Flipkart has come under fire from customers following a promotional deal that advertised the iPhone 13 for just Rs 11 as part of the e-commerce platform’s Big Billion Days sale. The offer, part of Flipkart’s ‘Fastest Fingers First’ contest at 11 PM, left many buyers frustrated when the iPhone was marked as ‘sold out’ or ‘out of stock’ within minutes. Some buyers claimed that even after successfully purchasing the phone for Rs 11, their orders were canceled later.
Technical glitches also plagued many users trying to place orders. The discontent led to a wave of complaints on social media, with users criticizing the deal as misleading and unfair.
User Reactions on Social Media
Disappointed Flipkart users turned to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration, with many labeling the promotion a “marketing gimmick,” “fraud,” and the “biggest scam” of the Big Billion Days sale.
Here are some of the posts shared by X users:
One user wrote, “Is fraud really happening in Flipkart? An investigation should be done to find out who all have been cheated. There should be no injustice with the common people.”
Is fraud really happening in Flipkart.
An investigation should be done to find out who all have been cheated.
✍️There should be no injustice with the common people.#flipkartscam pic.twitter.com/KNCu64ZP36
— Dileep Balasiya (@DileepBalasiya) September 18, 2024
Another frustrated customer said, “If you were trying to get an iPhone 13 for ₹11 at 11 PM, then you were probably fooled. This is one of the marketing gimmicks used by online shopping platforms to create buzz. ‘Sold Out’ message will pop up for everyone.”
If you were trying to get an iPhone 13 for ₹11 at 11 PM then probably you were probably fooled.
This is one of the marketing gimmick used by online shopping platforms to create buzz.
"Sold Out" message will pop up for everyone. #flipkartscam #BigBillionDays #Flipkart pic.twitter.com/zAt4SAX1sg
— Neetu Khandelwal (@T_Investor_) September 22, 2024
A third user commented, “@Flipkart I can’t even imagine you doing such scams. They were offering the iPhone 13 for Rs 11 at midnight. We waited since 7 PM, but suddenly it was showing Rs 49,900. This is mentally harassing people.”
@Flipkart i cant even imagine Flipkart will do such type of scams.they were going to offer Iphone 13 today at Rs.11 at MIDNIGHT. We were sitting since 7 p.m , but suddenly it was showing Rs.49,900 . Its not acceptable @Flipkart its called mentally harassing peoples.
— Vedika Agarwal (@VedikaAgarwal56) September 22, 2024
Public Reaction to the Failed Offer
Many customers voiced their disappointment, with some questioning the legitimacy of the offer. One user said, “BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT of #bigbillionsday SALE. What have you done #flipkart? I still think this is a joke… KYA ISSE SCAM KAHENGE KE NAHI??”
If true, BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF #bigbillionsday SALE.
What have you done #flipkart
I still think this is a joke…
KYA ISSE SCAM KAHENGE KE NAHI?? #iphone15onflipkart #iphone15promax #iphone15 #flipkartscam #flipkartsale pic.twitter.com/EdEBR8XfRB
— R. Bhai (@bahubalireturns) September 23, 2024
Flipkart’s Response to the Controversy
In response to the outcry, Flipkart Support addressed a user’s complaint on X, clarifying the situation. They said, “We understand your concern about the offer. The Fastest Fingers First offer was claimed by the first three customers. But don’t worry! You can still catch great deals at 9 PM and 11 PM every day as part of our ongoing The Big Billion Days. Appreciate your understanding.”
We understand your concern about the offer. The fastest fingers first offer was claimed by the first three customers. But don't worry! You can still catch great deals at 9 PM and 11 PM every day as part of our ongoing The Big Billion Days. Appreciate your understanding.
— FlipkartSupport (@flipkartsupport) September 24, 2024
Despite this explanation, many users remain dissatisfied, feeling misled by the promotion and calling for better transparency in future offers.