CHOICE Names Annual Shonky Award Winners for Deceptive Consumer Practices
Consumer advocate CHOICE highlights companies using misleading tactics against Australian households this year.
1Annual Shonky Awards Announced
Consumer advocacy group CHOICE has unveiled its 21st annual Shonky Awards, identifying products and services deemed deceptive. The awards highlight businesses accused of exploiting consumers during a difficult economic climate. This year’s list includes major corporations like Hisense, Virgin Australia, Ticketek, Ticketmaster, and Sony, all facing scrutiny for questionable practices.
2Hisense Washer-Dryer Cycle Issues
Hisense received an award for its Series 8i washer-dryer, which marketed high energy efficiency ratings based on specific Eco settings. CHOICE noted that running these cycles consecutively takes over 25 hours to complete. The company defended the product, stating some customers prioritize energy savings over speed by using overnight cycles.
3Dynamic Pricing Ticket Controversy
Ticketek and Ticketmaster were criticized for implementing dynamic pricing, which fluctuates costs based on demand. Fans reported inflated prices for events, including a John Farnham tribute concert where costs reached $1650. Ticketmaster stated that event organizers set these prices to reflect market value rather than using automated surge pricing algorithms.
4Virgin Australia Credit Expiry
Virgin Australia was named for retaining $75 million in expired COVID-19 era flight credits. CHOICE reported that customers lost funds if they failed to book by June 30, 2026, or travel by May 27, 2027. The airline countered that it communicated deadlines clearly and allowed multiple extensions to help guests redeem credits.
5Sony Digital Licensing Concerns
Sony earned a Shonky for its plan to phase out physical PlayStation games by January 2028, forcing users into digital-only purchases. CHOICE warned that consumers are merely buying a revocable license rather than owning the content. This means Sony can remove access to purchased games or movies at any time without refunds.
6Additional Consumer Grievances
The awards also targeted smaller-scale deceptive practices, including a protein chip brand with an 886 percent price markup compared to similar competitors. Additionally, Petcover was cited for selling economy policies that exclude pre-existing health conditions upon annual renewal. These selections emphasize the breadth of issues affecting everyday Australian household budgets.
7Systemic Advertising and Ratings
CHOICE chief executive Monique Perry argued that manufacturers often 'game' the system by nominating specific programs for energy ratings that do not reflect real-world usage. By choosing the most efficient cycle for testing, companies present misleading data to consumers who expect standard performance, effectively masking the true operational costs of appliances.
8Industry Defense and Rationale
Companies named in the awards have largely defended their operational models. Ticketek claimed dynamic pricing reduces scalping by unauthorized resellers, while Virgin Australia emphasized its efforts to extend travel windows. These responses highlight a fundamental tension between corporate revenue strategies and the expectations of consumers regarding transparency and fair access.
9Impact on Consumer Trust
The Shonky Awards serve as a mechanism to hold corporations accountable for practices that may technically comply with regulations but fail ethical standards. As businesses continue to adopt complex pricing and licensing models, the gap between advertised benefits and actual consumer experience remains a critical area for ongoing public scrutiny.