Viagogo Just Won An Award That It Doesn't Want, But It Absolutely Deserves

Viagogo has been hammered in recent times for its role in giving ticket scalpers an outlet, so its only fitting its hard work should be recognised with an award… one it absolutely deserves. 

As reported by ABC, the ticket reseller is one of eight products to receive a Shonky Choice award; an annual ceremony hosted by CHOICE, which, as its website states, "name and shame the shonkiest products and companies taking advantage of Australian consumers".

"The ticket reseller engages in illegal drip pricing, commonly creates confusion for consumers, fails to respond to complaints and has a 'customer guarantee' that's about as reliable as a scalper in a back alley," the CHOICE website reads.

Other winners of a Shonky Choice award this year include a $3000 Samsung washer-dryer, Cuddly Sensitive Hypoallergenic fabric softener, Nature's Way Kids Smart Vita Gummies and Westpac's Bump Savings account.

"Whether it's for targeting the unborn with a poor value savings account, financially exploiting those in pain or chipping away at kids' teeth with dodgy vitamin products, this year's winners deserve their awards," Choice chief executive Alan Kirkland said.

The news comes only months after it was confirmed that the Swiss-based Viagogo is being taken to court by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission for the alleged breach of Australian Consumer Law.

Just this year, tickets to Aussie shows by acts such as Adele and Jerry Seinfeld were being resold on Viagogo for more than triple the original cost price.

In May, some tickets to Ed Sheeran’s 2018 national tour were being listed on the website for over $3500; the most expensive tickets for the concerts were originally priced at $164.90.