Camera-maker Nikon has warned its customers that leading e-commerce players Flipkart and Snapdeal are not the company's authorised partners in India, becoming the first electronic consumer product firm to specifically disassociate with the online retailers.
The announcement, however, does not appear to have any immediate consequence, as the company’s products are still up for sale on both Flipkart and Snapdeal.
“Please note that Flipkart (Flipkart Internet Private Limited) and Snapdeal (Jasper Infotech Private Limited) are not our authorized partner/dealer in India for Nikon products,” the company said in a statement.
However, industry insiders say that this move could be prompted by several physical electronic product retailers protesting against the undercutting of prices that e-tailers are often accused of doing. “The implications are unclear as of now. There are offline players who can’t match the prices that online retailers put up. Nikon’s statement could be to clearly distinguish between offline retail chains and online players,” said a senior executive at a physical electronics retail chain. Flipkart, however, has pointed out that Nikon customers who buy on Flipkart will continue to enjoy warranty and services.
“While we cannot comment on specifics, we can assure customers buying Nikon products on Flipkart.com that the products are genuine. Customers will not be affected, and will continue to enjoy the warranty and services as before,” a Flipkart spokesperson said.
Snapdeal too has reassured its customers. "We take utmost care to list products only by those sellers who have the required authorization to sell these products. Customers can rest assured that all the products including Nikon products which are available on Snapdeal.com are genuine," a snapdeal spokesperson said.
