Ticketing giants win Shonky Awards for dynamic pricing tactics

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 18:22 · Archive

Consumer group Choice has named Ticketek and Ticketmaster among Australia's dodgiest services for using dynamic pricing.

Consumer advocacy group Choice has named Ticketek and Ticketmaster among its 2026 Shonky Award winners for allegedly using dynamic pricing to gouge customers during a cost-of-living crisis in Australia. Both merchants allow ticket costs to rise during sale periods.

Ticketek faced criticism over a John Farnham tribute concert scheduled for September, where about seven per cent of tickets were subject to variable pricing. Choice chief executive Monique Perry said many customers found themselves facing 'inflated' costs. Ticketmaster was flagged by NRL fans who reported 'in demand' seats selling for $50 more than regular seats just one row and one bay apart during 2026 matches.

Ticketmaster told AAP that ticket prices were set by event organisers, not the platform. A spokeswoman said the company does not use surge pricing or algorithms that automatically increase prices in response to real-time demand. 'For in demand tickets, event organisers set the prices of sought-after seats closer to market value and may review these over the sales period,' she said. 'These prices do not automatically increase because more fans join a queue.'

How it is being reported

• Ticketing giants dealt booby prize for dynamic pricingMajor ticket retailers have copped a sharp rebuke on a leading consumer advocate's 2026 naughty list for alleged roles in soaring event costs.The West Australian · 3 Nov, 18:01
• Ticketing giants dealt booby prize for dynamic pricingMajor ticket retailers have copped a sharp rebuke on a leading consumer advocate's 2026 naughty list for alleged roles in soaring event costs.Perth Now · 3 Nov, 18:01

In this story: Choice · Ticketek · Ticketmaster · Virgin Australia · John Farnham · Monique Perry · Australia

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log