Part of the complete guide: The Complete Guide to Cash-on-Delivery Selling in Pakistan
When a customer asks how to pay, your answer shapes how much they trust you and how much risk you carry. Pakistani buyers use cash on delivery, bank transfers and mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa, and each fits different situations. Here's a plain comparison, so you can decide what to offer.
| Way to pay | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Cash on delivery | New customers, everyday items, buyers who want to see the product first | Refused parcels, slower cash, handling cash |
| Bank transfer | Higher-value orders, repeat customers, made-to-order goods | Customers who don't trust paying first, wrong or missing reference details, checking that the money really arrived |
| Mobile wallet | Smaller orders from buyers who already use a wallet, part payments | Payment screenshots that can be edited, wallet limits, customers unfamiliar with the app |
When cash on delivery is the right default
For most new sellers, it is. The customer sees what they're getting and pays only for what arrives, which removes the biggest fear about buying from someone unknown. The cost is refusals, and you handle that by confirming orders and describing products honestly. The detail is in cash on delivery: pros and cons.
When asking for a part payment first makes sense
- The product is expensive, made to order or hard to resell.
- The customer has refused a parcel before.
- The delivery is far or unusual.
Say plainly what the payment is for and what happens to it if the order is cancelled. Don't ask for a prepayment from a customer you've just met unless you can show them you're trustworthy: real photos, a clear policy and good replies. See how to build customer trust.
Protect yourself and the customer
- Give the payment details in writing, in one message, and double-check the account name and number.
- Check that money has actually arrived in your account or wallet, not just that you've been shown a screenshot.
- Write down the amount, the date and the order it belongs to.
- Send a confirmation once you've received the money.
- Never ask a customer for card numbers, PINs or one-time codes. They should never share these with anyone.
What changes when you sell through a platform
A platform usually has its own rules about how an order is paid, so follow them. If it handles cash on delivery, the rider collects the amount and the platform settles it according to its terms. Don't take side payments for platform orders; that can breach the rules you agreed to.
Keep records whichever way you're paid
Whatever the payment method, write down every order, its amount and its outcome. That's how you can answer a dispute or see your real profit. How to keep simple business records shows a layout.
Common questions
Is it safe to take payment on WhatsApp?
Taking payment details over chat is only as safe as the habits behind it. Give details once, verify that money arrived, never ask for sensitive codes and keep a record.
Can I offer all three?
Yes, if you can keep track of them. Start with cash on delivery and add the others when you have a reason.
Keep reading
More in Cash on delivery and delivery
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