On November 4, 2026, consumer advocacy group CHOICE announced the winners of its 21st annual Shonky Awards, naming six products and services deemed the worst of the year. The awards highlight exploitative pricing, expired pandemic credits, and digital licensing terms during a persistent cost-of-living squeeze across Australia.
Consumer advocacy group CHOICE reported the return of its annual Shonky Awards, placing six companies on its dishonour roll for business practices that squeeze household budgets. Among the targets are major ticket sellers utilizing variable pricing models, an airline absorbing millions in expired pandemic travel credits, and snack food manufacturers levying heavy price premiums on protein-marketed items. As inflation and cost-of-living pressures persist, the watchdog aims to expose commercial mechanisms that disadvantage everyday consumers.
Ticketmaster and Ticketek have been accused of using ‘sneaky tactics’ to fleece Australian consumers in Choice’s annual Shonky awards which also take Virgin and Sony to task. READ HERE: https://t.co/bmdQASbnxj pic.twitter.com/Y8uzG2av7d
The Bottom Line
- Corporate Revenue Extraction: Virgin Australia booked $75 million in expired COVID-19 flight credits directly into its 2026 net profits after strict travel deadlines lapsed.
- Severe Price Premiums: Quest Protein Chips command retail prices more than 886% higher per 100g compared to standard alternative snack products.
- Digital Ownership Erosion: Sony confirmed that digital game and movie purchases convey revocable access licences rather than permanent personal property.
Ticketing Agencies Face Criticism over Variable Pricing
CHOICE awarded Ticketek and Ticketmaster a Shonky for deploying manipulative pricing structures and in-demand ticketing options that drive up event costs. As reported by The Guardian, concertgoers facing high-demand ticket sales encountered variable pricing models. Similarly, NRL supporters buying tickets through Ticketmaster found seats labelled “In Demand” priced $50 higher than regular seats situated just one row away.
Airlines also drew direct criticism over unredeemed pandemic funds. Virgin Australia retained $75 million in unused customer credits originally issued for flights cancelled between April 21, 2020, and July 31, 2022. While the airline initially mandated that customers book travel by June 30, 2026, public pressure forced an extension for completed travel through May 27, 2027. CHOICE senior policy and campaigns adviser Bea Sherwood argued that expired credits should automatically convert to refunds rather than bolstering corporate revenue.
Sony Removes Digital Movies and Shifts to Downloads
Technology and appliance manufacturers joined the dishonour roll over consumer transparency issues. CHOICE targeted Sony for its digital distribution model, noting that consumers purchasing digital movies and games acquire temporary access licences rather than owned property. This vulnerability surfaced when Sony dropped its licensing agreement with distributor Studio Canal, removing 500 movies from European and UK customer libraries without refunds. Furthermore, Sony announced that starting in January 2028, all new PlayStation games will be digital-only.
In the household appliance sector, the Hisense 8i Washer Dryer Combo earned a Shonky for its energy rating claims. According to Nine.com.au, the machine achieves its advertised 8-star energy efficiency rating solely on an “Eco” drying setting that requires 13.5 hours to dry a full load. Laundry experts noted that consumers utilizing realistic, faster cycles will experience energy consumption levels that deviate significantly from official labels.
Quest Protein Chips Cost Significantly More than Standard Snacks
Food manufacturing and insurance products round out the 2026 selection. CHOICE targeted Quest Protein Chips, noting that a single 32g packet costs $6.50, translating to more than $20 per 100g. CHOICE journalist Marg Rafferty pointed out that this pricing outpaces specialty seafood and Wagyu beef. By comparison, standard Nacho Cheese Doritos retailed at $3.50 for a 170g bag, making the protein variant 886% more expensive by unit weight.
In the insurance sector, Petcover received a Shonky for its Economy policy terms. Daniel Graham, pet insurance expert for CHOICE, highlighted that the insurer issues a new policy instead of a standard renewal at the 12-month mark. This mechanism classifies prior conditions as pre-existing, applying broad definitions that exclude coverage for unrelated illnesses sharing similar clinical signs, such as vomiting.
| Shonky Award Winner | Offending Product or Service | Core Consumer Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Ticketek & Ticketmaster | Live Event Ticketing | Dynamic and “In Demand” pricing driving up ticket costs |
| Virgin Australia | COVID-19 Flight Credits | Retaining $75 million in expired customer travel credits as profit |
| Sony | PlayStation Digital Storefront | Selling revocable access licences rather than permanent media ownership |
| Hisense | 8i Washer Dryer Combo | 8-star energy rating dependent on a 13.5-hour drying cycle |
| Quest Protein Chips | Packaged Snack Foods | Protein-marketing price premium exceeding 886% over standard chips |
| Petcover | Economy Pet Insurance | Broad pre-existing condition exclusions upon annual policy resets |
CHOICE CEO Ashley Perry noted that public feedback drives the annual selection of these consumer grievances, with targeted companies maintaining that their offerings comply with existing regulatory standards.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
The annual Shonky Awards have been announced by consumer group Choice, calling out companies for poor customer practices. Virgin Australia received an award for allowing $75 million in unused COVID-era flight credits to expire. pic.twitter.com/Io43ogq0My
