diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 8bea82755f..e30397f163 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -28,6 +28,10 @@ Please use the version selector at the top of the site to ensure you are using t
 
 If you encounter issues, review the [troubleshooting docs][30], [file an issue][4], or talk to us on the [#velero channel][25] on the Kubernetes Slack server.
 
+**NOTE**: The issues section in this repository is for tracking issues for upstream opensource velero.  If you encounter 
+any issues while using a downstream product that consumes velero, like OADP, TMC Data Protection, please make sure to file a
+ticket via the support channel of the product for the initial triage.
+
 ## Contributing
 
 If you are ready to jump in and test, add code, or help with documentation, follow the instructions on our [Start contributing][31] documentation for guidance on how to setup Velero for development.