How to Enable Cash on Delivery on Your E-commerce Website?

QuickDaak May 28, 2025 ·1 writeup ·joined May 2025

10 min read

Running an online store comes with many responsibilities. One of the most important decisions you need to make is choosing the right payment methods for your customers. While digital payments like credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets are popular, many customers still prefer to pay with cash.

This is where Cash on Delivery (COD) comes in. COD is a payment option where your customer pays in cash when they receive their order. It’s a great way to build trust with new customers and increase your sales.

In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about enabling cash on delivery on your e-commerce website. We will guide you step-by-step and help you understand how it works, why it’s important, and how to set it up.

What Is Cash on Delivery (COD)?

Cash on Delivery (COD) is a type of payment method where customers pay for their purchase only after they receive the product. Instead of paying online while placing an order, they hand over cash to the delivery person when the item is delivered to their doorstep.

Why Do Customers Like COD?

Many customers feel safer using cash. Some do not trust online payments, especially if they are shopping from your store for the first time. Others may not have access to digital payment options. Offering COD can make shopping easier and more comfortable for these customers.

Note:- Start offering Cash On Delivery in India today and win the trust of millions of customers who prefer paying at their doorstep. Whether you're a small business or a growing brand, enabling COD can take your online store to the next level.

Why Should You Offer Cash on Delivery?

1. Gain Customer Trust

When people shop online, they want to feel secure. With COD, customers know they can check the product before they pay. This helps build trust in your brand, especially if your business is still new.

2. Increase Sales

Many people abandon their shopping carts at checkout. One big reason is limited payment options. If you offer COD, more people are likely to complete their purchases.

3. Attract More Customers

Some customers prefer cash over cards. When you provide COD, you open the door to a wider audience, including those who are not comfortable with online payments.

What You Need Before Enabling COD

Before you add cash on delivery to your e-commerce site, you need a few things in place.

1. Reliable Delivery Partner

You must work with a courier or delivery company that supports COD. Not all delivery services collect cash on your behalf. Make sure your delivery partner can handle cash and deposit it into your account safely.

2. Clear Return and Refund Policies

You should have a proper system in place for returns and refunds. Sometimes customers may refuse to accept the product or want to return it. Having clear policies helps prevent confusion and protects your business.

3. Website Platform That Supports COD

Most popular website platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce offer built-in options to add COD. Check your platform’s settings or plugins section.

How to Enable Cash on Delivery on Your Website

Now let’s walk through the steps to set up COD on different types of e-commerce platforms.

For Shopify Users

Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform that makes it easy to enable COD.

Step 1: Go to Payment Settings

Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
Click on Settings, then select Payments.

Step 2: Scroll to Manual Payments

Under the “Manual payment methods” section, click Add manual payment method.

Step 3: Select Cash on Delivery

From the list, choose Cash on Delivery (COD).
You can rename it or add instructions for your customers (optional).
Click Activate.

That’s it! COD is now active on your Shopify store.

For WooCommerce (WordPress) Users

WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that lets you build an online store. Here’s how to enable COD:

Step 1: Open WooCommerce Settings

Go to your WordPress dashboard.
Click on WooCommerce, then Settings.

Step 2: Choose the Payments Tab

Click on the Payments tab at the top of the settings page.

Step 3: Enable Cash on Delivery

Find Cash on Delivery in the list.
Click Enable, then click Manage to add extra settings.
You can set rules like available shipping methods or limit COD to certain regions.

Click Save Changes, and you’re done!

For Magento Users

Magento is a powerful platform used by larger businesses.

Step 1: Go to Payment Methods

Log in to your admin panel.
Go to Stores > Configuration > Sales > Payment Methods.

Step 2: Find Cash on Delivery

Under “Payment Methods”, look for Cash on Delivery.
Click Configure.

Step 3: Turn It On and Set Rules

Enable COD and set the title, countries, minimum and maximum order amounts, and more.
Save the settings.

For Other Platforms

If you are using a custom-built website or another platform, check for plugins, extensions, or consult your developer. Many platforms have similar options to enable manual payments like COD.

Tips for Managing Cash on Delivery Orders

COD is convenient for your customers, but it comes with challenges for your business. Here are a few tips to manage it smoothly:

1. Confirm Orders Before Shipping

Always confirm the customer’s phone number or email before shipping a COD order. This helps avoid fake or accidental orders.

2. Set a COD Limit

You can set a maximum order value for COD. For example, only allow COD for orders under $100. This helps reduce risk in case the customer refuses delivery.

3. Track Your Deliveries

Work with reliable delivery partners who provide tracking for COD shipments. This ensures you know where the package is and when it gets delivered.

4. Train Delivery Staff

If you handle delivery yourself, make sure your team knows how to collect money, provide receipts, and manage returns.

Things to Keep in Mind

While COD is helpful, it does have a few downsides you should be aware of.

1. Risk of Fake Orders

Some customers may place orders and never accept the delivery. This leads to loss of time, money, and resources. Always verify large COD orders.

2. Handling Cash Is Risky

If your delivery team carries a lot of cash, it could be unsafe. Make sure they follow safety protocols.

3. Returns Can Be Complicated

When someone pays cash, processing a refund takes longer. You may need to issue a bank transfer or store credit.

Despite these challenges, many stores still find COD to be worth it because of the trust and convenience it offers.

How to Inform Customers About COD Option

Once COD is live on your website, you should let your customers know.

1. Mention It on Product Pages

Add a line that says “Cash on Delivery Available” on all your product pages.

2. Highlight It on Checkout Page

Make sure the COD option is clearly visible during the checkout process.

3. Use Banners or Popups

Show a banner or popup on your homepage that says “We Now Accept Cash on Delivery!”

4. Promote on Social Media

Let your followers know on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter that they can now pay by cash.

Conclusion

Enabling cash on delivery on your e-commerce website is a smart move, especially if you are targeting customers who are new to online shopping or prefer to pay in cash. It helps build trust, increase sales, and attract a wider audience.

While there are some risks and extra steps involved, these can be managed with the right strategies and tools.

By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can offer COD on your online store and make your shopping experience more convenient for your customers.