Is this packaging fee justified?
Today I was exploring mobile offers on flipkart and added a mobile to the cart. Once I opened the cart to see the final price, I was surprised to see a new price head - 'Secured Packaging fee'. Above all the heads - platform fee, delivery fee, packaging fee, there will be additional GST. While some of the prices are justified, these companies are going off the limits to add multiple price heads for profits. I am still unsure about charging Rs 59 as a packaging fee while the core competency of Flipkart is logistics and marketplace.
Definitely it is not justified but they are taking advantage as most of the mobiles these days are platform specific(wrt to discounts they are offering) so buyer is almost left with no choice rather than to order from Flipkart or Amazon.
Yes, if they have to be profitable! We are used to the growth phase of startup’s which provide huge discounts and free delivery. But eventually a 60 rupee packaging to secure a 17k item is necessary.
Indusplateau
Stealth
a month ago
Well walk to your nearest store and try buying, it's might cost your more. Petrol, parking and time
LooseGoose
Stealth
a month ago
The reality of e-commerce is you need to constantly figure out unit economics to stay or move towards profitability. That means revising your costs or adding to them as you see fit for the business.
These costs aren't loaded up without thought, 50-100 rupees can be the difference between an order gained or lost. At scale, wrong pricing or exorbitant hikes can really affect bottom line.
They wouldn't be adding costs if they didn't need to.
The packaging is the same since ages, it cannot be justified, by any chance....
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