Cash on Delivery in Indian Dropshipping: Should You Offer It?
In India, Cash on Delivery (COD) isn’t just a payment option—it’s a trust-building tool. Even in 2025, while much of the world embraces seamless digital transactions, a large segment of Indian consumers still feels more secure paying in cash, once the product is in their hands.
But here’s the catch: when you’re running a dropshipping business, offering COD isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. It brings its own set of challenges that can impact your profits, logistics, and overall customer experience.
In this article, we’ll explore whether Cash on Delivery in Indian dropshipping is a smart move or a ticking time bomb. From benefits and hidden pitfalls to expert tips on managing COD effectively, this is your go-to guide before making the call.
Why COD Matters in the Indian Market
India is a unique eCommerce ecosystem. Despite increasing adoption of UPI and digital wallets, a huge percentage of online shoppers still trust COD as their go-to payment option.
Key Stats:
Over 60% of online transactions in tier 2 and 3 cities are still COD-based.
1 in 3 first-time online shoppers prefer COD over prepaid methods.
Trust, lack of digital literacy, and fear of fraud are the main reasons behind this behavior.
For a new or small dropshipping store, especially one trying to build trust, offering COD can significantly increase conversions.
The Pros of Offering Cash on Delivery in Indian Dropshipping
1. Higher Conversion Rates
Customers are more likely to complete a purchase when they don’t have to prepay, especially if they’re new to your store.
Fact: COD can increase order completion rates by 20–40%, particularly in non-metro areas.
2. Builds Trust
Most Indian shoppers are wary of scams or poor-quality products. COD gives them a psychological safety net—they pay only when they receive the product.
3. Wider Audience Reach
By offering COD, you tap into a massive audience that prefers cash transactions—including older users, rural consumers, and smartphone users with limited digital payment experience.
4. No Payment Gateway Dependency
If your payment gateway faces downtime or fails to support Indian banks or wallets properly, COD becomes a solid fallback.
The Hidden Challenges of Cash on Delivery in Indian Dropshipping
Despite its appeal, COD isn’t all sunshine and high sales. Here are the key pitfalls that can crush your profits if not managed wisely.
1. High Return-to-Origin (RTO) Rates
This is the biggest pain point. In COD orders, customers often refuse to accept the package, leading to:
Wasted shipping costs
Product loss or damage in return transit
Additional handling and reshipping efforts
RTO rates for COD orders can be as high as 30–40%.
2. Increased Operational Costs
You have to pay the shipping provider extra to handle cash, plus you bear the cost of RTO and failed delivery attempts. These charges eat heavily into already-thin dropshipping margins.
3. Complex Cash Flow
Cash collection delays affect liquidity. Courier partners may take 7–15 days to settle COD payments. For dropshippers working with slim capital, this can choke reinvestment cycles.
4. Fraud and Fake Orders
Some buyers misuse COD for pranks or impulsive purchases. They might place an order and refuse it later, knowing there’s no prepaid commitment.
Should You Offer COD in Your Dropshipping Store?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on:
| Criteria | COD Recommended? |
|---|---|
| New Store | ✅ Yes (build trust) |
| High-ticket items | ❌ No (high RTO cost) |
| Fashion or impulse categories | ⚠️ Maybe (test with caution) |
| Repeat customer base | ❌ Less need for COD |
| Tier 2 & 3 city focus | ✅ Strongly recommended |
| Razor-thin profit margins | ❌ No, risk is high |
Best Practices for Managing COD in Indian Dropshipping
If you decide to offer COD, here are smart ways to minimize its risks:
1. Add COD Charges
Charge a small fee (e.g., ₹49–₹99) to discourage casual buyers and cover RTO costs.
2. Enable COD for Select Products Only
Avoid offering COD on high-value or high-return items like lingerie, electronics, or custom products.
3. Implement Order Verification
Use OTP confirmation or WhatsApp follow-ups to validate orders before shipping.
4. Partner With COD-Friendly Dropshipping Suppliers
To offer Cash on Delivery in Indian dropshipping, work with Dropshipping suppliers who support COD logistics. Look for fast shipping, branded packaging, and RTO management.
5. Track RTO Analytics
Monitor your RTO data by:
Product category
Region
Order value
This helps you optimize what items should or shouldn’t be sold via COD.
6. Use “COD Available” As a Marketing Hook
Highlighting COD availability in ads or product pages can boost CTR and conversions—especially in Facebook or Instagram ads targeting Bharat audiences.
What Successful Indian Dropshippers Are Doing
Many Indian dropshipping brands take a hybrid approach:
They offer COD + Prepaid options.
They incentivize prepaid by offering discounts (e.g., “Get ₹50 off on prepaid orders”).
They limit COD to repeat-verified customers or use it only during launch periods to build initial traction.
Dropshippers working with white-label partners like Snazzyway have additional advantages because they can add custom packaging and brand labels—this improves trust and reduces COD-related cancellations.
Conclusion: To COD or Not to COD?
Offering Cash on Delivery in Indian dropshipping is a double-edged sword. While it can boost your sales and customer trust, it also comes with risks that can hurt your profit margins if left unmanaged.
The key is to approach COD strategically:
Use it to build trust.
Track and optimize RTO data.
Combine it with prepaid incentives.
Work with reliable shipping and fulfillment partners.
If you play your cards right, COD can be your best ally in growing a trustworthy and scalable dropshipping business in the Indian market.