Flipkart, Amazon Start Accepting Orders for Non-essentials in Red Zones in Lockdown 4.0

Flipkart, Amazon and other e-commerce players have started to accept orders for non-essentials even in Red Zones. The Government of India in the latest Lockdown 4.0 guidelines said that “all other activities will be permitted, except those which are specifically prohibited” and e-commerce activities were not mentioned in the prohibited list.

Amazon started to accept orders of non-essentials earlier in the day in Red Zones, while Flipkart has just started to do the same. Nevertheless, both e-commerce portals are yet to fully resume operations in all areas. “We are working hard to resume all services based on the government. Request you to keep checking availability at your Pincode as we strive to expand our serviceability,” says Flipkart.

Some Consumers Await Delivery of Non-essentials from Flipkart Ordered Prior to Lockdown

Several consumers who had ordered non-essentials on a prepaid basis are now waiting for delivery of their respective orders as Amazon and Flipkart will be allowed to deliver in all zones. Some of them even claim to be waiting for the delivery of phones and other non-essentials from the month of March since the first lockdown was announced in India.

Several consumers have shared screenshots of their ordered products, requesting for help, and further clarity on when their product will be delivered. “Order placed on Flipkart in March. The package is stuck at last hub, only 10KMs from my address,” says Pritish Sahoo on Twitter.

“Can you please deliver my phone now as Haridwar and Roorkee are in Green Zone. I have already paid 2 EMIs for this phone but have not received the same till date,” says Nisha Rawat. “Ordered my TV 2 months back. No update. And now it shows that it will be shipped by 30th June,” says Sumit Chokani.

However, Flipkart has responded to consumers saying, “Sorry for the experience. Be assured, we're constantly following up on this and surely will get in touch with you with the further progress of it at the earliest.”