Visit Vistaprint.co.nz and you might get a good deal on business cards. But click on the wrong links and you'll end up losing money.
Vistaprint is an international, web-based printing service.
The New Zealand website is registered in Bermuda, Vistaprint's international headquarters.
But Vistaprint has been operating in other countries for years. And for years, dissatisfied Vistaprint customers have warned about dodgy links on the website.
A pop-up offers $10.00 off your next purchase. But if you click on it you're really agreeing to give away $14.95 every month. Many customers don't realise this until the credit card bill arrives.
Ripped off customers have posted many warnings on the internet. April, from North Carolina in the US, is typical.
"I noticed just recently two charges on my debit card of $14.95 from vprewards.com. I called the freephone number and questioned why I was charged for this. He said I signed up for their membership rewards. Thinking back, I remember clicking on a link for a $10 gift certificate if I answered a few questions. After reading the terms I saw they would charge me a membership fee. At this point I exited out of the screen and forgot about it until I noticed the charges on my account".
Similar complaints have been made from the UK. Other customers report that Vistaprint sells your contact information and card details to other businesses.
We contacted Vistaprint and asked to be put in touch with a New Zealand spokesperson. We didn't get a reply.
We say
Avoid Vistaprint. What seems to be a good deal could really get you involved in a complex, international chain of unexpected credit card charges. There's safer ways to get your business stationery - use a local printer.
Member Comments
Got a question or comment on this topic? Share your views and experiences with other Consumer members...
To add a comment you need to be a member of consumer.org.nz. Login or Join.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $25
I dont know how they found me but I'm having trouble blocking their daily emails, even to trying to putting blocks on my firewall and blocking filters on my emails.
These clowns shouldnt be allowed to operate.