OnePlus smartphone ban by offline retailers: What the company has to say – Times of India

Days after a report claimed that major mobile retail chains in India may stop selling OnePlus smartphones, tablets, and wearables from May 1, the company has issued a statement. Citing a letter sent by the South Indian Organised Retailers Association (ORA) to OnePlus India’s director of sales, Ranjeet Singh, a report by Moneycontrol said that the retailers were having continued issues with the company and decided to stop selling OnePlus products.

What OnePlus has to say on the issue

In a statement to The Times of India, OnePlus said that it is working with the retailers to solve the issue.
“OnePlus values all the support it has received from our trusted retail partners in the last 7 years. At present, we are working with our partners to address the areas highlighted, ensuring our continued commitment to a strong and prosperous relationship going forward,” the company told TOI-Tech.

What retailers complained to OnePlus

Retailers cited low profit margins, delays in processing warranty and service claims as well as forced product bundling as reasons for their decision. As per a report by Moneycontrol, the decision may affect 4,500 stores across 23 retail chains in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
“Throughout the past year, we have encountered significant obstacles associated with selling OnePlus products, which remain unresolved,” said Sridhar TS, president of ORA, in the letter.
The retailers also highlighted delays and complications in processing warranty and service claims, which they say are leading to customer dissatisfaction and additional burdens on their end.
“We have experienced instances where we are compelled to bundle products or services with OnePlus devices, limiting our flexibility and hindering our ability to cater to diverse customer needs. Consequently, this has resulted in stagnant inventory and loss of sales,” Sridhar added.