# Start Here Product Shelf Decision Map

Status: local/draft-only review sheet. This file does not authorize launch and does not connect forms, capture, checkout, analytics, deployment, outreach, account creation, terms, payment, tax/KYC/legal/identity, support inboxes, customer data, or public proof systems.

## What this sheet does

Use this as the one-page comparison before choosing a Start Here launch path.

| Path | Use when | Local review asset | Still blocked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual validation | Feedback is thin, polite, or untested. | `manual-validation-path-a-packet.md`, `manual-validation-message-review.md`, `manual-validation-feedback-log.md` | Automated sends, posting, outreach systems, contact scraping, deployment. |
| Free lead magnet | Right-fit readers ask for the worksheet, examples, PDF, or walkthrough. | `lead-magnet-readiness-draft.md` | Email provider, account setup, terms, capture, privacy, analytics, deployment, public download gate. |
| Paid product | Right-fit readers ask price, buying, implementation help, or paid support. | `paid-product-readiness-draft.md` | Checkout, listing, payment, KYC/tax/legal/identity fields, refund/support terms, analytics, public sales page. |

## Decision rule

1. If there is no real Tim-supplied feedback yet, use **Manual validation** or improve the local pack.
2. If people ask for the file but not price, review **Free lead-magnet readiness**.
3. If people ask to buy or get help using it, review **Paid-product readiness**.
4. If people are confused, return to Day 01 clarity, proof safety, FAQ, or sample artifacts before any launch system.

## Safety lock

Hermes may prepare local copy, compare options, regenerate the ZIP, and run QA. Tim must approve any public, paid, customer-facing, account-related, privacy-related, payment/tax/KYC/legal/identity, support, analytics, outreach, deployment, or proof-claim move.

No fake customers, testimonials, revenue, screenshots, logos, validation, case studies, guarantees, or unsupported public proof claims.