On September 22, 2024, at 11 PM IST, Flipkart captured the attention of online shoppers across India with an offer that seemed too good to be true—an iPhone 13 priced at just Rs 11. This deal was part of Flipkart’s highly anticipated Big Billion Days sale, a time when millions of buyers eagerly log in to snag discounts on products ranging from smartphones to home appliances.
However, while the iPhone 13 offer drew significant attention, many customers were left frustrated, raising concerns over the transparency and authenticity of the promotion.
The Rs 11 iPhone 13 Deal: Hype or Reality?
Flipkart, one of India’s largest e-commerce platforms, has a history of rolling out impressive discounts during its Big Billion Days sale. This year was no different, with the Rs 11 iPhone 13 deal grabbing headlines.
The promotional banner, which appeared across the platform, promised users the opportunity to purchase the iPhone 13 at a jaw-dropping price of Rs 11, specifically at 11 PM on September 22nd. The excitement was palpable, and thousands of customers prepared to log in, hoping to secure this unbelievable offer.
However, when the clock struck 11 PM, things didn’t go as expected for many buyers. According to reports and numerous complaints on social media, users were met with technical glitches. Many stated that the ‘buy now’ button was unclickable, while others experienced errors that repeatedly popped up, preventing them from proceeding with the purchase.
Within mere seconds, the iPhone 13 was marked as ‘out of stock,’ leaving countless customers disappointed and questioning the legitimacy of the deal.
Customer Reactions and Social Media Backlash
Unsurprisingly, the fiasco sparked an outcry on social media. Platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram were flooded with posts from disgruntled users accusing Flipkart of engaging in deceptive marketing tactics. Many users labelled the Rs 11 iPhone 13 deal a “scam,” calling it a ploy to drive traffic to the website without any real intent of honouring the deal.
Flipkart gone mad??#crashed #flipkart #scam #iphone pic.twitter.com/6XyJLqKDQq
— Manish Gahlot (@Leohempsmug) September 22, 2024
Trolls, memes, and sarcastic comments about Flipkart’s failed promotion spread quickly. One user tweeted, “I was ready at 10:59 PM, but by 11:00:05 PM, the iPhone was already out of stock. Flipkart, are you serious?” Others accused the platform of using such offers as a way to lure customers without intending to deliver on the promise.
One of my friend got it for ₹11 ?@TechFactsRafee
Hope, it will not cancelled by #Flipkart. ?#FlipkartBigBillionDays #FlipkartBigBillionDays2024 pic.twitter.com/llYpfJCihU— Ravikumar ?? (@ravi3dfx) September 22, 2024
While the overwhelming response was one of frustration, a few users claimed to have successfully placed orders for the Rs 11 iPhone 13. Screenshots were shared online, with some individuals asserting that they had secured the deal. However, scepticism remained, with many questioning whether these orders would be fulfilled or cancelled, citing past experiences with Flipkart’s promotional deals.
This is how Flipkart Is Fooling Us It was 23:02 and still it was showing coming soon….why you are wasting our time..we already know that we aren’t going to get but we try giving our other works aside…Stop This Nonsense#flipkart #BBD #iphone13 #sale #apple #iPhone16 pic.twitter.com/UMbFhV5dR6
— Naman (@randomllly) September 22, 2024
A History of Controversial Deals
This isn’t the first time Flipkart has faced criticism for such promotions. In the past, the e-commerce giant has launched several “flash sales” and limited-hour deals that have left customers dissatisfied.
One notable incident occurred when Flipkart offered the Moto G85 smartphone at a staggering 99% discount, only for many of those orders to be cancelled later. Customers were left fuming, with many accusing Flipkart of false advertising and manipulating consumer expectations.
Such incidents have led to growing concerns about whether Flipkart’s flashy promotional deals are genuine or merely a strategy to generate buzz and drive web traffic. Despite the backlash, the platform continues to engage in these marketing tactics, leaving customers divided—some hopeful that they’ll be among the lucky few to snag the deal, and others increasingly sceptical of its promises.
The Marketing Strategy Behind Flash Sales
Promotions like the Rs 11 iPhone 13 deal are part of a broader marketing strategy that Flipkart has used effectively in past years. Flash sales and limited-time offers help create a sense of urgency among customers, encouraging them to log in and make purchases quickly.
The psychological aspect of scarcity plays a significant role—when people believe they might miss out on a great deal, they are more likely to act impulsively.
For platforms like Flipkart, these tactics can be incredibly effective in generating attention and increasing website traffic. Even if only a handful of products are available at the advertised prices, the resulting buzz can lead to more visitors browsing and purchasing other items on sale. However, this strategy also carries the risk of alienating customers if they feel misled or cheated.
