IFB A Nightmare Disguised as a Brand| A Warning to Every Potential Customer
I rarely write public complaints, but the atrocious experience I had with IFB from product purchase to post-sale service leaves me with no choice. What should have been a smooth purchase turned into a series of lies, pressure tactics, and utter negligence at every step. Heres how IFB shattered my trust:
1. Deceptive Sales Tactics and False Promises at the IFB Showroom
When I visited the IFB outlet in Hyderabad, the salespeople confidently explained the features and differences between the 8kg and 10kg washing machines. I was told:
The 10kg model had AI functionality,
It completed wash cycles 15 minutes faster,
And this was due to a higher RPM(1400 vs 1200 in the 8kg).
However, these explanations were either half-truths or complete misinformation. The technical claims they made did not match real-world performance or IFBs own product manuals. They even provided incorrect details about product specifications and warranty coverage, clearly intended to upsell rather than inform. I was misled into purchasing based on exaggerated and false claims.
2. Disgraceful Delivery Zero Care for the Product
The pain didnt stop at purchase. I was promised delivery within 23 days. When the delivery guy called, I gave him precise directions. After confirming he was downstairs, I waited for him to arrive but no one came. Eventually, I went down myself and found him dragging the washing machine across the floor, alone, all the way from the main gate to the lift.
When I asked why he was handling such a heavy appliance alone, his response was shocking: Theres no one else available. No equipment, no help just a man physically dragging an expensive machine.
Even worse? After mishandling the appliance, he had the audacity to ask for a tip. The way IFB handles deliveries is downright careless and irresponsible towards both the product and the customer.
3. Installation A Manipulative Sales Trap in Disguise
If you think the story ends there, it doesnt the installation process was an absolute scam.
I had already bought a high-quality washing machine stand from outside. But the technician immediately objected:
This wont support 1400 RPM, he said.
Despite demonstrating its strength(even two adults stood on it to prove it), he flat-out refused to install the machine unless I bought the IFB-branded stand.
Only after I reluctantly paid ₹2000+ for their overpriced stand, he agreed to proceed.
This was nothing but extortion under the threat of voiding the warranty. No logic. No flexibility. Just hard-selling, fear-mongering, and bullying customers into buying what they dont need.
Then came another ploy: he used a voltmeter to claim there were voltage fluctuations in my apartment.
He first said it was 280V. When I asked to check myself, it showed 250V. He then changed his story again.
According to IFBs own documentation, the operating voltage range is 220-230V.
But still, he pressured me to buy a stabilizer from them, warning me that my machine could get damaged without it.
This is not service this is a predatory sales pitch disguised as installation, exploiting customers with fear-based tactics.
And it didnt stop there. He tried to sell me:
IFB detergent(warranty wont apply otherwise),
IFB drum descaler,
IFB water softener.
Each time, the threat was the same: If you dont use IFB products, we wont cover damage under warranty. This is not guidance its harassment. This is a planned, aggressive sales strategy that uses warranty terms as a weapon.
4. Post-Sale Service Incompetent, Disrespectful, and Dishonest
About 1520 days after installation, my washing machine showed an error code. I reached out to the installation technician who promised to come but ignored my follow-up calls. Left with no choice, I raised a ticket on the IFB app.
Heres what happened next:
I didnt receive a call for two full days.
When someone finally responded, their first question was not about the issue they asked for the OTP to close the ticket.
I refused, as nothing was fixed.
Later, I found out that the same technician who ignored my calls was silently reassigned the ticket, and IFB closed the case without my approval. This was a clear attempt to manipulate their service records and shut down genuine complaints without resolution.
Final Thoughts: IFBs Business Model is Built on Customer Exploitation
My experience with IFB has been filled with deception, neglect, and unethical practices:
False and misleading information at the time of sale
Negligent, one-man delivery risking product damage
Scare tactics and forced purchases during installation
No accountability or timely support during breakdown
Deliberate case closures without resolution
What I faced wasnt just bad service it was systematic abuse of trust. Every step of the journey was marked by a lack of integrity, professionalism, and basic customer respect.
IFBs focus is not on customer satisfaction, but on upselling unnecessary add-ons, bullying customers into submission, and shamelessly prioritizing profit over service.
My sincere advice: Avoid IFB. Dont fall into the trap like I did. There are better brands out there that actually care about their customers not just their wallets.