The Internet and eCommerce have completely changed the way people shop online. It has made life easier for everyone. Today visiting a physical store to purchase a product has become a thing of the past. This is because one can order any item from their favorite brand with a few clicks and get it delivered at their address within days. Further, one can choose from a variety of available payment methods and buy the required products online from the available Ecommerce website.
While popular digital payment methods like UPI and online bank transfers have completely changed the way we do online transactions, a majority of Indian customers still prefer cash on delivery as an ideal & reliable option for payments.
For these customers, the assurance of paying only after receiving their order outperforms the quick digital transaction options. Businesses from different niches must provide the cash-on-delivery option as a payment option to avoid losing customers and further sales.
In this blog post, we will explain more about CoD courier services and share a list of top CoD courier companies, along with some helpful tips for choosing the right courier partner that fulfills customer’s needs.
What is a Cash on Delivery Courier Service?
A cash on delivery courier service provides last mile delivery to customers and helps them to pay at the time of final delivery, instead of paying in advance. Here the final payment is collected only after the order has been delivered to the customer’s doorstep. While this method fulfills the customer preferences and builds trust, it also introduces certain kinds of uncertainties.
These are whether the customer will accept the order, pay the full amount, or initiate a return-to-origin (RTO) request. These types of factors can complicate the process. With online payments, the seller typically holds more control, as the payment is already secured.
The customer then bears the responsibility of being available to receive their order at the specified time. In contrast, CoD relies on mutual trust, as sellers ship orders without guaranteed payment, taking on additional risks that can affect their profit margins if the transaction doesn’t go as planned.
To address these challenges, CoD couriers implement safeguards to minimize risks & inefficiencies. These measures include:
- CoD Reconciliation: Ensures accurate payment collection and early COD remittance.
- Proof-of-Delivery Reports: Provides confirmation that the order was delivered and payment was received.
- Returns Management: Streamlines the process for handling rejected or returned orders.
Such solutions not only reduce the risks associated with CoD but also enable businesses to offer this payment option effectively. This, in turn gives customers the option to use digital payments and to better engage in eCommerce confidently. This results in increasing the overall reach of online shopping.
India’s Top Cash on Delivery (COD) Service Providers in 2025
Below we have listed some of the popular COD courier service companies in India that provide secure payment collection and delivery for eCommerce businesses and help them to grow.
1. Delhivery
Delhivery has become a powerhouse in the Indian logistics industry with its roots in Delhi and nearby cities like Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad. Their COD services foster trust between sellers and buyers, offering transparency and reliability. With flexible pricing—typically ₹50 or 2% of the COD value—Delhivery ensures affordability while maintaining high standards, making them a go-to choice for many businesses.
2. XpressBees
Understanding the importance of COD for Indian consumers, XpressBees has developed a robust system that allows customers to inspect products before payment. This trust-building mechanism has made XpressBees a reliable partner for businesses looking to enhance customer confidence.
3. Shadowfax
Shadowfax has been redefining the Indian COD logistics industry for the past five years and providing door-to-door services that focus more on punctuality and security. For businesses that are looking to build trust, Shadowfax’s reliable COD offerings are indispensable. This helps to earn a top spot among India’s COD service providers.
4. FedEx
Known globally for its logistics expertise, FedEx tailors its COD services to the needs of the Indian market. Their system allows shippers to collect invoice values via payment methods while offering real-time shipment updates. With transparent pricing and world-class service, FedEx remains a trusted partner for COD deliveries.
5. DTDC
Since 1990, DTDC has balanced tradition and innovation, evolving with advanced IT infrastructure. Their COD services offer flexibility, including UPI and digital payment options upon delivery, catering to modern customer needs. This blend of adaptability and reliability solidifies DTDC’s position in the logistics sector.
6. Ekart
Ekart’s two decades of logistics expertise, combined with its pioneering role in eCommerce, make it a key player in COD services. Having launched COD with Flipkart in 2009, Ekart has refined its processes, ensuring smooth cash reconciliation and dependable service for businesses across India.
7. Ecom Express
With over 70% of its shipments being COD orders, Ecom Express has a proven track record of reliability. Their automated systems and swift 2-day COD remittance help businesses maintain cash flow, making them a preferred partner for eCommerce sellers.
8. Blue Dart
Blue Dart excels in managing COD transactions, using a sophisticated API structure to ensure seamless payment processing. Once the consignee pays in cash upon delivery, funds are promptly returned to the shipper. It helps Blue Dart’s reputation for excellence in logistics.
9. India Post
Blending traditional postal services with modern eCommerce demands, India Post offers a well-structured COD service for bulk customers handling high-value goods, with a cap of ₹50,000 per consignment. Available for Express Parcel, Business Parcel, and Speed Post users, their service ensures reliability and efficiency in COD transactions.
These top COD service providers ensure businesses can cater to customers who prefer cash payments, helping bridge the gap between traditional and digital commerce in India.
Conclusion
For many online businesses in India from different niches, Cash on Delivery always remains a crucial payment method that drives sales and helps in building trust with customers. While digital payments are gaining momentum, CoD continues to hold its ground as a preferred option for thousands of consumers.
However, this pay-on-delivery model comes with its own set of challenges. These are delayed remittance and potential risks like CoD fraud.
What’s the solution? Partnering with a reliable courier aggregator like Shipway can help address these issues. Shipway’s shipping automation platform provides quick COD remittance, access to the best courier service providers and efficient ecommerce order fulfillment, businesses can streamline their operations and maximize the benefits of offering COD.
Additionally, with Shipway’s RTO suite, ecommerce businesses can reduce RTO losses due to fraud COD orders and save 10% or more on their overall logistics costs.
A
Can I send a courier with Cash on Delivery in India?
Yes, you can. Many popular courier companies in India provide Cash-on-Delivery options. It allows recipients to pay for their order upon delivery and hence makes it a popular choice for eCommerce transactions. To ensure a smooth experience, choose a courier that meets your requirements, such as coverage area, payment collection efficiency, and CoD value limits.
Which courier service company is best for Cash on Delivery?
Among the top options, Delhivery is often counted as one of the best CoD service providers in India. This is due to the availability of their integration with eCommerce platforms, efficient order pickups, round-the-clock customer support, and transparent pricing (₹50 or 2% of the CoD value). This makes it a preferred choice for businesses. Businesses can also use Shipway’s courier aggregator to partner with multiple cash-on-delivery carriers in India.
Does DTDC provide a Cash on Delivery option to customers?
Yes, DTDC provides Cash-on-Delivery services to its customers. They have an advanced IT infrastructure and logistics systems. The team at DTDC makes sure of optimal delivery and payment collection process. Customers can pay via cash or digital methods like UPI, card, etc once they receive their orders. This makes DTDC a reliable option for eCommerce businesses.
How to set up Cash-on-Delivery for online business in India?
To implement CoD for your online ecommerce store in India, follow these steps:
- Select a Reliable Logistics Partner: Choose from top providers like Delhivery, DTDC, Ekart, or Ecom Express, which specialize in CoD services, or partner with a shipping aggregator like Shipway.
- Integrate the Courier Service: Use the logistics partner’s API to connect their system with your eCommerce platform. This automates order processing and tracking. Shipway allows easy one-click integration with Shopify, Woocommerce, Wix and other such POS channels.
- Define CoD Parameters: Set a maximum CoD order limit, typically capped at ₹50,000 in India. Ensure compliance with regulations and exclude restricted items from CoD shipping.
- Manage Fees: Clearly communicate CoD charges to customers, whether as a flat fee or a percentage of the order value, to maintain transparency and trust.
- Monitor and Update Policies: You need to regularly review your CoD policies to stay aligned with changing customer preferences and regular industry standards.
By following these steps, you can effectively offer CoD as a payment option and cater to a broader customer base in India.
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