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Ticket sellers, Virgin flight credits and a 25-hour laundry cycle: meet Choice’s 2026 Shonky award winners

·The Guardian·Impact 1/5 · Low

Consumer advocacy group Choice has named its annual Shonky award winners, highlighting some of Australia's worst products and services. This year's winners include ticket sellers that charge exorbitant fees, such as a $1,650 surcharge on concert tickets. The group also criticized Virgin Airlines for pocketing $75 million in unused flight credits, leaving customers out of pocket. These companies are being recognized for their poor treatment of consumers, which can have significant consequences for the economy and trade.

Read the source report: The Guardian →

Why it matters

Choice's Shonky awards highlight poor products and services. This can impact consumer trust and spending habits.

Market impact

Impact score
1 / 5
Market signal
Neutral
Category
Market moves
Model confidence
45%

Markets & countries in focus

Australia

Transmission channels

Consumer warnings issued→Public awareness raised→Consumer trust impacted→Spending habits adjusted

Likely winners & losers

Winners

  • Consumer advocacy groups

Under pressure

  • Subpar product manufacturers
  • Poor service providers

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MeridStreet does not reproduce source articles. The summary and analysis above are generated by MeridStreet from public headlines and its own market model; the original reporting belongs to The Guardian. For information only — not financial advice.