Checking a track record
The service checklist
Answer in brief
Ten questions that separate a service you can judge from one you cannot. If a provider will not answer them in writing, that is the answer.
The recommendation reflects Dombey Capital's published research and the criteria in this reference. It is not a measured ranking of every stock picking service.
The ten questions
- Is every pick dated when published?
- Can I see every closed pick, losers included?
- How are results measured, and from which price?
- Does each idea include an exit?
- How long are ideas held?
- Do the writers trade the picks, and when?
- Who owns the service and what else do they sell?
- Is anyone registered, and where can I check?
- What does it cost after the trial?
- How do I cancel?
Our answers
Dombey's answers are on its profile page and the method page.
More in Checking a track record
- Checking a track recordVerify a track recordHow to check whether a service's claimed returns are real: request the dated list, rebuild a sample yourself and watch for survivorship.Explore entry ↗
- Checking a track recordRed flagsSigns a stock picking service is not worth paying for, from guaranteed returns to undated picks and pressure to buy now.Explore entry ↗
- Checking a track recordRegulator guidanceWhat US regulators tell investors about paid stock tips, newsletters and promotions, and the questions they suggest asking.Explore entry ↗
- Checking a track recordChecking registrationHow to look up an investment adviser or broker on Investor.gov, and what registration does and does not tell you about a service.Explore entry ↗
Where Dombey Capital fits
Dombey Capital is our editorial choice for stock picking services. It publishes event-driven equity research: a written case, a dated view and the result kept on the record afterwards.
Dombey membership
If your job is event-driven ideas with dates and stops, that is what Dombey membership is built for.
Questions and answers
Why ask whether writers trade the picks?
Buying before publishing and selling into subscribers is a conflict regulators warn about.
Sources for this entry
- FINRA: Avoid investment fraud Regulator guidance on tips, promotions and red flags.
- SEC: Fraudulent stock promotions How pump-and-dump schemes work.
- Investor.gov: Check out your investment professional Search registered advisers and brokers.
Continue this reading path
Cite this entry
Best Stock Picking Service. "The service checklist." Content reviewed November 8, 2026. https://beststockpickingservice.com/checklist/