Does Flipkart's Big Billion Day Seem Like a Scam?

Flipkart's Big Billion Day (BBD 2024) for iPhones has sparked discussions and skepticism among customers. But is it merely a facade for a misleading sale, or is there a more complex reality? As someone who has experienced the intricacies of the sales process, let me share the truth and explain why it might seem like a scam at first glance.

The Myth Unveiled: Why 'Currently Unavailable' Doesn't Mean Anything

When you log into Flipkart on the day of the Big Billion Day, especially for products like iPhones, you may encounter the 'currently unavailable' message. However, this is frequently just a ruse to create a false scarcity. Flipkart intentionally hides certain items to create a sense of urgency and encourage frenzied shopping behavior.

An Inside Look: The Art of the Refresh War

To procure a desired product, you need to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the sale process. For instance, the iPhone 12 64 GB in blue became available by repeatedly refreshing the page. If you tried to buy the white model, it would often say 'product not available for sale,' but never 'sold out.'

The strategy involves clicking the 'F5' key on your laptop to refresh the page every few seconds. This method is crucial because only the blue variant was initially made visible, with the 'product sold out' button appearing along with the 'notify me' option. By repeatedly hitting F5, you can sometimes force the page to show the buy button, even if the product is listed as 'unavailable.'

Why Laptop Users Have an Advantage

Using a laptop to refresh the page gives you a significant advantage over mobile users. Mobile apps and mobile devices are often less capable of handling frequent page refreshes quickly, which can lead to frustration and wasted attempts. Cooler laptops or devices with better battery life are key to maintaining a steady refresh rate.

Recent Trends and the Continued Demand for iPhones

The iPhone 13 is currently listed as 'coming soon' on the website, while there are reports of iPhones being sold at other retailers. This suggests that Flipkart is intentionally pacing the release of inventory to match the frenzied demand. By doing so, they create a managed illusion of scarcity, which ultimately benefits their bottom line.

The True Nature of Flipkart's Sales Strategy

Flipkart's sales strategy is reminiscent of other high-demand situations, such as concert ticket grabs. Just as Cold Play tickets sell out instantaneously, so do the iPhones on Flipkart. The company utilizes this strategy to generate a sense of urgency and ensure that the most zealous buyers get their hands on the product.

The Infamous iPhone 12 64 GB Blue

The ability to purchase the iPhone 12 64 GB in blue is often the culmination of a series of successful F5 presses. Branding-specific color variants like white are often hidden, with the 'current unavailable' message appearing. This bait-and-switch tactic forces buyers to go through a tedious process to get the product they want.

Customer Analytics and Profit Maximization

By controlling the inventory and release pace, Flipkart ensures that they can maximize their profits. The scarcity created through the 'currently unavailable' messages is artificial but effective in driving sales. The company's loyalty to only selling iPhones in cash also contributes to their success, as it eliminates the complications of EMI options and focuses on direct payments.

A Perfect Storm for Indian Consumers

The demand for iPhones in India is high, driven by a combination of genuine demand and the spectacle of unscrupulous behavior. Indian consumers have shown an extraordinary willingness to spend large sums on luxury items and experiences. The iPhone's price point, combined with the astronomical cost of concert tickets, underscores the cultural disposition towards high-value purchases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Flipkart's Big Billion Day for iPhones is a calculated strategy designed to capitalize on the frenzy of the moment. The illusion of scarcity is a powerful tool for driving sales, and customers must navigate a complex landscape of 'currently unavailable' messages and refresh wars to secure their purchases.