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Submit your complaint →E-commerce sales under fire as Gaurav Dadi questions Flipkart & Amazon’s discount practices. Choice4Voice.com explains legal remedies, consumer rights, and how shoppers can fight misleading offers.
Complaint/Opinion Summary : Flipkart & Amazon Festive Sales Questioned: Gaurav Dadi Calls Out Fake Discounts, Demands Transparency
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Gaurav Dadi |
| Profession | Assistant Manager Product (Airlines & Travel Industry) |
| Platform | |
| Complaint Type | Misleading Discounts / Consumer Awareness |
| Brands Mentioned | Flipkart, Amazon |
| Issue Raised | Inflated “before discount” pricing and lack of transparency during festive sales |
| Proposed Solution | Show highest, lowest, and current price from last 365 days |
| Date of Post | 6 days ago (LinkedIn) |
Full Write-Up
With India’s Big Billion Days (Flipkart) and Great Indian Festival (Amazon) attracting crores of buyers each year, festive sales have become a shopping tradition. Shoppers are bombarded with offers like “70% OFF,” “Mega Deals,” and “Steal Prices.”
But as per Gaurav Dadi, an industry professional in product strategy and airline support systems, these sales often rely on inflated original prices to create the illusion of higher discounts.
The Concern: Misleading Discounts
Many customers today use price comparison apps or track product history. They quickly realize that the “original” price is artificially increased before sales, making discounts appear bigger than they are. This tactic not only misleads consumers but also erodes long-term trust.
Gaurav’s Suggested Solution
Instead of relying on loud discount banners, Gaurav proposes price transparency as a marketing weapon:
- 📊 Show the highest price in the last 365 days
- 📉 Show the lowest price in the last 365 days
- 💰 Show today’s price and real savings
This simple step could transform Flipkart & Amazon into trust-first platforms, ensuring that customers know they are truly getting a fair deal.
Why Transparency Matters
- ✅ Builds customer confidence
- ✅ Protects shoppers from fake deals
- ✅ Converts festive buyers into loyal repeat customers
- ✅ Creates an industry standard of honesty
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help Consumers
At Choice4Voice.com, our mission is to ensure that genuine consumer voices are heard when brands ignore complaints or rely on unfair practices.
Here’s how we can help in such cases:
- Complaint Publication: We publish your complaint (after basic verification) on our platform and LinkedIn, creating public visibility.
- Brand Pressure: By tagging brands directly, we push them to respond faster.
- Legal Awareness: We explain which legal cases apply and how consumers can file them.
- Draft Templates: We provide ready-to-use complaint formats for consumer forums, ombudsman offices, and even FIRs if fraud is suspected.
- Authority Mapping: We guide which regulatory bodies (Consumer Forum, RBI, Advertising Standards Council of India, etc.) are relevant.
- Support for Collective Cases: If multiple consumers face the same issue, Choice4Voice.com can highlight it as a class complaint for stronger impact.
Legal Cases Applicable in This Matter
If Flipkart or Amazon mislead customers with inflated discounts, the following legal cases may apply under Indian consumer protection and advertising laws:
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Misleading trade practices, unfair pricing, and false advertising.
- Legal Metrology Act, 2009 – If price labels are manipulated or unclear.
- Information Technology Act, 2000 – For deceptive online transactions.
- Indian Penal Code, Section 420 – Cheating if fraudulent intent is proven.
- ASCI (Advertising Standards Council of India) Guidelines – Misleading advertisements can be challenged.
- Competition Act, 2002 – If unfair dominance or cartelization in pricing is suspected.
Where Complaints Can Be Filed
Consumers misled during festive sales can approach multiple authorities:
- Consumer Forum / District Consumer Commission – For misrepresentation and unfair trade practices.
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs (NCDRC / National Consumer Helpline) – Official government body for consumer grievances.
- Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) – For misleading advertisements.
- Competition Commission of India (CCI) – If e-commerce platforms manipulate markets.
- Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) – If fraud in online payments is involved.
- Local Police (FIR under IPC 420) – In extreme cases of fraud or cheating.
Step-by-Step Complaint Filing Guide
- Consumer Forum – File online at consumerhelpline.gov.in with invoice and screenshots.
- ASCI Complaint – Submit misleading ad screenshots at ascionline.org.
- NCDRC / State Commission – Escalate if district forum does not resolve.
- Police FIR – Use Choice4Voice.com’s FIR draft template for cheating or fraud.
- Cyber Complaint – Report fake online transactions via official government portal.
Pre-Drafted Complaint Templates Available on Choice4Voice.com
- Consumer Forum Complaint Draft
- ASCI Misleading Advertisement Complaint
- Cyber Crime Portal Complaint
- Bank / Payment Gateway Escalation Email
- FIR Draft for Cheating Cases
Q&A Section
1. What issue did Gaurav Dadi raise against Flipkart and Amazon?
He highlighted misleading discounts where inflated original prices make discounts look bigger.
2. What is the proposed solution for e-commerce pricing?
Displaying highest, lowest, and current prices from the last 365 days.
3. Why is price transparency important during festive sales?
It builds trust, ensures genuine discounts, and prevents customer exploitation.
4. Which law covers misleading discounts in India?
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
5. Can misleading discounts be considered fraud?
Yes, under IPC 420 if fraudulent intent is proven.
6. Which department handles e-commerce consumer complaints?
The Consumer Forum under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
7. Can ASCI act against misleading festive advertisements?
Yes, the Advertising Standards Council of India regulates misleading ads.
8. How can a customer file a complaint online?
Through consumerhelpline.gov.in.
9. What role does the Competition Commission of India play?
It ensures fair pricing and prevents monopolistic practices.
10. What remedies are available if Flipkart cancels an order unfairly?
Consumers can demand refund, compensation, and file a case in consumer court.
11. Are Amazon and Flipkart bound by Indian consumer laws?
Yes, all e-commerce players must comply with Indian consumer protection laws.
12. How does Choice4Voice.com support consumers?
By publishing complaints, providing templates, and guiding legal escalation.
13. Can collective consumer complaints be filed?
Yes, multiple consumers can jointly file a class action in consumer court.
14. What evidence should be kept when filing a complaint?
Screenshots of prices, invoices, emails, and advertisements.
15. Can RBI take action in such cases?
Only if payment fraud or banking violations are involved.
16. Is inflating original price before discount legal?
No, it is considered a misleading trade practice.
17. Can consumers demand compensation for mental stress and harassment?
Yes, under the Consumer Protection Act, compensation can be awarded.
18. How long does it take for consumer cases to resolve?
District Forum cases usually take 3–6 months depending on complexity.
19. Are festive sale scams common in India?
Yes, many consumers report fake discounts and delayed deliveries.
20. How can customers stay safe during festive sales?
By tracking price history, buying from trusted sellers, and filing complaints if cheated.
