Each year a number of businesses engage in behaviour that can scarcely be described as being in the best interest of their customers, and each year the worst of these businesses are immortalised in the annual Shonky awards.
And in a year when consumer confidence has been through the ringer, giving customers anything less than stellar service is likely to end up frustrating a lot of people.
“Choice’s work is more important than ever in 2020 as Australians negotiate through the Covid-19 health crisis and tough economic times,” said Choice CEO Alan Kirkland.
“It’s fitting that the 2020 Shonkys uncover and call out practices from companies taking advantage of their customers.”
This year, floor cleaning products sold at Coles and Bunnings were found to be little more than floor perfume, Kirkland said, after testing revealed they actually performed worse than water at cleaning.
Specifically, Choice called out Coles Ultra floor cleaner and Long Life all purpose floor cleaner, giving each a 39 per cent rating, lower than the 40 per cent given to water. Most other cleaners tied with water, or landed at 41 per cent.
“We tested these floor cleaners in a scientific setting against typical soils that you’re likely to find in your own home,” said Choice testing expert Ash Iredale.
“We found that, despite how expensive they are compared with water, they didn’t perform any better… Just use a plain old bucket of hot water. Save your money.”
