The Truth Behind the Flipkart/Amazon Huge Discount Sales

Introduction

The promise of huge discounts on online platforms such as Flipkart and Amazon often lures consumers to believe they can get a bargain. However, many times, these discounts are not as impressive as they seem, and some may even be considered a bit of a hoax.

Deceptive Discounts and Pricing Tactics

These companies use a strategy where they mark up the MRP (Manufactured Recommended Price) and then apply a significant discount, which creates a false impression of the value. This tactic aims to generate a psychological impact, making consumers feel they are getting a great deal and encouraging them to buy at higher prices.

The product lines are often divided into online and in-store offerings with absurd MRPs. For instance, a smartwatch might be priced as high as 13,000 INR, marked down to 1,600 INR, and still some companies offer generous discounts. However, many consumers are influenced by these inflated prices and end up buying a product that has minimal worth compared to what they paid.

False Deals and Misleading Prices

There are instances where the advertised prices are simply not achievable. For example, during the 2019 Big Billion days, Flipkart advertised an iPhone XR at 36,000 INR, but when the consumer tried to make a purchase, the product was listed as “coming soon.” The same product was available on Amazon at 38,000 INR. This indicates that the advertised prices are misleading.

Sometimes, the deals are real, and sometimes they are not. It is essential to be a vigilant consumer and use the right tools and strategies to identify real discounts.

Identifying Real Discounts

One of the best methods to find out the truth behind the discounts is to add the item to your wishlist on Flipkart and Amazon and monitor it for a while. For example, a Casio EX194 watch that was listed at 8,200 INR was bought for 5,800 INR, indicating a discount of around 1,400 INR. However, if you search for this watch on the website, you may find the price trending around 8,000 INR, without the advertised discount.

Additionally, many websites, particularly Snapdeal, Flipkart, and Amazon, offer good discounts if you use specific debit or credit cards. However, during off-sale periods, the products are often old or in bulk stock that isn't selling. Keeping products in stock with minimal profit is not ideal, and the seller may still not make a profit.

Outliers and Other Factors

There are instances where the same product is sold for very high prices by some websites, simply to recover the costs and make a profit. Therefore, it's essential to do thorough research and compare prices on different websites before making a purchase.

In conclusion, while the promise of huge discounts is tantalizing, being a discerning consumer and using the right strategies is crucial. This will ensure you make informed and value-driven purchases. If the rules and regulations were stricter, companies and platforms would be less likely to engage in deceptive practices.