions

How often do you review stores?

We perform a full re-test every 90 days. Prices are also monitored in real time and updated every 4 hours.

What happens if I buy from a store and have problems?

We offer mediation support and, if necessary, a guaranteed refund when a key revocation is confirmed.

Why do some stores disappear from the comparison?

Stores may be removed for failing to meet SLAs, accumulating revocations, or not passing periodic re-audits.