Cash on Delivery (COD): Best Practices for Higher Collection

COD remains a preferred option for many Indian customers. Use these practices to improve collection and reduce loss.

1. Verify high-value COD orders

For orders above a threshold, consider a quick phone or OTP check. It cuts fraud and wrong addresses.

2. Set clear expectations

Mention COD amount and "pay on delivery" in confirmation SMS/email. Reduces refusal due to confusion.

3. Choose COD-friendly carriers

Some carriers have better COD collection and remittance cycles. Pick partners that settle faster and report accurately.

4. Act fast on NDR

If the first attempt fails, use NDR workflows to update contact or reattempt quickly. Delayed follow-up increases RTO.

5. Analyse RTO and refusal reasons

Track why orders come back: wrong address, customer unavailable, refused. Fix checkout, communication, or product issues accordingly.

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ShipPrime supports COD across multiple carriers, gives you NDR actions (reattempt, update contact, mark RTO), and helps you see performance by carrier and pincode.