Consumer NZ

Background

Consumer NZ is a non-profit organisation dedicated to getting New Zealanders a fairer deal. They do this through recommendations based on products and services testing, laws and regulations change campaigns, and other means. Consumer runs Powerswitch which is a free electricity and gas power price comparison website. People can use Powerswitch to compare their current provider’s pricing with other retailers in the market and switch if desired.

The Challenge

Both the Consumer and Powerswitch websites rely on accurate address information to carry out their business. Consumer relies on having the correct address information for their members so that their direct mail-outs and magazines can be delivered. For Powerswitch, electricity and gas prices are set regionally and can vary from house to house. It is essential that they have dependable address data to enable them to provide accurate comparisons.

Consumer had previously used Google Places API for address verification but found that the addresses could be inaccurate. They needed a more reliable solution - enter Addressfinder.

The Solution

Before

• Google Places API

• No access to sub addresses (e.g. units)

• Inaccurate addresses

• Difficulty obtaining accurate price comparisons

After

• Access to an extensive verified address dataset

• Accurate and reliable address information

• More precise price comparisons

• Improved user experience

The Result

The Consumer and Powerswitch websites are both using Addressfinder’s address verification service. They were motivated to move from Google Places API as Addressfinder offers competitive pricing for a more accurate and “New Zealand centric” solution.

With Addressfinder’s comprehensive address data, Consumer’s delivery of direct mail-outs and magazines has been smooth. For Powerswitch, using Addressfinder means that electricity and gas price comparisons are far more accurate, ensuring that users are shown the cheapest deals which best suit them.