COD built Bangladeshi e-commerce, and it still drives most order volume. But fake orders and refused parcels can quietly bankrupt a small seller. The playbook below keeps COD's upside while capping its risk.
1. Confirm before dispatch
A confirmation call or WhatsApp message filters out the fake and the impulsive.
2. Score your customers
Track refusal history by phone number; repeat refusers earn prepaid-only status.
3. Partial advance on high tickets
Even a 10-20% bKash advance transforms commitment on expensive items.
4. Incentivise prepaid gently
Free delivery or a small discount for advance payment shifts the mix without forcing it.
5. Watch courier remittance cycles
COD cash sitting with the courier for two weeks is your working capital on loan.
6. Insure the fragile
Damage-in-transit disputes hurt twice under COD; package accordingly.
7. Measure the true COD cost
Returns, calls and cash handling often add up to more than gateway fees would.
A healthy mature store in Bangladesh typically runs 60-70% COD trending downward. Build the systems that make prepaid feel safe, and the mix improves on its own.
