Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Intelligence Platform
What is PeptideRecon?
PeptideRecon is an independent intelligence platform that tracks, analyzes, and rates peptide suppliers worldwide. We collect data from thousands of user experiences, laboratory testing results, regulatory filings, and business practices to provide transparent, unbiased supplier ratings. Our mission is to bring accountability and safety to the peptide marketplace by giving researchers and consumers the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.
How do you rate suppliers?
Our rating system combines multiple data sources to create comprehensive supplier profiles. We analyze laboratory testing results, Certificate of Analysis (COA) accuracy, shipping reliability, customer service responsiveness, regulatory compliance, and user-reported experiences. Each factor is weighted based on its impact on product quality and customer safety. Suppliers are scored on a 100-point scale across categories including purity verification, business transparency, delivery performance, and safety protocols. Our algorithms update ratings continuously as new data becomes available, ensuring you always see current information.
Are your ratings biased?
No. PeptideRecon maintains strict editorial independence. We do not accept payment from suppliers for ratings or placement. Our revenue comes from premium subscriptions and data licensing, not from the companies we evaluate. We have no financial relationships with peptide suppliers that could influence our assessments. All ratings are generated algorithmically from verified data sources. We publish our methodology openly and welcome scrutiny of our processes. If a supplier disputes a rating, we investigate thoroughly and update information when warranted by evidence.
Where does your data come from?
We aggregate data from multiple independent sources. Third-party laboratory testing provides objective purity and composition analysis. User submissions give us real-world feedback on shipping, customer service, and product performance. We monitor regulatory databases for compliance issues, warning letters, and enforcement actions. Business registrations, import records, and corporate filings help us verify supplier legitimacy. We also track online reviews, forum discussions, and social media mentions. Every data point is verified before inclusion in our database. Anonymous submissions are accepted but weighted differently than verified reports.
How often do you update supplier information?
Our database updates continuously. User-submitted experiences are reviewed and published within 48 hours. Laboratory testing results are added immediately upon verification. We scan regulatory databases daily for new enforcement actions or compliance issues. Supplier ratings are recalculated weekly to reflect new information. Major changes like safety alerts or regulatory warnings trigger immediate rating updates. We also conduct quarterly comprehensive reviews of all suppliers in our database to ensure profile accuracy. If you notice outdated information, you can submit corrections through our website.
Understanding Supplier Ratings
What does the overall rating score mean?
The overall rating is a composite score from 0-100 that represents supplier reliability across all measured factors. Scores of 80-100 indicate excellent performance with consistent quality and strong safety practices. Scores of 60-79 represent good suppliers with minor issues or limited track records. Scores of 40-59 suggest mediocre performance with notable quality concerns or customer complaints. Scores below 40 indicate serious problems and should be avoided. The overall score combines weighted subscores for product quality, business practices, customer experience, and regulatory compliance.
What is the quality verification score?
This score measures how well supplier products match their advertised specifications. We compare supplier-provided COAs against independent third-party testing results. High scores indicate consistent accuracy between claimed and actual purity levels. We factor in testing frequency, sample size, and methodology quality. Suppliers who submit products for regular independent testing score higher than those relying only on self-reported data. The score also considers contamination issues, incorrect peptide sequences, and degradation problems reported by users.
How do you measure business transparency?
Transparency scoring evaluates how openly suppliers operate. We assess whether companies provide verifiable business registration information, physical addresses, and contact details. High scores go to suppliers who publish detailed testing methodologies, source their raw materials responsibly, and disclose their quality control processes. We evaluate COA availability, batch tracking systems, and willingness to answer technical questions. Suppliers who hide behind privacy services, use untraceable payment methods, or refuse to provide documentation score poorly. Transparency directly correlates with trustworthiness.
What factors affect the customer experience score?
Customer experience combines shipping speed, packaging quality, communication responsiveness, and problem resolution effectiveness. We track average delivery times, shipping damage rates, and customs clearance issues. Customer service evaluation includes response times to inquiries, knowledge of staff, and willingness to address concerns. We also measure how suppliers handle complaints, process refunds, and manage quality issues. User feedback on website usability, ordering processes, and documentation clarity contributes to this score. Consistent positive experiences over time result in higher ratings.
Can suppliers improve their ratings?
Absolutely. Ratings reflect current performance and improve when suppliers enhance their practices. Investing in third-party testing, improving quality control, and increasing business transparency all boost scores. Addressing customer complaints promptly and professionally raises customer experience ratings. Achieving relevant certifications and maintaining regulatory compliance improves safety scores. However, improvements take time to reflect in ratings because we require sustained positive performance, not isolated incidents. Suppliers can request reassessment after implementing quality improvements by submitting documentation of their enhanced processes.
Peptide Quality & Safety
What's the difference between research and pharmacy peptides?
Research peptides are manufactured for laboratory and experimental use, not for human consumption. They typically have lower purity standards, minimal quality control, and no regulatory oversight. Research grade peptides may contain bacterial endotoxins, heavy metals, or synthesis byproducts that make them unsafe for injection. Pharmacy-grade peptides are produced under strict FDA regulations in licensed facilities. They undergo rigorous sterility testing, endotoxin screening, and purity verification. Pharmacy peptides require prescriptions and cost significantly more because of quality assurance requirements. Using research peptides in humans carries serious health risks.
How do I verify a Certificate of Analysis?
Start by checking the testing laboratory credentials. Legitimate COAs come from accredited third-party labs, not supplier in-house testing. The lab name, address, and contact information should be clearly listed. Verify the batch number on your product matches the COA batch number exactly. Check the testing date - COAs older than six months may not reflect current batch quality. Look for comprehensive testing including HPLC purity analysis, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, and bacterial endotoxin testing. Be suspicious of perfect 99.9% purity claims or COAs with generic formatting. You can contact the testing lab directly to confirm they performed the analysis and verify the results.
What purity level should I look for?
For research applications, 95% purity is generally acceptable for most peptides. Higher purity (98%+) is necessary for peptides used in sensitive assays or when working with very potent compounds. The remaining percentage consists of water, acetate salts, and synthesis residues. Be skeptical of suppliers claiming 99.9% purity - this is extremely difficult to achieve and maintain. More important than the purity number is verification from independent testing. A verified 96% purity peptide from a trusted supplier is safer than an unverified 99% claim. Also consider what constitutes the impurities - peptide fragments are less concerning than bacterial contamination or heavy metals.
What are the biggest quality red flags?
Several warning signs indicate poor quality control. Refusing to provide COAs or providing only generic certificates not matched to specific batches is a major red flag. Products that arrive as clear liquid instead of lyophilized powder often indicate improper storage or contamination. Unusual colors, clumping, or failure to dissolve properly suggest degradation. Wildly inconsistent effects between different batches indicate purity variations. Suppliers who cannot answer basic questions about testing methodology, storage conditions, or synthesis processes lack quality expertise. Prices significantly below market average usually mean corners are being cut somewhere. Trust your instincts - if something seems off, find another supplier.
How should peptides be stored and handled?
Lyophilized peptides should be stored at -20°C in sealed containers with desiccant to prevent moisture exposure. Most remain stable for 1-2 years when stored properly. Once reconstituted, peptides are much more fragile. Store reconstituted solutions at 4°C for short-term use (1-2 weeks) or -20°C for longer periods. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles which degrade peptide chains. Use bacteriostatic water for reconstitution if the solution will be stored more than a few days. Always use sterile technique when handling peptides to prevent contamination. Protect from direct light which can break down certain peptides. Before use, inspect for precipitation, cloudiness, or color changes indicating degradation.
How to Choose Suppliers
Which supplier is best for beginners?
New researchers should prioritize suppliers with excellent customer education resources and responsive support teams. Look for companies that provide detailed reconstitution guides, storage instructions, and handling protocols. Suppliers offering pharmaceutical-grade bacteriostatic water, sterile vials, and proper syringes make the process easier and safer. Choose vendors with comprehensive FAQ sections and accessible customer service who can answer your questions. Start with well-established suppliers that have extensive track records and multiple verified reviews. Avoid suppliers targeting the "gray market" with aggressive marketing about human use. Better to pay slightly more for quality support when you're learning proper peptide handling.
Which supplier is best for bulk purchases?
Bulk buyers should focus on suppliers with verified consistent quality across multiple batches. Request batch testing data over time to confirm quality stability. Look for volume discounts but verify pricing transparency - some suppliers inflate base prices then offer meaningless discounts. Evaluate minimum order quantities and whether you can mix different peptides to reach bulk thresholds. Check shipping capabilities for larger orders, including cold chain management and insurance options. Suppliers serving institutional research clients often have better quality control than consumer-focused vendors. Establish relationships with account managers who can provide batch certificates, custom purity levels, or special synthesis requests.
What questions should I ask suppliers before ordering?
Ask for the most recent COA for the specific peptide and batch you're ordering. Question them about their testing protocols - who performs testing, what methods they use, and how frequently they test. Inquire about their synthesis process and quality control measures. Ask about storage conditions during manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping. Request information about their return policy and how they handle quality complaints. Find out shipping methods, typical delivery times, and how they maintain cold chain during transport. Ask if they can provide references from other customers or publish independent reviews. Professional suppliers answer these questions readily and thoroughly.
Should I test peptides myself after receiving them?
Independent testing provides the highest confidence in product quality but costs $150-400 per sample. If you're making significant purchases, spending on human use, or relying on peptides for critical research, independent testing is worthwhile. Send samples to accredited laboratories offering peptide analysis services. Request HPLC for purity, mass spectrometry for identity confirmation, and LAL testing for endotoxins if using for injection. Testing multiple batches from a supplier helps establish their consistency. For smaller personal purchases, the cost may exceed the peptide value. Instead, rely on PeptideRecon ratings and verified testing from other users. Consider pooling resources with other researchers to share testing costs.
How do I know if a supplier is legitimate?
Legitimate suppliers have verifiable business registrations you can look up in corporate databases. They provide physical business addresses, not just P.O. boxes or mail drops. Professional websites with detailed product information, clear policies, and educational content indicate serious operations. Check for consistent contact information across the website, domain registration, and business listings. Look for established online presence - companies in business for several years with consistent branding. Legitimate suppliers accept standard payment methods and provide proper invoices. They're transparent about their location, ownership, and quality processes. Be wary of suppliers who frequently change names, domains, or disappear and reappear under new branding.
Regulatory & Legal
Is it legal to buy peptides online?
The legality depends on the peptide type, your location, and intended use. In the United States, buying research peptides for laboratory use is generally legal. However, purchasing peptides for human consumption without a prescription violates FDA regulations. Some peptides are controlled substances requiring DEA licensing. Individual states have varying laws about peptide possession. International purchases may violate import regulations or customs laws. Suppliers selling prescription peptides without requiring prescriptions operate illegally and put buyers at legal risk. The "research purposes only" label doesn't provide legal protection if evidence shows human use intent. Always research your local laws and understand that legal gray areas don't eliminate prosecution risk.
Do I need a prescription for peptides?
Peptides approved by the FDA as medications require prescriptions from licensed healthcare providers. This includes compounds like semaglutide, tesamorelin, and sermorelin when sold for human use. Research peptides sold explicitly for laboratory use theoretically don't require prescriptions, but using them in humans is illegal regardless. Prescription requirements also depend on your country - some nations regulate peptides more strictly than the United States. Legitimate pharmacies always require valid prescriptions for pharmaceutical peptides. Suppliers selling prescription peptides without requiring prescriptions are operating outside the law and likely selling questionable products. If you want legal access to peptides for personal use, work with a licensed physician who can prescribe appropriate compounds from registered pharmacies.
What are the risks of buying from unregulated suppliers?
Unregulated suppliers have no oversight ensuring product safety or quality. You risk receiving completely different compounds than advertised, potentially dangerous substitutions, or contaminated products. Bacterial endotoxins in injectable peptides can cause severe infections, sepsis, or death. Heavy metal contamination leads to neurological damage and organ failure. Incorrect peptides or wrong concentrations can cause serious adverse effects. You have no legal recourse if products harm you. Payment information may be stolen or misused. Products may be seized by customs, resulting in legal complications. Unregulated suppliers often disappear when problems arise, leaving you with no support. The money saved buying from questionable sources isn't worth the health and legal risks.
Can customs seize my peptide order?
Yes. Customs agencies routinely inspect international packages and seize prohibited items. Peptides may be confiscated if they're controlled substances, lack proper import permits, or appear intended for human use. Customs doesn't distinguish between research and pharmaceutical peptides - they often seize anything resembling medications. You may receive a seizure letter explaining the confiscation, but usually packages simply never arrive. In serious cases, seizures can trigger investigations. Repeated seizures flag you for increased scrutiny. Domestic purchases avoid customs risks but may still face interstate commerce restrictions. Some suppliers offer reship policies for seized packages, but this doesn't eliminate legal exposure. Declaration fraud (marking packages as cosmetics or supplements) adds federal mail fraud to potential charges.
How does PeptideRecon handle regulatory compliance?
We monitor regulatory actions and compliance issues across the peptide industry. Our database tracks FDA warning letters, import alerts, and enforcement actions against suppliers. We note when companies face legal issues or regulatory violations. However, we don't provide legal advice about purchasing or using peptides. Our role is informing users about supplier quality and reliability, not determining legality for individual situations. We encourage everyone to research their local laws and consult legal professionals when necessary. Listing a supplier in our database doesn't constitute an endorsement or legal approval. Users are responsible for ensuring their purchases and use comply with applicable laws. We prioritize transparency about regulatory risks without making legal determinations.
Getting Help
How can I submit my experience with a supplier?
Visit the supplier's profile page and click "Submit Review" or "Report Experience." Provide details about your order including purchase date, products ordered, and batch numbers if available. Describe your experience with product quality, shipping, and customer service. Upload supporting documentation like COAs, photos of products, or email correspondence. We verify submissions before publication to prevent fake reviews. Anonymous submissions are accepted but carry less weight in our rating algorithms. Detailed, specific reviews help other users more than general feedback. You can update your submission if circumstances change or if the supplier resolves issues you reported.
What if I disagree with a supplier's rating?
Our ratings reflect aggregated data, so individual experiences may vary from overall scores. If you believe a rating is inaccurate, submit your contradictory experience with supporting evidence. We investigate rating disputes and adjust scores when new verified data warrants changes. Remember that a single positive or negative experience doesn't necessarily indicate overall supplier quality. Look at the number of reviews and data points contributing to ratings. Suppliers with limited data have less reliable ratings than those with extensive histories. If you have evidence of systematic rating errors, contact our data quality team directly. We take accuracy seriously and welcome corrections supported by documentation.
Do you offer consulting for peptide purchases?
We provide information and data but don't offer personalized consulting or recommendations for specific medical or research applications. Our platform helps you make informed decisions by presenting comprehensive supplier data. For research project guidance, consult with experienced researchers in your field. For medical applications, work with licensed healthcare providers who specialize in peptide therapies. We can't advise on dosing, protocols, or treatment plans. Our expertise lies in supplier evaluation and quality assessment, not in peptide applications. Premium subscribers get access to additional data tools and analysis features, but not personal consultation. We maintain this boundary to preserve our independence and avoid conflicts of interest.