Are expert ratings made visible to buyers?

Typically not, to protect expert dignity and avoid mid-call rapport issues. Senior researchers see ratings during matching; buyers see them only in aggregate or in special circumstances.

How long does it take a new expert to accumulate reliable rating?

Typically 8-10 calls for a baseline; 20+ for robust segmentation by topic. New experts are matched conservatively until baseline is established.

Can experts dispute low ratings?

Reputable networks have a dispute process. Disputed ratings are reviewed by senior researchers and either upheld, adjusted or excluded from the running average.

Expert Rating

An expert rating is the performance score a network maintains for each expert, based on buyer feedback after each call. Used to inform brief-vs-expert matching, identify quality issues and decide on expert pool retention.

Term: Expert Rating
Section: Glossary
Last refreshed: Q1 2026

01/In Depth3–5 paragraphs

Ratings typically combine three dimensions: knowledge depth on the topic, communication clarity, and value delivered relative to expectations. Ratings are surfaced to senior researchers during matching but typically not surfaced to buyers (to preserve expert dignity).

Networks differ in how aggressively they prune low-rated experts. Stricter networks remove experts whose rolling-average rating falls below a defined threshold (e.g. 7/10). Looser networks may keep low-rated experts in the pool but de-prioritise them in matching.

Ratings are imperfect signals. New experts haven't accumulated enough calls for reliable scoring; topic-mismatched experts may score low through no fault of their own; some buyers rate aggressively while others rate generously. Reputable networks normalise for these factors in interpretation.

From an expert's perspective, ratings drive future brief flow. Higher-rated experts in scarce categories receive more brief invitations and can negotiate higher rates over time. The compounding effect creates strong incentives to deliver well.

02/Examples4 concrete cases

+An expert whose 12-month rolling rating dropped below threshold being removed from active matching
+A senior researcher prioritising a 9.2-rated expert over a 7.8-rated expert for a critical brief
+An expert whose ratings normalised lower being identified as topic-mismatched rather than knowledge-deficient
+A network's quarterly audit identifying systematic rating bias from a specific buyer

03/Frequently Asked3 questions

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04/See AlsoWhere this applies

04.1

EXPERT CONSULTATIONS

One-hour calls with vetted operators, executives and specialists across 50,000+ professionals. Scheduled in 3 to 5 business days. From €500.

04.2

COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE

Always-on CI programmes backed by expert interviews, channel checks and structured tracking.

05/Related Terms3 suggestions

EXPERT VETTING

Expert vetting is the verification process applied to every prospective expert before they are added to a network's a…

EXPERT NETWORK

An expert network is a marketplace that connects buyers (investment funds, corporates, consulting firms) with vetted …

EXPERT RECRUITMENT

Expert recruitment is the active sourcing process by which expert networks identify, qualify and onboard new experts.…

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