About Us

FAQs for businesses

What types of endorsement licences are available?

A general licence is available for print, online, TV, radio, point-of-sale, packaging and other advertising and promotion executions approved by Consumer NZ.

How much does an endorsement licence cost?

There is a flat fee of $5,000 per product.

What is the duration of an endorsement licence?

Endorsement licences for non-financial products or services are granted for a six-month term. Any endorsement licences for financial products or services will be granted for a three-month term. Licensees can apply for a renewal at the expiry of their licence term. Renewals will be granted at the discretion of Consumer NZ.

Is there flexibility over cost?

No, the licence fee is a fixed cost and is payable in full 5 days prior to the commencement of the licence agreement period.

Is there discount available if we buy more than one Consumer Recommends licence at the same - or different - times?

No discount is available.

Can we pay for the whole 12 months for a product or service licence now?

No. The initial six-month term is fixed to ensure that only products with current Consumer Recommends status can carry the endorsement brandmark in advertising and promotion, and that the product remains unchanged from the date of testing.

We will write to you towards the end of your initial term to make you aware of the opportunity to renew.

Why does my licence only last for a limited time?

As products and services are constantly improving, we need to be sure that we are reviewing the very latest products and services as and when they hit the market. We also need to ensure that the information we provide consumers is accurate, timely and current.

Why are the financial services Consumer Recommends licences valid for less time but still cost the same as non-financial services licences?

The Consumer Recommends licence for financial products or services is only three months in duration to ensure the exact product or services awarded Consumer Recommends status are widely available throughout the licence period. In addition this seeks to negate any service changes outside of the control of the applicant (eg an interest rate change).

How do I apply for an endorsement licence?

Once Consumer Recommends status has been awarded to your product, Consumer NZ will send you an endorsement information pack. Should you be notified prior to publication the pack will include a Confidentiality Agreement.

Are there any restrictions around being granted an endorsement licence?

Endorsement licences will only be granted when the Consumer Recommends status is current. A Licence Agreement needs to be signed within a reasonable time from the date in which your Consumer Recommends status was last published in Consumer magazine or online.

Eligibility for an endorsement licence is at the discretion of Consumer NZ.

What is the endorsement licence process?

• You receive an endorsement information pack notifying you that Consumer Recommends status has been awarded to your product.
• You notify Consumer NZ if you wish to purchase an endorsement licence.
• The date of commencement for the licence period is agreed.
• The contract is drawn up and sent out with your brandmark files.
• Your promotional material is approved by Consumer NZ.
• Your endorsement fee is paid 5 days prior to the commencement of the licence period.
• Licence period commences.
• Prior to the end of the licence period you will be notified of the option for renewal.

How long does the endorsement process take?

The process to signed contract should take no longer than seven working days from the date we agree on the date of commencement of the endorsement licence period.

The time-lag between being awarded Consumer Recommends status and being in the market with the Consumer Recommends brandmark is really dependent on how long the production of your marketing and advertising material takes and therefore the date of commencement for the licence period.

What are the benefits of the endorsement programme?

Consumer Recommends status is awarded to the very best products tested by Consumer. Products must meet specific criteria based on the results of rigorous comparative tests and analysis. The endorsement programme allows you to celebrate this and communicate it to your customers.

An endorsement licence allows you to use the Consumer Recommends brandmark in a variety of ways - print, online, TV, radio, point of sale, packaging and other advertising and promotion executions approved by Consumer NZ. You can also use limited excerpts from the Consumer report that relates to your specific product model, as approved by Consumer NZ.

Our research* shows that 73 percent of consumers look for information to help with their decision-making in-store. And, at least 83 percent of members or non-members would 'probably' or 'definitely' be more likely to purchase a product that has the Consumer Recommends brandmark on it.

Do I need to check with Consumer NZ before I use the Consumer Recommends brandmark in my advertising and marketing material?

Yes, all use of the brandmark must be approved by Consumer NZ prior to use.

Can we use text or quote an article alongside the Consumer Recommends icon?

The licensee will be able to use limited excerpts from the Consumer report that relates to their specific product model in their advertising and promotion of that product. All such excerpts must be approved by Consumer NZ before publication.

Can we use the brandmark in a press release?

This would depend on the content of the press release - if it was about the product specific to the licence agreement only, this might be acceptable. To be sure, all usage of the endorsement brandmark must be approved by Consumer NZ prior to use.

Can I use my Consumer Recommends brandmark on my company stationery?

The Consumer Recommends brandmark refers to a specific product or service, rather than a brand or company. All usage of the endorsement brandmark must be approved by Consumer NZ prior to use.

Is there a limit to the number of times I can use the Consumer Recommends brandmark?

No, there is no limit as long as it is used in accordance with the criteria outlined within the endorsement agreement.

Can I submit my product to be tested?

We select products for testing based on market research and we buy products from stores. However, we like to keep up to date with what is happening in the marketplace so if you have a new product or service that you think we might be interested in, please email info@consumer.org.nz and your email will be forwarded to our Research and Testing team.

If you wish to discuss the Consumer NZ endorsement programme further please contact:

Demetra De Gregorio
Personal Assistant to Suzanne Chetwin / Secretary to the Board
Phone: 04 801 0404

Email: demetra@consumer.org.nz

*Synovate 2008, Online survey: 250 general public (aged 25 years plus), 100 pay-per-report purchasers, 100 consumer.org.nz members, 100 premium members, 100 Consumer magazine members.