Kogan’s membership program, Kogan First, has earned one of five Shonky awards in 2023 over its sign-up process.
According to consumer advocacy group Choice, its sign-up process hits customers with a $99 fee two weeks after a trial period if they do not untick a pre-ticked box.
As of September 30, Kogan First had 440,000 subscribers.
"A gap in Australia's consumer laws makes it easier for businesses to get away with dodgy tricks like these," Choice campaigns and policy adviser Alex Söderlund said.
"Other jurisdictions like the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom and Singapore all have laws that protect consumers against unfair business practices. Australia needs to catch up."
According to Choice, Kogan told the review site that customers can "cancel their membership at any time within the 14-day trial period and are emailed reminders at the start and the end of their free 14-day trial membership."
Choice said many emails like this can be easily missed.
Kogan joined four other Shonky award recipients, including Woolworths and Coles, RentTech, Personal Alarms and the Xbox Mini Fridge.