25-HOUR LAUNDRY AND $20 CHIPS: THE 2026 SHONKY AWARDS WINNERS ARE IN
Consumer group CHOICE has handed out its 2026 Shonky Awards, and this year's list of "winners" is a must-read before you do your Christmas shopping.
Now in their 21st year, the Shonky Awards shine a spotlight on the products and services CHOICE believes have let Australian shoppers down.
This year's line-up includes two ticketing giants, an airline, a washer-dryer, a bag of chips, a pet insurer and a gaming brand.
Here's a rundown of who got the gong and the lessons for the rest of us.
The Shonky Awards For Ticketek And Ticketmaster
Ticketek and Ticketmaster were jointly called out for what CHOICE describes as dynamic pricing, where ticket prices change according to demand.
In one example, an NRL seat cost $125, while a seat just one row and one bay away, labelled "In Demand", cost $175.
The ABC reports that Ticketek said variable pricing applied to fewer than 7 per cent of tickets for one concert and that fans are told about potential price changes before sales open.
Ticketmaster told the ABC it does not use surge pricing and that event organisers set the price of in-demand seats.
Changes to the Australian Consumer Law will ban dynamic pricing in some circumstances from July 2027.
Virgin Australia's Expired Flight Credits
Virgin Australia picked up its first Shonky over COVID-era flight credits.
CHOICE says the airline counted $75 million in expired credits in its 2026 net profit, from flights cancelled between April 2020 and July 2022.
Virgin told the ABC more than 93 per cent of COVID credits had been redeemed and that it regularly reminded customers about the expiry date.
CHOICE's Bea Sherwood says expiring credits "should be automatically converted to refunds".
It is a timely reminder to check your own airline accounts for any forgotten credits or vouchers before they lapse.
A Washer-Dryer That Takes All Day
Hisense was singled out over its 8i Washer Dryer Combo, which carries an impressive 8-star energy rating for drying.
The catch, according to CHOICE, is that the rating applies only to the Eco setting, which takes 13.5 hours to dry a full 8kg load.
The ABC reports that the eco wash and dry programmes together can take around 25 hours per load.
If you are shopping for a new appliance in the Boxing Day sales, it pays to check which programme an energy rating is based on.
The $20 Protein Chips And Pet Insurance Fine Print
Quest Nacho Cheese Protein Chips were named over what CHOICE calls a protein tax.
A 32g packet costs $6.50, which works out to more than $20 per 100g, or 886 per cent more than a bag of Doritos.
CHOICE found protein-labelled products cost around 50 per cent more per 100g on average, so it is worth comparing unit prices on the shelf.
Petcover's Economy policy also made the list, with CHOICE saying conditions from the previous year become excluded as pre-existing when the policy renews.
If you have a furry family member, read the product disclosure statement carefully and ask questions before you sign up.
Sony's Digital-Only Gaming Shift
Rounding out the list is Sony, over its plan to make all new PlayStation games digital-only from January 2028.
CHOICE points out that buyers receive a licence to the content rather than owning it outright.
This year, around 500 StudioCanal movies and shows were removed from some customers' libraries after a licensing deal ended.
That is something to consider if a console is on the kids' Christmas wish list.
What Shoppers Can Learn
The Shonky Awards are a handy reminder that the shiniest claim on the box does not always tell the whole story.
Before you buy, compare unit prices, read the fine print on energy ratings and insurance, and set reminders for any credits or vouchers.
You can read the full list and CHOICE's reasoning on the CHOICE website.
