Flipkart, Amazon face Centre probe for charging ₹100 platform fee, Union minister promises strict action
Trade Union Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said on Friday that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has explored complaints against e-commerce platforms to apply random wages by several customers.
Joshi, which is called “a dark pattern ılan that benefits from customers to the application, said that in an article in X, a strict action will be taken against them.
“The Ministry of Consumer Affairs received complaints against e-commerce platforms, which are classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits consumers. he said.
This comes after hundreds of customers, e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, after entering the social media that complains to add what they call unfounded wages when they order something online. A few consumers claimed that these platforms have applied high platform fees especially during festive sales and also demanded cash in delivery.
“A detailed investigation was launched to examine these platforms closely, and a strict process will be held against those who violate consumer rights to ensure transparency in India’s growing e-commerce sector and to maintain fair practices.” He said.
Flipkart, Amazon hike fees in the middle of the festival sales
Prahlad Joshi’s comments are accused of applying high accusations to customers in the midst of festive sales on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, and charging hundreds of rupees commissions.
Although Joshi does not call any platform, he shared a screenshot published by a user complaining about Flipkart. In the screenshot, Flipkart’s total La226 paid – La99 as platform fees, La48 ‘Payment Processing Fees’ and La79 As something called ‘Protect promises’.
Total order in this way La24.225 for a product that he thinks he will buy for a product La23.999 after the discount.
Flipkart, Amazon, Zomato Face Consumer Heat
“Forget the rain fee of Zomato/Swiggy/Zepto,” he wrote.
“Look at Flipkart’s Masterstroke:
• Offer fee (to give me a discount you advertise ??)
• Payment transport fee (for allowing me to pay you ??)
• Promise the promise fee (what is it protecting me from satisfaction?), “He said when publishing a screenshot of purchase.
He said that many other platforms also charge such fees.
The complainant, “This is not just about Flipkart. Many platforms normalize extra fees. Amazon with similar accusations, Zomato ‘festival fee’, ‘connection fee’ adds Lenskart… And the list continues,” he said.
Many users have admitted that online platforms receive arbitrary fees in the festival and sales season.
“I was charged by 100RS by Flipkart Becoz, delivery man will come and open the product and confirm me. Now I would say no and what the product is more damaged than? [sic]A user replied.
