Choice Shonky Awards 2025: A reckoning for consumer missteps
Australia’s consumer watchdog, Choice, has released its annual Shonky Awards for 2025, turning the spotlight on products, services, and brands that fall short on value, transparency, or customer fairness. The awards, which are selected by researchers and consumer advocates, aim to help shoppers steer clear of dodgy deals and questionable practices. This year’s list reads like a who’s who of strong opinions, calling out established names alongside surprising newcomers.
Big names under the microscope: CommBank, Temu, and HCF
Among the notable targets this year are major players from different sectors. CommBank, one of Australia’s largest banks, faced critique over perceived opaque fee structures and offerings that blurred lines between personal banking and extra costs. While many customers rely on high-street banks for everyday needs, Choice argues that transparency, straightforward pricing, and clear disclosures should be non-negotiable. The Shonky verdict suggests that even trusted institutions must uphold clarity in their products and charges.
Temu, the online marketplace that surged in popularity through aggressive pricing and broad product ranges, drew attention for questions around product safety, warranty terms, and customer service follow-through. The Shonky panel notes that while bargain hunting is part of online shopping, customers deserve assurance about product quality and reliable support when things go wrong. Temu’s rapid growth, the consumer group asserts, should not come at the expense of consumer protections or transparent return policies.
HCF (Hospitals and Community Fund?), commonly known as a health fund that Australians turn to for coverage, faced scrutiny for plan options that may feel complex or difficult to compare. The Shonky Awards panel often highlights the tension between affordable premiums and comprehensive coverage, suggesting that clarity around what’s included — and what isn’t — can be the difference between smart budgeting and unexpected medical costs.
Other notable shonkiness: clothing and technology under fire
The 2025 list continues the tradition of addressing everyday consumer pain points. Some entries focus on questionable clothing choices—items marketed with promising performance or style that underdeliver or fail to meet safety and sustainability expectations. Consumers increasingly expect transparency about materials, manufacturing practices, and the long-term wearability of apparel, and the Shonky Awards reflect that demand.
Technology and electronics vendors also appear on the list, with common threads including difficult returns, opaque warranties, and unclear terms of service. Choice emphasizes that in an age of rapid digital uptake, consumers deserve straightforward explanations of costs, data handling, and warranty coverage.
What the Shonky Awards aim to achieve
Choice positions the Shonky Awards as a public-interest tool rather than a simple celebrity roasting session. By naming brands and detailing the specific reasons for the verdict, the advocate group hopes to encourage better practices across industries. The awards are also a reminder for shoppers to scrutinize fine print, compare equivalent options, and demand fair treatment whenever possible.
What readers can take away
For shoppers, the takeaway is practical: check pricing transparency, understand how fees appear on statements, and seek clear return and warranty policies before committing. For brands, the implication is clear — consumer trust hinges on simple, honest communication and consistent service. The Shonky Awards can influence reputations and, in some cases, prompt policy and product adjustments that benefit buyers in the long run.
Looking ahead
As Choice continues its watchdog role, the Shonky Awards will likely evolve with consumer needs and market dynamics. The 2025 edition reinforces the idea that good value isn’t solely about low prices; it’s about clarity, accountability, and dependable customer care. Shoppers are encouraged to stay informed, compare options, and use Choice’s guidance as part of their buying process.
