There’s a lack of trust in Bangladesh digital marketplace!
There, I said it.
While e-commerce is rapidly growing, it’s still relatively new here.
This lack of maturity means COD is less a convenience and more a signal of a broken trust system, creating friction for everyone involved:
👉 The Customer’s Side
– Customers want to inspect the item before handing over cash, as the return process can often be difficult and uncertain.
– Holding onto their money until the item arrives is the ultimate insurance policy against unreliable logistics.
👉 The Merchant’s Side
– Merchants bear the full cost of shipping and logistics for items that are refused at the door.
– Some sellers are prey to fraudulent orders, where buyers simply refuse to collect the package, or worse, dispute the contents after receiving the item.
– Funds are tied up with the courier service until the payment is processed, slowing down the merchant’s crucial cash flow.
For e-commerce in Bangladesh to mature and unlock its full potential, we need to move beyond this.
✔️ Brands must consistently deliver what they promise.
✔️ Easy, guaranteed, and reliable returns remove the customer’s risk.
✔️ Promoting safer digital payment methods and prepayment discounts that offer consumer protection will slowly make advance payments the norm.
Only by building a strong system of trust can we leave the reliance on COD and allow the e-commerce sector to truly thrive.
I believe Bangladesh will get there very soon. ✨