Live in Wayfarer 3.1 is a new set of acceptance criteria! Please browse the information in this category with caution as it is in reference to the previous review guidelines. To learn more about the new criteria, see here: https://niantic.helpshift.com/a/wayfarer/
Can you provide examples of business that were accepted?
Euthanasio2-PGO
Posts: 272 ✭✭✭
i am considering trying a business where I live, but I am very hesitant for now. I would just like to see what kind of businesses were accepted in wayfarer. Like if Niantic or other users could give screenshot of those that were accepted it would be pretty great.
Answers
Hi @Euthanasio2-PGO
You ask for examples, but it should be noted that a lot of accepted Wayspots were from a time when the guidelines were totally different, I'm talking years ago. Examples provided would not guarantee acceptance of nominations today.
It might be better to let us see what you're about to nominate (coordinates?), you might get a preview of what's to come :)
Bot gonna lie, businesses are the hardest thing to get accepted, even if they are features in guides or local handbooks, even if they are unique or interesting, people will reject off hand due to niantics poor explanation of what's acceptable and because theres a rejection option for it
There are many examples on the “Eligible Wayspots” page.
Anyway, according to Niantic Wayfarer Clarifications: January 2020, eligible businesses should meet at least one of the following criteria:
In my opinion, the third criterion is ambiguous and really difficult to provide the evidence. Therefore, a better way is to provide supporting information that proves the business is in travel guides, historical or with cultural significance. Authorized information (e.g., news, government websites) would be wonderful, and it is easier to convince the reviewers.
As @Jeroenix-ING said, it would be better to provide what you’re going to submit. And don’t forget if there is any supporting information.
And not to mention, that of the three examples posted above by @phi2458-PGO the one with the giant guitar? THAT could be its own independent wayspot, given enough distance from other already-active locations.
What's Funny is you can bet that middle one and top one would be rejected as generic
A nomination is not just a photo. It also contains a description and additional information. Honestly, if there is only a photo, I don't think the three examples stand a chance.
Most People only review based on picture for businesses. Even then, im still 100% sure the middle one would never pass no matter the description
I only have luck getting breweries approved, I can't ever seem to get other business types through.
I've still had to submit these a couple times before tehy went through, but a good supporting statement helps. For example:
"Falls under "tourist attraction" and "hyper local spot" in a small town - there is not another brewery for 50 miles. It is also featured in the printed Fodor's travel guide for Arizona. Note that street view is from 2016 before this was constructed."Dang. I've tried a brewery thrice, thrice generic business'd
Sun Studio should need no introduction.
I live in Tennessee and I had to Google Sun Studio to find out what it is. 🤪
(yeah, I'm uncultured... but I do live in East TN so that's a given)
I suppose it was a long time ago by now...
I also saw a brewery accepted i managed to get an acceptation for a local miller aswell but there was a sign/plaque hanging that i used for the picture
Something local with history and not very often companies you could say
I have never successfully had a business approved.
I do believe non-chain cafes/restaurants/bars and even some gift stores could make for great POIs, but they always get rejected. I do give 4/5 stars to them if they have good information supporting them, but I doubt they ever pass and will probably count against my review score, but you have to go with what you believe.
Until Niantic are very clear about this point, ie "All restaurants and cafes are generic businesses, aside from that 1% with extreme historical/hotspot credentials", or "All Chain restaurants and cafes are generic businesses, however independent restaurants and cafes that have been there for more than 5 years are passable", or "Anywhere you can get food and sit down is ok."
We just need clarity if we are to stop good subs being 1*ed Generic Businesses all the time.
The trouble is that Niantic has gone so far as to clarify, and even posted some example pictures of acceptable venues that... I doubt reviewers would approve. It's one category where the community tends to rate much more particularly than Niantic intends us to.
I have had a fair amount of success in this effort. Some are better than others, but they all made it through (though I have had several others that didn't make the cut).
@JSteve0-ING Nice job on those! Sadly, I wonder if you'd have more trouble with the earlier ones now, given the much more restricted size of descriptions now allowed.