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OnePlus faces complaints from Indian retailers as Chinese smartphone brand tries to maintain its slice of the market

  • OnePlus, a sub-brand of Oppo, is facing a slew of complaints related to low profit margins and warranty claims in India
  • A local industry association said it will suspend sales from May 1, threatening the progress OnePlus has made in the face of anti-China sentiment

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OnePlus is facing troubles in India, one of its most important markets. Photo: Shutterstock
Ben Jiangin Beijing
Chinese smartphone brand OnePlus is facing multiple grievances against its India operations, from profit margins to warranty and service claims, in another sign of trouble for Chinese brands in the world’s most populous country.
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In a letter to OnePlus India on Wednesday, the South India Organised Retailers Association (ORA) said members of the body had run into an increasing number of unresolved issues related to selling the company’s products, moving them to suspend sales of the products from May 1, according to reports from The Economic Times and other local media.

“Despite our persistent efforts to address these concerns with your company, little progress or resolution has been achieved,” the trade body said in its letter addressing Ranjeet Singh, the sales director of OnePlus India, according to The Economic Times. “Promises made have not been fulfilled.”

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“ORA painfully wishes to inform our collective decision to halt the retail of OnePlus products in our establishments from 1st May, 2024,” it added.

Some issues the body listed include alleged low profit margins on OnePlus products, making it challenging for retailers to sustain their businesses. Complex warranty and repair processes were another concern, as they frustrated both customers and retailers, according to the media reports.

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