SHONKY: (adjective) Australian slang meaning "unreliable, unsound, dishonest, poor or of dubious quality; shoddy"
So CHOICE has awarded the 2016 Shonky Awards. Samsung and Amex were among the recipients.
But this got me wondering - what other products or brands do OzBargainers think should get a Shonky Award or at least deserve recognition for being dodgy, overrated or misleading?
yeah, its a lot. I was commenting that it seems the same price as US so it's not just Australia.
Kogan…
I vote for k/Bogan too.
Lol, canned air. Awesome.
Someone should do a mock of this company by selling canned farts. Bottled at the source with authentic natural gas. Comes in multiple varieties, methane, horse, duck etc. I can sell them plenty of gas too.
Hardly shonky when there is a pretty solid market for it.
Fart bombs exist.
Spaceballs
i'm thrilled to see milo singled out by choice for being the junk food that it is
I don't know if they still do it but Ovaltine used to claim it provides something like 50% of your daily calcium needs with an asterisk (and then said when combined with a glass of milk…).
Can you please recommend some alternatives for Milo with a similar chocolatey taste?
I fail to see how Amex is "shonky". I love it, 3 points per dollar spent - I get roughly $2k per year in cash back straight into my acccount
The amount they charge the merchant. Where you do think the money for those points comes from?
I think its win win though - I recently bought a $15k motorcycle on my Amex. I had the cash to do this but thought why not use my card and get the points. The merchant charged me a 2% fee to cover their costs (so $300) and I still came out in front with the points and of course the 55 days interest free where I had that cash invested elsewhere.
I think it's just a product some people and some merchants can benefit from - no ones forcing anyone to use it hence why I don't feel it's shonky
And hence why I still have to carry a Mastercard
With rba clamping down and being the credit card fun police, amex is pretty much the only way to still maintain good earn rates now. especially because for some unknown reason, the RBA has decided to clamp down on companion Amexes (eg westpac CBA anz-issued amex) but not amex themselves #brownpaperbags
It's about Amex's "Surcharge Free campaign". You don't pay for the surcharges but the merchants do. Choice's argument is merchants will just increase prices to cover the surcharge costs.
I was about to critique the presence of Amex on this list, but this is a good reminder. The 'Surcharge free campaign' sounds a little disingenuous.
Ironically, AMEX is the raison d'etre for our history of credit card surcharge woes, especially on-line.
Although hoarding cash itself is considered risky and not worth the risk for "legal businesses", the government originally thought that debit card and EFTPOS-paying customers should not have to subsidise credit card payers just so they can accumulate points. Similarly, Visa/Mastercard customers didn't want to subsidise AMEX customers. So the government thought it would be smart to allow card surcharges and we ended up with unregulated surcharges up until recently.
In my opinion, even in the absence of this surcharge disparity, rich people accumulating points interest-free based on the fact that there are desperate people and idiots who can't manage their finances is somewhat unethical as well.
Your last statement is harsh. I don't call myself rich, but ever since my first card, I do actually take the time out to sit and read through the credit card contract so I know exactly what I signed up to and what happens with the money. As a result of my points, I have had some amazing holidays. I am called unethical for taking the time to do diligence? Youre out of your mind - if thats the way, no wonder society keeps sinking lower. Everyone needs to take personal responsibility for their own things within their control.
It was a hypothetical situation but I'm not in a position to judge. Most deals on OzBargain will be subsidised by someone else. That's the way the economy works.
Depending on your credit card and rewards program, most of your holiday points were paid for by yourself via the interchange rate. People that don't pay by credit card at Coles have slightly more expensive groceries than they might have and subsidise customers with reward programs.
If interchange fees are ever normalised to a universal rate (that matches cash handling for argument's sake) and rewards stay the same then my hypothetical unfair situation arises. It's too much risk for the credit card companies so it won't happen - the rewards will inevitably decline.
Coles and Woolworths for their model of selling > RRP for a token short period to allow half price sales.
The smaller Tip Top fruit loaf: 1/2 price @ $2.80? I've never use to pay anywhere near $5.60 for crappy fruit loaf.
Europa Honey Nougat logs: always grab one - it's hardly ever not either half price or 25% off.
In fact the whole confectionery aisle has about half of it on sale constantly.
Should be illegal to advertise a percentage discount—just indicate your price and shut up.
same with Coke prices, who pays $30 or more for a box of cans?
Agreed.
last week Doritos $1.60. this week save!!! 2 for $5. WTF!!!!
$1.50*
that's even worse.
I'm really surprised how this is allowed to happen. The junk food and coke examples mentioned are exactly on point.
They jack up prices overnight then have a 50% off sale… !!! Nasty grocers.
Its not just Supermarkets. Its every single business except for the a very few like apple, dyson, kitchen aid etc. whose products are sold at RRP. and discounts are genuine and hard to come by.
I can't say I've noticed Aldi do it. IGA?
You can't hold these companies up as some beacon of good pricing, all they do well is control the pricing of their product better than others, this is not to y I ur benefit
They simply don't deceive with fake 50% off sales. Aldi I feel deceives by hiding its home brand.
Priceline increases their prices before sales.
I find promo pricing ridiculous at times as well. Right now it's $2.25 for the 330g value pack of Tim Tams at Coles. And for a single 200g pack it's the "retail price" of $4.02.
My local petrol station sells Tim Tams for less than $4.02.
The ABS and 2016 Australian census deserves a nomination.
edit
amex is so bad
Samdung for sure and among insurance companies, Youi.
Used to be a fan of Samdung but it all carked it and went in the bin. Their wty service was shite too.
wty
WTF is that?
Its a Wty. Pronounced like - Wâââțțțeě
Special Korean Karate move
Warranty I assume
Youi are awful! My experience getting a comprehensive car insurance quote: Their online quote that takes all your details, and then they insist on phoning you before telling you their price, but they go through everything you just entered online AGAIN, and then their price was nearly 3 times the cheapest quote, AND it takes nearly an hour of your life - such a monumental waste of time. And then their shonky practice of subscribing people when they just wanted a quote was revealed: http://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/does-youi… … yep, Youi deserves a Shonky award for sure.
second that. same thing happenned to me.. quoted much above others
It's not just youi. Most insurance companies do not tell you even the reason why the premium is higher or lower.
Its called the lazy tax, even if you went online to the same insurance company you are currently with, the premium will be lower than the renewal notice they sent you via mail.
Yep Medibank and RACQ did this to me. Recently HCF did not though so that was good.
Agreed on Youi!
Agree, YOUI was $1700 (includes their roadside assist), other companies were $450-650.
Now I get repeat calls and emails.
Apple
Seriously? They put a lot of other companies to shame when it comes to service, warranty and repairs.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/269310
http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/accc-orders-apple-…
Apple is shit when it comes to service, warranty and repairs. I had to fight for my rights to get my iPad replaced because it was "over 1 year old".
I want proof Apple is good when it comes to these things.
Apple is shit when it comes to service, warranty and repairs. I had to fight for my rights to get my iPad replaced because it was "over 1 year old".
Heh. Sorry I hurt your feelings. I've had my two year old Macbook repaired for free. Didn't even need to 'fight for my rights'. Walked in, they tested it, and kept it back for repairs. Got it back a day later. Would've cost a more than a grand to replace the 1TB PCIe SSD.
I recently got my screen, headphones and cable replaced. The screen began showing a dark grey shade down the centre, and the accessories all crapped about 1.5 years into use. Called customer service, who booked a slot for me at the Apple Store. Phone was fixed on the spot and the broken headphones and cable were replaced all for free. The phone support staff followed up the following day. That's really good customer service. Just when I thought I should try out an android phone because the iPhone 7 was underwhelming, I think their service is what keeps customers.
Same thing ages ago when I bought an iMac. The screen had a yellowing issues on one side of the screen. They offered to replace it twice.
@iSamurai: I had a friend who they quoted $700 to replace the GPU even though this fault had been occurring with so many of the same model.
Having to make an appointment for a warranty claim, and finding it "booked out" for 2 weeks ahead… I can't actually think of any other company that does this. You can try online where they send you a mailing packet, but a lot of their products can't be serviced this way - they only seem to cater to the "big" things. For example you can't even enter a Serial Number for a USB-C Cable online, Apple literally do not recognise their own serial numbers. The other thing is, Apple gets a lot of bad wrap for high prices, but for the quality/resale value, that can be argued. But their repair costs can't really be debated: they are exceptionally exorbitant.
Couriers Please.
Has to be the WORST courier company I have ever had the misfortune to use. It totally put me off ASOS as they are their preferred company.
-50 stars
Yeah they aren't great but that $6 metro delivery fee is great (or at least it was 10 years ago or so when I used them)
Couriers becausd most of them stink!
Anyone subscribe to Choice?
On the Shonky award, Choice rated Vanish Preen Powerpowder came last in their test.
Do you know which product came 1st/2nd/3rd?
That carpet cleaner test review is free, the home recipe won! The other Vanish spray product actually worked well. Avoid the powder
https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/laundry-and-cleani…
Thanks..
Unfortunately it doesn't state what the Home recipe is.
You need to click 'Show more criteria'. The ingredient is 2 tablespoons dishwashing liquid, 3 tablespoons white vinegar, 1/4 cup water
Thank you.. it's not the most user friendly website. But I prob skimmed it too fast.
Amazing that something so simple is the best performer.
Unfortunately it doesn't state what the Home recipe is.
You need to click 'Show more criteria'. The ingredient is 2 tablespoons dishwashing liquid, 3 tablespoons white vinegar, 1/4 cup water
(credit to Duoka).
There is a luggage store near me that always has every suitcase advertised at "50% OFF!" in large text all over the store. Every price tag has the alleged old price crossed out with a new one 'hastily' written in. Problem is, I have never seen the prices change. Its been '50% OFF!' for a year now. The 'discounted' prices are a bit high for cheap luggage, but the 'original' prices would be an extreme rip off.
The shonky: if your store has permanent fixtures stating 'X% OFF' then it's shonky
Harris Scarfe deserves a special shonky mention because of its prices. It is quite common to see 'specials' where cookware is 70% off. At 70% off the price is realistic. The original price was there for a week to justify the 'generous' discount.
This reminds me of a store near me that was "closing down" for about 5 years. At about the 2nd year I asked the poor daughter of the owners when it was closing down, and she turned red and said she didn't know. I asked if it ever was and she assured me it was, absolutely. They shut at about the 5 year mark IIRC.
The Canterbury store in birkenhead point was like that. Could still be there, havent been to BP in years
It's still there. I was there 3 months ago…
Rugs a Million.
Also Kathmandu and most outdoor stores.
Agree ^ - every retailer of anything ever that has % off when they always have % off is shonky.
I bought some pet beds from this place last year
http://www.petzgo.com.au/
While they initially seemed to be a little better quality than other beds, the first time i washed them the stitching came apart, turning them into giant blobs of whatever the internal stuffing is. At one point I wanted to get more (before washing) and asked for a discount for 3, the rep said 'no, we can't afford that BUT you're in luck, we have a special right now' … but it was the exact same price. If you go to their website today, they have a closing down sale - surprisingly, but not, the prices are still the same. It says that they are odour and flea free - this is not true.
Like jewellers.
Credit card charges in general.
I know the vendor are just recouping charges from the credit card companies.
i heard this day and age cash is actually more expensive to handle as you need to manually reconcile, deposit etc.
Yes, I always wondered why vendors never factor in the extra cost associated with cash (obviously cash has other benefits… like tax evasion).
I would say this only applies to businesses that do have to pay people to work there. With a family run business we do prefer cash payments than card payments even if there is a higher risk as the range of fees and brackets of fees banks charge is ridiculous.
Can't believe EB Games Australia did not make this list! The worst place to buy anything game related from I've lost count of the amount of disgruntled customers they have pissed off over the last 12 months. Need proof? Here it is! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IhateEB/
They are annoying but good to pricematch and preorder with. What i dislike are EB exclusive special editions that are overpriced.
EVERYTHING is overpriced in EB. If people looked elsewhere first instead of being herded into EB with direct marketing like a lobotomised simpleton they would soon realise that they are the most over priced games store in the entire country.
Hence why they are great to price match with. They got locations everywhere and when something is announced it's probably the only place that will let you preorder within hours so it is convenient to me. Yeah their base prices suck but noone pays that except for clueless parents buying stuff for their kids.
@ruddiger7: Just curious, why do you feel the need to constantly pre order everything? Is it because EB shove the notion down your throat every time you visit one of their stores that they have conditioned you to give them your business for fear of missing out on something? I've never pre ordered anything game related and yet have never missed out on grabbing it day one should I desire. By then it's clear who has the best price so I go there and give them my sale. Freedom of choice, it's wonderful.
@High Score King: Not really, the only thing I pre-order are special editions. I got a MGSV edition PS4 which had sold out fairly quickly and Fire emblem Special Edition which sold out ages before it came out. I will probably pre-order the Zelda special edition should it have one. Usuaully only just preorder stuff that has limited numbers, for that it is great.
Yeah but if they price match (which mine does) I have no issues with EB.
Yes their RRP is crap, but if you don't ask, you don't get….
I'd rather go and reward the business that's a price leader with the lowest price already on show. Much more respectable than going to EB, begging them to be competitive and then they turn around (assuming they have agreed to PM and not pulled out a bullshit excuse not to) and sell you a "new but used but still new, honest!" copy of a game. If that works for you that's cool, I guess.
my local Kmart no longer stocks game. It's EB or nothing for me.
I aint driving an hour to support the price leader.
@Blottski: So you price match even though the priceleader is an hour away? Does your EB let you match with this store? How far apart are they?
@Blottski: Cool so the only thing you have to worry about is being sold someone else's ex-rental, having pre orders and upsells shoved in your face and being constantly reminded to trade n save!
Nope.
How do you cope at life if these are major issues to you?
@Blottski: I cope at life by avoiding EB and seeing them for what they truly are.
1. They reseal games all the time to maintain the illusion that they are "NEW".
2. There are places that don't shove this crap in your face when you go to buy video games, you should try it sometime.
If that's a months supply for $100, that's expensive. Doesn't matter what it does!