Saurabh Sharma, a Flipkart customer, recently shared screenshots on X (formerly Twitter) that showed a pricing discrepancy for the same product on the e-commerce platform’s iOS and Android apps. The screenshots revealed that a Mokobara cabin suitcase was priced at Rs 4,119 on the Android app with a 65 percent discount. However, the same product was listed at Rs 4,799 on the iOS app with a 60 percent discount.
Sharma’s post also highlighted differences in the EMI options available to users on the two platforms. Android users could opt for a no-cost EMI starting at Rs 1,373 per month, while iPhone users had a minimum EMI of Rs 1,600. In his tweet, Sharma questioned the fairness of this pricing strategy, writing, “Android vs iOS – different prices on Flipkart app.
Apple charges 30% commission on subscriptions etc., so different pricing for iOS makes sense there. But for e-commerce? Very shady & unfair.”
The post quickly gained traction, garnering over 137,000 views and sparking a discussion about pricing practices on e-commerce platforms.
Flipkart responded to Sharma’s query through their customer service, stating, “Prices may vary since it is determined by the seller based on various factors. However, please don’t worry, our sellers are always trying their best to bring you great deals and discounts.
Flipkart addresses pricing inconsistency concerns
Happy shopping!”
Despite Flipkart’s response, the incident has led to mixed reactions from netizens. Some users shared similar experiences with varying prices across different apps, while others speculated on the reasons behind such discrepancies, such as app-based commissions. One user commented, “This is common across multiple apps, mad annoying.
I once had a 1 lakh Android device and an old iPhone 7 plus, and everything was more expensive on the latter. If I recall correctly, even cab prices.”
Another user expressed concerns about the platform’s practices, saying, “Shady, yes! Check if Amazon or any other does the same, I don’t think so. Flipkart has been shady for a while now.
Unfair? well as long as they can get away with it. Closed Flipkart a/c long time ago.
The platform accepts no responsibility for anything. Risky platform.”
The incident has brought attention to the issue of pricing inconsistencies on e-commerce platforms and raised questions about the fairness of such practices, especially when they appear to be based on the type of device being used.
