13 August 23
FLIPKART - OPEN BOX DELIVERY – A FRAUD
I am writing this to warn the mobile purchasers on Flipkart about the fraud played upon customers under the guise of Open Box Delivery.
I purchased a POCO mobile recently on COD basis from Flipkart . The delivery boy took the money before opening the cardboard box. That is the rule. He said the amount was short by Rs.500. I asked him to count again. He did and found it correct. Attempt to cheat failed. He opened the brand box and showed me the mobile that was packed inside a plastic cover. He didn’t take it out from the plastic cover. I accepted it as everything looked transparent and genuine. The guy left.
I pulled out the mobile from its brand packing and plastic cover to check and activate it. To my horror I found a dent on it. I called the delivery boy immediately to return the mobile. He answered but refused to take back the mobile. He asked me to approach Flipkart. Next day, after trying for more than three hours I could manage to reach someone alive in the customer care. He advised me to approach the Brand Service Centre. I went in person to Xiaomi SC but was directed to POCO SC which was around 20 kms away. I was not sure if POCO would replace my phone with another one. I knew I was stuck for good. Xiaomi SCs don’t handle POCO anymore.
I am confident it is a used phone and repackaged by the seller. Open Box Delivery is another format to sell used and defective products returned by others. So, my friends, please check the seal before the delivery boy opens or pretends to open it. Count the cash twice in front of the delivery boy before handing over. Take out the mobile from its brand packing and plastic cover and thoroughly examine it. Let the delivery boy activate it. Don’t accept it and get back your money if you find something wrong. Never sign the Delivery Sheet before you are satisfied. Please don’t fall for the gimmick which assures that the mobile is new and as we ordered.
Thank God, my mobile works though it was used and damaged before I bought it. Yours may not work. You will be deceived and end up with a lemon if you are not extremely careful. Good Luck to everyone.
Best regards
Arshad U. Khan