Highlights
- An X user highlighted a price difference on Flipkart for Apple and Android users.
- As per the screenshot shared, the product shows a lower price on Android compared to iOS.
- Flipkart explained that prices may vary based on the seller’s factors.
- The post sparked concerns about fairness and transparency in e-commerce pricing.
An X (previously Twitter) user recently started a discussion about a pricing difference for the same product on e-commerce giant Flipkart.
As per details shared, it appears Flipkart prices vary depending on whether the app was accessed through an Android or iOS device.
“prices are determined by the seller based on various factors”
Flipkart confirms that they are looting iPhone users 😓😓 pic.twitter.com/yJAodcXT7t
— Saurabh Sharma (@randomusements) October 30, 2024
User Saurabh Sharma posted screenshots showing the price variation for a Mokobara cabin suitcase, with a noticeable difference between Android and iOS. “Android vs iOS – different prices on Flipkart app.
Same Mokobara cabin suitcase costs ₹ 4,119 on Flipkart’s Android app vs ₹ 4,799 on iOS app,” Mr Sharma shared on X.
Android vs iOS – different prices on @Flipkart App??
same @my_mokobara cabin suitcase costs 4119₹ on FK Android App vs 4799₹ on iOS App.
Apple charges 30% commission on subscriptions etc, so different pricing for iOS makes sense there.
But for ecommerce? Very shady & unfair. pic.twitter.com/YmIq8nhuXO
— Saurabh Sharma (@randomusements) October 30, 2024
The screenshots reveal that the small cabin suitcase from Mokobara is listed at ₹ 4,119 with a 65% discount on Android, while it’s priced at ₹ 4,799 with a 60% discount on an iPhone. Moreover, Android users are offered a no-cost EMI option starting at ₹ 1,373 per month, whereas the EMI begins at ₹ 1,600 per month on iOS.
Expressing his concern, Sharma also wrote, “Apple charges 30% commission on subscriptions etc., so different pricing for iOS makes sense there. But for e-commerce? Very shady and unfair.”
IOS app – 5499
Android app – 4819
Why @Flipkart @flipkartsupport pic.twitter.com/cMvxLj93TI
— Keshav Arora (@CommerceGuruu) October 30, 2024
In a follow-up, Sharma also posted a screenshot of his conversation with Flipkart customer support.
Flipkart explained, “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. Happy shopping!”
Android vs iOS – different prices on @Flipkart App??
same @my_mokobara cabin suitcase costs 4119₹ on FK Android App vs 4799₹ on iOS App.
Apple charges 30% commission on subscriptions etc, so different pricing for iOS makes sense there.
But for ecommerce? Very shady & unfair. pic.twitter.com/YmIq8nhuXO
— Saurabh Sharma (@randomusements) October 30, 2024
Since Sharma’s post on Wednesday, it has received over 127,000 views and numerous comments.
One user responded, “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.”
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.
— Uddhav Parab (@UddhavParab263) October 31, 2024
Another person commented, “I think that is common knowledge. The price of the product listed varies based on the phone. Even Uber prices change not just during rain- but also when your phone’s battery percentage is low. That’s how companies milk the opportunity.”
I think that is commin knowledge. The price of the product listed varies based on the phone.
Even uber prices change not just during rain- but also when your phones battery percentage is low.
Thats how companies milk the opportunity.— Udayan (@udayan10) October 30, 2024
A third user stated, “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.”
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.
— Mona (@MenezesMuna) October 30, 2024
“I have noticed the same in Zepto/Instamart/Blinkit. The difference is negligible there but why the difference is the question,” another user noted.
I have noticed the same in Zepto/instamart/blinkit. The difference is negligible there but why the difference is the question.
— Manan Mittal (@magneticme200) October 30, 2024
“Both platforms have different commission rates, so I can accept some differences in the pricing. However, this huge difference could only be an error from the seller,” added a fifth user.
Some users even defended the difference in prices sharing personal experiences.
As someone who works in a similar app.. I can tell you that it is common for us to run price sensitivity experiments based on multiple factors. We sometimes run 5-6 experiments in a day to check what price point works and what doesn’t.
This isn’t looting. 🤦
— Je Suis Laïk (@jesuislaik) October 30, 2024
FAQs
Q1. What did an X user discover about Flipkart’s pricing?
Answer. User Saurabh Sharma posted screenshots showing the price variation for a Mokobara cabin suitcase, with a noticeable difference between Android and iOS. “Android vs iOS – different prices on Flipkart app. Same Mokobara cabin suitcase costs ₹ 4,119 on Flipkart’s Android app vs ₹ 4,799 on iOS app,” Mr Sharma shared on X.
Q2. What explanation did Flipkart provide for the price differences?
Answer. Flipkart explained, “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. Happy shopping!”
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