Editorial Policy

Our Mission

PlateDrop is committed to providing accurate, unbiased, and helpful information about home gym equipment deals and buying decisions. This editorial policy outlines our standards for content creation, fact-checking, and maintaining editorial independence.

Content Creation Process

Deal Curation

Our daily deals are sourced through an automated system that:

• Scans Multiple Retailers: We monitor prices across Amazon, Rogue Fitness, REP Fitness, Titan Fitness, and other major home gym equipment retailers
• Validates Historical Pricing: Every deal is checked against 30-90 day price history to ensure genuine discounts
• Filters by Quality: We only feature equipment from reputable brands with proven track records
• Updates Daily: Our system runs automated checks every 24 hours at 2 AM UTC to ensure current pricing

Buying Guides

Our buying guides are created through:

• Expert Research: Each guide is researched using manufacturer specifications, user reviews, and industry standards
• Real-World Testing: Where possible, we reference equipment that has been tested by fitness professionals
• Comprehensive Comparisons: We evaluate products across multiple criteria including build quality, features, price, and value
• Regular Updates: Guides are reviewed and updated quarterly or when significant product changes occur

Editorial Independence

Affiliate Relationships

PlateDrop participates in affiliate programs including Amazon Associates and partnerships with fitness equipment retailers. However:

• No Pay-for-Placement: Brands cannot pay to be featured in our deals or guides
• Honest Recommendations: Our recommendations are based solely on value, quality, and genuine discounts
• Clear Disclosure: All affiliate relationships are clearly disclosed on every page
• Editorial Control: Affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial decisions or content

Transparency Commitments

• Price Accuracy: All prices are verified at the time of posting but may change. We clearly state this in our disclaimers
• Discount Validation: We never inflate "original" prices to make discounts appear larger
• Honest Reviews: Our pros and cons lists reflect genuine product characteristics
• No Hidden Agendas: We do not accept payment for positive coverage or suppress negative information

Fact-Checking Standards

Price Verification

• All deal prices are automatically verified against retailer APIs or web scraping
• Historical price data is maintained for 90+ days to validate discount percentages
• Prices are rechecked every 24 hours and outdated deals are removed

Product Information

• Specifications are sourced directly from manufacturer websites
• Weight capacities, dimensions, and features are cross-referenced across multiple sources
• Any uncertainties or variations are noted in product descriptions

Content Accuracy

• Buying guides reference current product models and specifications
• Industry standards and safety guidelines are verified through official sources
• User feedback and reviews are considered but verified against objective criteria

Update Frequency

Daily Deals

• Updated: Every 24 hours at 2 AM UTC
• Price Checks: Continuous monitoring throughout the day
• Removal: Expired or out-of-stock deals are removed within 24 hours

Buying Guides

• Major Updates: Quarterly reviews for all guides
• Minor Updates: As needed when new products launch or specifications change
• Version Tracking: Last updated dates are displayed on all guides

Legal Pages

• Annual Review: Privacy policy, terms, and disclosures reviewed annually
• Immediate Updates: Changes to affiliate programs or data practices updated within 7 days

Sources and References

We rely on the following types of sources:

• Manufacturer Websites: Official product specifications and documentation
• Retailer Data: Current pricing, availability, and product descriptions
• Industry Standards: ASTM, ISO, and other relevant safety and quality standards
• User Reviews: Aggregated feedback from verified purchasers across multiple platforms
• Expert Testing: Third-party reviews from reputable fitness and equipment testing organizations

Corrections Policy

Error Reporting

If you notice an error in our content:

• Email: corrections@platedrop.fit
• Response Time: We review all correction requests within 48 hours
• Transparency: Significant corrections are noted in the content with update dates

Correction Process

1. Verification: We verify the reported error against our sources
2. Correction: Errors are corrected immediately upon verification
3. Notification: For significant errors, we note the correction and date
4. Prevention: We review our processes to prevent similar errors

Content Standards

Writing Quality

• Clear Language: We write in plain English accessible to all fitness levels
• Scannable Format: Content uses headings, bullets, and short paragraphs
• Actionable Information: Guides provide specific, practical advice
• No Jargon: Technical terms are explained when necessary

Accessibility

• Alt Text: All images include descriptive alt text
• Semantic HTML: Proper heading hierarchy and semantic markup
• Keyboard Navigation: All interactive elements are keyboard accessible
• Color Contrast: Text meets WCAG AA standards for readability

Privacy and Data

User Data

• No Tracking: We do not use invasive tracking or analytics
• No Data Selling: We never sell user data to third parties
• Minimal Collection: We only collect data necessary for site operation
• Clear Policies: Our privacy policy explains all data practices

Affiliate Links

• Clear Marking: Affiliate links are clearly disclosed
• No Cloaking: Links go directly to retailer sites
• User Choice: Users can always navigate directly to retailers

Contact and Feedback

We welcome feedback on our editorial practices:

• General Inquiries: hello@platedrop.fit
• Editorial Questions: editorial@platedrop.fit
• Corrections: corrections@platedrop.fit
• Response Time: 24-48 hours for all inquiries

Changes to This Policy

This editorial policy may be updated to reflect changes in our practices or industry standards. Significant changes will be noted with effective dates.

Last Updated: January 2025

PlateDrop is committed to maintaining the highest standards of editorial integrity and transparency. This policy reflects our ongoing commitment to serving our readers with accurate, helpful, and unbiased information.