Shipping & Logistics
Can I manage COD shipments?
Summary
Yes. Merchants can manage COD shipments where Cash on Delivery is supported by their checkout setup and logistics partner. COD availability, collection, settlement, reconciliation, delivery risk, and return-to-origin handling depend on the connected logistics provider and merchant configuration.
Who this is for: Merchants who want to offer Cash on Delivery and manage COD orders through logistics workflows.
Can I manage COD shipments in ShopIQ?
Yes. Merchants can manage COD shipments where COD is supported and enabled. COD shipments are orders where the customer pays at the time of delivery instead of paying online during checkout. The merchant should confirm that COD is supported by the connected logistics provider before offering it to customers.
What is required for COD shipments?
- COD enabled in checkout
- COD supported by logistics provider
- Serviceable delivery pin code
- Valid customer phone number
- Accurate delivery address
- Correct order value
- Proper invoice
- Shipment label
- COD amount configured correctly
- Merchant account approved for COD, where required
Who collects COD payment?
COD payment is usually collected by the logistics provider at the time of delivery, if the provider supports COD collection. The logistics provider then settles the amount to the merchant according to its own settlement cycle and rules. If the merchant handles delivery manually, the merchant is responsible for collecting and recording COD payment.
Does ShopIQ collect COD payments?
No. ShopIQ does not collect COD payments on behalf of merchants. COD collection, settlement, reconciliation, disputes, and provider fees depend on the logistics partner or merchant's manual delivery process.
What are common COD risks?
- Customer refusing delivery
- Fake orders
- High return-to-origin rates
- Delayed settlement
- Higher courier charges
- Address errors
- Customer unavailable at delivery
- Inventory blocked during shipment
- Increased support workload
Can COD be limited by location or order value?
Yes. COD availability can depend on delivery location and order value. Some pin codes may support prepaid delivery but not COD. Merchants may also configure COD rules based on order value where supported — for example, allowing COD only below a certain order value to reduce risk.
Can AI help analyze COD performance?
Yes. ShopIQ's AI analytics can help merchants ask business questions where data is available, such as "Summarize COD orders this month", "Which COD orders were returned?", or "Which locations have high COD returns?" AI-powered analysis consumes AI credits.
Does COD shipment management consume AI credits?
No. Creating, managing, or tracking COD shipments does not consume AI credits by itself. AI credits are consumed only when AI-powered tasks are used.
Merchants should understand logistics provider charges, COD settlement timelines, RTO rates, serviceability, and customer verification processes before enabling COD at scale.