Hello Friends…
Am writing today to share an experience that could be useful to all. It just goes on to show that we are living in a world where we cannot trust even the biggest of brands. You need to be watchful and protect your hard earned money yourself!
I had placed an order for Vivo V21 5G (Dusk Blue, 256 GB) on 20.5.2022 (Order ID #Order OD124989284067073000) for Rs. 36019/-. The ordered was delivered on 25.5.2022 but I was shocked to see a different color phone had been delivered (Sunset Dazzle).
I raised a complaint the same day to return the phone. It was approved on 26.5.2022 and I got a message that the pickup has been scheduled for 27th May (27.5.2022). I kept waiting the whole day but no one came to pickup the return. I raised another complaint on their site through their chat/call back enquiring into why it was not picked up. They assured me it will be done within the next 72 hours. Now, this 72 hours would come to haunt me ever since, because I have been repeatedly raising complaints and each time I am handed a new wait period of 72 hours! It has been 6 days and no one comes to pickup the return.
At least 3 of these 6 days I got an SMS saying the agent is out for pickup and they provided a number where he could be contacted. When I call on the number, he disconnects my call every time. Is this the experience I paid a good 36 thousand bucks for? Well, I deserve it I suppose for trusting a big name!
I asked for a callback from a senior manager but that request was not honored – ONLY the customer care assistants talk on phone. When I ask them to arrange for a callback from a manager, they start acting as if they cannot hear me and the voice is breaking – although I can hear them crystal clear! Shocking why the managerial staff is so scared to face the customer? There is no mail id of any supervisor provided on site where I can contact them. There is no other way to contact except the tormenting Customer Care which keeps telling me – “Aap Nischint Rahiye”.
The feeling I am now getting is, they are just buying in time so that the 7 day return period expires and they can shove this off their shoulders. Which I am surely not letting go! There are a few points to consider here. First, are they really hoping that I will ultimately keep the phone if it keeps lying with me for days? The answer is ofcourse No. Second, with such a horrid experience, do they expect I will ever place another order – specially for an expensive product, again on Flipkart? I really doubt so. Thirdly, why should I really keep something I didnt pay for? The color I bought (Dusk Blue) was a good 6000/- costlier than the one they sent me (Sunset Dazzle). Even if it were the same price, why should I be thrusted with something I don’t want?
I am now in dilemma to again call them or not. Because if I do, a new 72 hour wait will be thrown at me. And if I don’t, I am stuck with this useless purchase. The Flipkart people very conveniently are passing the buck to the “Logistics” saying it is a delay by logistics, but really who cares? These technical terms mean nothing to a layman, who has been duped by Flipkart by allowing such fraud sellers to operate with a 4 star rating! Yes, I checked the rating of the seller before placing the order. The seller is by the name of “Best4U” who is enjoying a great rating on Flipkart.
I really am lost as to what action will Flipkart take against this “Best4U”? Will they penalize his rating? Will they seize his account? Will they cancel the contract of logistics? Nothing. None of their business I guess.
I would just end this by saying, I am unwilling to incur losses for no mistake of mine. Even if it asks seeking legal help and filing a formal complaint. I haven’t even asked for compensation yet for the stress and waste of time they have caused. Maybe I should now.
I learnt this the hard way. I hope my experience can help atleast some of you to make watchful choices. Even if we have to take out time to go out to the markets and pay a few bucks more, at least we get what we buy. Please do not make expensive purchases on Flipkart!
Oh Gosh! This is shocking really. I have been a regular customer of Flipkart bro. I place orders very casually. This just is an eye opener. I truly hope you get your money back. This is so disgusting really. I feel repulsed by flipkart bro. I am sharing this post – if that can be of any help.
Thanks so much friend. More than anything, I think the mental stress is the worst. But we all learn by our mistakes. I look at the brighter side, thank goodness I didnt place an order for an iphone that would have cost a fortune. I am making it a hard learned rule to shop for such items only in the old fashioned way at our markets. Flipkart and stuff are good for only undergarments and toiletries!
Hello dear. As you know i ain’t based in India but i have heard lots about flipkart, just as we have amazon here. i sympathize with you, am aware how it must feel. read a good book dear 😉 best solution to stress 🙂
no matter how big one gets mentality remains the same. businesses see only one thing – profit. online people cannot be entrusted with our money. hope you get a solution – a worthy one. thanks for shairng this.
Thank you dear friends who have responded to the post here or on DM. I wish to update that I shall wait for the date of 3rd June that Flipkart has stated for resolution. Else, I shall definitely take the legal course.
As my close friends know, my dad previously was the judge in the consumer courts. At that time it was located near ITO. If it is the same place, I know it very well. I will have to check if it has changed location since. Shall devote one day to filing the complaint, surely the damages in the form of cost incurred and time loss will be claimed as part of the complaint against the brand. So no worries. Shall keep you posted.
You’re doing the right thing 🙂
Thanks Amy. This phone was a gift for my mom. I’d made her choose the color. I can’t now ask her to use whatever was thrown at us. Won’t be a more useless son than me in that case.
You can efile. Sending link on DM.
Didnt know your dad had been a member. Delhi?
Yup. Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.