If a telemarketing company "cold calls", there's a chance it got your number from the phone book. But there are a host of other sources.
Marketing companies trawl through public registers - such as the local council's list of building consents - looking for personal information to help their sales pitch. Many companies, and even some government agencies, sell personal details to telemarketers.
Anytime you enter a competition, fill out a warranty card or subscribe to a magazine, the company will probably add you to its marketing database. It may on-sell your details (Consumer NZ doesn't).
If you're a TrustPower customer and you pay your bill on time, you'll automatically become a TrustPower "Friend". One reader told us how TrustPower telemarketers cold-called and tried to convince her to switch her toll account from TelstraClear to ihug. TrustPower says customers are given the option about whether they want to receive marketing information when they first join up.
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 $28
Previous: Introduction
