The festive Diwali season drew millions of enthusiastic shoppers to Flipkart’s online sale, eager for significant discounts on electronics, gadgets, and smartphones. A major highlight was the Nothing Phone 3, which was priced as low as Rs 39,999, nearly half its original cost of Rs 79,999. However, what began as a celebration of savings quickly turned into frustration for many customers. Within hours of the sale’s launch, social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), was inundated with complaints about order cancellations and delayed deliveries. This chaos mirrored problems faced during the iPhone 16 launch, underscoring ongoing challenges in handling massive festival-season demand.
Tipster Abhishek Yadav shared a screenshot indicating that his Nothing Phone 3 order for Rs 26,000 was unexpectedly cancelled by Flipkart sellers due to an “incorrectly listed price.” He humorously remarked, “Those who bought via Flipkart Minutes and got their delivery last night were the lucky ones.” The screenshot confirmed he received a total refund of Rs 23,956, along with 50 reward coins, leaving many to question the reliability of the sale’s logistics. Other customers reported even more distressing experiences. One user described a record-breaking eight failed pickup attempts for a return that was initially scheduled for October 3, with the item not being collected until October 7.
The user also noted the cancellation of an installation set for October 2, followed by repeated unsuccessful pickup attempts on consecutive days. Clearly, Flipkart’s logistics network was struggling to manage the overwhelming festival demand, resulting in frustration and anxiety among buyers. Industry experts observe that high-volume sales events like Diwali often push e-commerce platforms to their breaking points. While flash discounts entice shoppers, they can also lead to inventory mismatches, order cancellations, and logistical challenges, as seen with Flipkart this year. The platform is recognized for its attractive deals, but these recent disruptions highlight the need for enhancements in backend systems and delivery management during peak shopping times.
For consumers, this situation serves as a reminder that while irresistible offers exist, patience and vigilance are crucial when purchasing high-demand products during significant sales. Flipkart has not yet issued a detailed response regarding the widespread cancellations and delivery challenges, but users continue to share their experiences online, exacerbating the frustration. Despite these issues, the Nothing Phone 3 deal remains one of the sale’s standout offerings, showcasing the lasting appeal of festival discounts even amid operational difficulties. Customers are hopeful that Flipkart can swiftly address these challenges to rebuild trust and ensure a better experience for the remainder of the sale.