An online conversation was ignited after a user on X, formerly known as Twitter, highlighted a significant price difference for the same product on Flipkart, depending on whether users were accessing the app through Android or iOS. The post, shared by user Saurabh Sharma, featured screenshots revealing that the Mokobara cabin suitcase was priced differently on the two platforms.
In his post, Sharma noted that the small cabin suitcase was listed at ₹4,119 on Flipkart’s Android app, with a 65% discount, while iOS users were faced with a price of ₹4,799, reflecting a 60% discount. Additionally, Android users were offered a no-cost EMI option starting at ₹1,373 per month, compared to ₹1,600 per month for iOS users.
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
“Apple charges a 30% commission on subscriptions, so different pricing for iOS makes sense there. But for e-commerce? Very shady and unfair,” Sharma remarked in his post.
Following the uproar, Sharma shared a screenshot of his interaction with Flipkart customer support, which explained that prices may vary based on seller discretion and various factors. The response reassured users that sellers strive to provide great deals and discounts.
Since its publication, Sharma’s post has attracted over 127,000 views, igniting numerous comments from users sharing their experiences with price discrepancies across different apps.
Reactions to the post varied, with one user noting, “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.” Another user remarked on the prevalence of price differences in other platforms like Uber, attributing them to dynamic pricing models.
While some acknowledged that varying commission rates between platforms could lead to price discrepancies, many expressed skepticism about the justification for such significant price differences, suggesting it might be a seller error. Users also shared their experiences with similar practices on platforms like Zepto and Instamart, questioning the rationale behind these pricing strategies.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion on fair pricing practices in e-commerce, highlighting potential disparities that consumers may encounter based on their choice of operating system. As the conversation continues to evolve, consumers are left to ponder the implications of such pricing strategies on their shopping experiences.
