How Xiaomi has taken me for a ride (an expensive one)

After much research I ordered a Redmi 2 Prime from the Mi India website on 1st Nov.
I was a little hesitant because I read online that their customer support is one of the worst in the cellphone business.
But since I had seen many friends using the phone in China, I decided to go for it.
Also, I needed the phone asap so I didn’t opt for the discount scheme (500 off Diwali sale) or any other E-com website

I was pleasantly surprised when it was shipped and delivered on 3rd Nov.

Immediately after opening the box, I found the speakers to be non functional. I.E. no sound of videos/music/ringtones etc. That is when my surprise turned to horror and shock.

So, I sent them an email immediately on the 3rd November stating the problem. I received no reply and every single email bounced back.,
Finally, the next day I was able to get through to the helpline number after trying atleast 70-80 times.

The call center employee, Ms. Shivani, directed me to do various hardware tests and concluded I had to go to the service center.(Complaint No. 707815)

My wife had to skip work and had to travel to the call center and spend 4-5 hours commuting and waiting in line.

The gave me a copy of the work order which I had to scan and email them to get a replacement.
Again every single email bounced back.

That’s when I got miffed. I facebooked and tweeted Manu Kumar Jain, Xiaomi India and every single Xiaomi person I thought would help.
No replies!!

Then I called up the call center on 7th Nov and they said we will email you with details about the replacement.
Still nothing!!

So, this is what i felt happened here.
Xiaomi, for blocking my order in the higher price category, immediately ships me a faulty phone.
Their “policy” only guarantees a replacement if there is a complaint within 10 days.
So, now they are sitting pretty with my money and I am sitting furious with a phone that I can’t use.

Taking into account the time and costs I spent emailing/writing/calling these guys and my wife skipping work, travelling and wasting a day, I would not recommend anyone to buy a Xiaomi product.
You would be better off going for a better, more well known brand.

Because If its Xiaomi, its all BUYER BEWARE!