Affiliate Disclosure

Last updated: 4 October 2025

1. Our Commitment to Transparency

At BusinessZoom.co.nz, we believe in complete transparency about how we operate and earn revenue. This disclosure explains our commercial relationships, how we make money, and how these relationships may affect the information we provide.

2. How We Make Money

BusinessZoom.co.nz is a free comparison service for New Zealand businesses. We generate revenue through:

2.1 Affiliate Commissions

• Referral fees: When you click on links to service providers and sign up or make a purchase, we may earn a commission
• Percentage-based commissions: Some providers pay us a percentage of your first year's spend or subscription fee
• Fixed referral fees: Other providers pay us a fixed fee for successful referrals

2.2 Lead Generation

• Quote request fees: Service providers may pay us when we send them qualified quote requests
• Cost-per-lead: We charge providers for each lead that meets their criteria
• Lead quality bonuses: Some providers pay additional fees for leads that convert to customers

2.3 Advertising and Sponsorships

• Sponsored content: Providers may pay to create educational content (always clearly marked as "Sponsored")
• Featured listings: Providers may pay for enhanced visibility in our comparison tables and search results
• Banner advertisements: Display advertising from relevant business service providers

3. Editorial Independence

3.1 How We Maintain Objectivity

Our recommendations are based on merit, not payment. Commercial relationships do not determine our rankings, ratings, or recommendations. Our editorial team maintains independence from our commercial operations.

3.2 Our Review Process

All provider information, reviews, and comparisons are based on:

• Independent research and analysis
• Direct testing and evaluation where possible
• Verified customer reviews and feedback
• Feature-by-feature comparisons
• Pricing analysis and value assessment
• Market research and industry trends
• Compliance with New Zealand regulations

3.3 Ranking Methodology

Our rankings and recommendations consider:

• Product features and capabilities
• Pricing and value for money
• Customer satisfaction and reviews
• Ease of use and implementation
• Customer support quality
• NZ-specific features and compliance
• Company reputation and stability

Note: While commission rates may vary between providers, this does not influence their position in our rankings or the strength of our recommendations.

4. Affiliate Links and Tracking

4.1 How Affiliate Links Work

Many links on our website are "affiliate links." When you click these links and take an action (sign up, purchase, request a quote), we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These links may contain tracking codes that allow us to receive credit for the referral.

4.2 Your Costs

Using our affiliate links does not increase your costs. The prices you pay are the same whether you come through BusinessZoom.co.nz or go directly to the provider. In some cases, we negotiate exclusive discounts that are only available through our links.

4.3 Cookie Disclosure

Affiliate links use cookies to track referrals. When you click an affiliate link, a cookie may be placed on your device to track the referral for a specified period (typically 30-90 days). This ensures we receive credit if you later return to purchase.

5. Provider Partnerships

5.1 Types of Relationships

We have various types of relationships with service providers:

• Affiliate Partners: Providers with whom we have affiliate agreements
• Advertising Partners: Providers who purchase advertising space
• Featured Partners: Providers who pay for enhanced visibility
• Non-Partner Providers: Providers we list with no commercial relationship

5.2 Featured and Sponsored Content

Content created in partnership with service providers is clearly marked as:

• "Sponsored" - Content funded by a provider
• "Partner Content" - Educational content created with partner input
• "Featured" - Enhanced provider listings or placements

We maintain editorial control over all content and ensure sponsored material meets our quality standards and provides value to our users.

6. Non-Partner Providers

We include many providers with whom we have no commercial relationship. These providers are included because:

• They offer valuable solutions for NZ businesses
• They are popular or widely used in New Zealand
• They provide competitive alternatives
• They meet our quality and relevance criteria

Our goal is to provide comprehensive comparisons, not just promote partners. We regularly add and update non-partner providers to ensure complete market coverage.

7. Compensation Disclosure

7.1 Variable Commission Rates

Commission rates vary significantly between providers and service types. Some key points:

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) typically pays 10-30% of first-year revenue
• Quote requests may pay $10-$100 per qualified lead
• Insurance and financial services may pay higher commissions
• Some providers pay one-time fees, others pay recurring commissions

Important: Higher commission rates do not result in higher rankings or stronger recommendations.

7.2 Exclusive Deals and Promotions

Sometimes we negotiate exclusive discounts or promotions for our users. These are clearly marked and represent genuine value that isn't available elsewhere. We highlight these because they benefit our users, not because of commission rates.

8. User Trust and Data Privacy

8.1 Your Information

When you request quotes, your information is shared with relevant providers. We:

• Only share with providers you've requested quotes from
• Never sell your information to unrelated third parties
• Comply with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020
• Maintain secure data handling practices

See our Privacy Policy for complete details.

8.2 No Obligation

Quote requests are completely free and carry no obligation to purchase. You are under no pressure to accept any quotes received. We encourage you to:

• Compare multiple quotes thoroughly
• Read terms and conditions carefully
• Ask questions before committing
• Negotiate for the best deal

9. Accuracy and Updates

9.1 Information Accuracy

We strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information about all providers. However:

• Prices and features change frequently
• Providers may update their offerings without notice
• Special offers may have expiration dates or limitations

Always verify current pricing, features, and terms directly with providers before making decisions.

9.2 Regular Reviews

Our editorial team regularly reviews and updates:

• Provider information and comparisons (quarterly)
• Pricing data (monthly)
• Rankings and recommendations (quarterly)
• User reviews and ratings (ongoing)

10. Compliance and Standards

10.1 Regulatory Compliance

We comply with:

• New Zealand Commerce Commission guidelines
• Fair Trading Act 1986
• Privacy Act 2020
• Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) codes

10.2 Advertising Standards

All advertising and sponsored content:

• Is clearly identified and labeled
• Meets ASA truthfulness and accuracy standards
• Avoids misleading or deceptive claims
• Provides genuine value to users

11. Questions and Concerns

We welcome questions about our commercial relationships and editorial practices. If you have concerns about:

• Specific provider recommendations
• Affiliate disclosures
• Editorial independence
• Information accuracy

Please contact us through our contact page. We're committed to transparency and will address your concerns promptly.

12. Changes to This Disclosure

We may update this disclosure to reflect changes in our business model, partnerships, or legal requirements. Material changes will be noted at the top of this page with an updated "Last updated" date.