Ownership and Data

Transfer, export, claim, and remove a business, and understand the verified badge.

Transfer Ownership

Hand your business to another community member, for example when selling it or changing management.

1. Go to your business Settings > Transfer Ownership
2. Select the new owner (they must be an existing member)
3. Confirm to complete the transfer

The new owner gets full admin access to all settings, content, and team management. Your past posts and reviews stay attributed to you, and you can still follow the business.

This action cannot be undone. Once you transfer, you lose admin rights and become a regular follower.

Export Your Data

Download a copy of your business information before making major changes or deleting.

1. Go to your business Settings > Delete Business
2. Click Export Data
3. A JSON file downloads to your device

The export includes your business info, contact details, services, and settings (hours, social links, action button, tab visibility). It does not include reviews from others, your follower list, activity posts, private messages, or the actual image files (only their URLs). There is no automatic import; recreating a business means re-entering the data.

Claim a Business

If a listing for your business already exists (for example, an admin imported it), you can request ownership.

1. Find the business in the directory and open its page
2. Click Claim This Business
3. Provide the verification details requested
4. Submit and wait for admin review

If approved, you become the owner with full control. If rejected, you are notified and may resubmit with more proof. Site admins handle claims from Business Claims and Moderation.

The Verified Badge

A verified badge shows that a site administrator has confirmed a business is authentic. It appears next to the business name, in directory listings, and on the profile header. Verification is granted by admins (sometimes as part of approving a claim); requirements vary by site and may include a business license, proof of address, or proof of website ownership.

Delete a Business

1. Go to your business Settings > Delete Business
2. Read the warning and complete any confirmation the site requires
3. Click Delete Business

Deleting is permanent. It removes the business page, its settings, its BuddyPress group, follower connections, and activity posts. Reviews may be retained per the site’s policy. Export your data first if you want a copy. If you do not see a delete option, you may not be the owner, or the site admin may have disabled deletion.