1. Paid placement is labelled
A supplier may pay for a directory listing, enhanced profile, category placement, content sponsorship or qualified introduction. Paid relationships are labelled Sponsored, Partner or another equally clear term where the commercial influence appears. We do not present paid promotion as independent editorial advice.
2. Approval is separate from payment
Payment alone does not create Dude Checked or Approved status. Any trust mark is based on the checks described at the time and is not a guarantee of future performance. We may pause or remove a supplier where information becomes inaccurate, complaints raise material concerns or standards are not maintained.
3. Limited categories
We may limit the number of commercial partners in a category, but exclusivity is never implied unless confirmed in a signed agreement. A partner receives only the placement, reporting or introductions stated in its agreement; traffic, enquiries, sales and revenue are not guaranteed.
4. Introductions and leads
When an operator asks to be introduced, we may share the minimum contact and brief information needed for that request. The supplier becomes responsible for its own follow-up and privacy obligations. Operators should compare total cost, contract length, termination fees, service levels, credentials, insurance, warranties and suitability before committing.
5. Reviews and conflicts
Reviews must be genuine and commercial connections or incentives must be disclosed. We take reasonable and proportionate steps to prevent and remove fake or concealed incentivised reviews. Sponsored status must not control the publication of honest reviews or complaint outcomes.
6. No agency
Unless a written agreement expressly says otherwise, The Hospitality Dude is an introducer and platform, not the supplier’s agent, reseller or contracting party. The supplier is responsible for quotations, advice, products, onboarding, regulatory duties, support and performance.