How do we enable cash on delivery (COD) as a US store shipping internationally

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Topic summary

US retailer seeks to offer cash on delivery (COD) for international shipments (especially Asia), asking whether major carriers (FedEx, DHL) support COD and how to opt in. They also ask if Shopify’s COD app (noted as India-only) can work for a US store selling to India, and for partner/app suggestions; they are willing to pay extra fees.

Response advises against COD due to high fraud and return rates. Recommends using Delivery Duty Paid (DDP), where duties/taxes are prepaid by the merchant, eliminating customer post-purchase steps, reducing returns, and improving experience; this requires a full landed cost calculator.

For EU/UK, suggests leveraging Low Value Consignment schemes for eligible low-value orders to lower cost and speed delivery; these require registrations and support from specialized providers (an example vendor was mentioned).

Open points: No concrete answer on which carriers offer COD or how a US store can enable it via Shopify or partners. The thread remains unresolved with key operational details unanswered.

Summarized with AI on February 10. AI used: gpt-5.
1

We are a US store but we ship internationally. One of the common requests we have is to enable cash on delivery throughout places like Asia. I’m happy to enable this but I’m having trouble piecing the information together.

If we ship to X country, the carrier will go to the door, call them, etc. to deliver the package. Upon delivery or pick up, the customer then has to pay them for the price of the items. All good there. But do most shipping companies offer this eg Fedex, DHL, etc. and if so how do we opt into this kind of service? I’m looking for any solution to offer this to our international community as a US company.

I see the COD app by Shopify that says India only. That is one of the top markets asking for this but is only for Indian based companies? Is there an app or partner anyone can suggest so we can enable easier payments to India or other countries? It’s OK if they charge a currency conversion fee or some form of shipping and handling. I’m more than happy to pay a little more to enter this market and please that customer segment. Most of the apps I see in the Shopify app store are related to security and fraud but not the logistics of getting it from A to B.

2

Hi Shoeseller,

We do not recommend COD as a delivery solution. Not only fraud, but also extremely high rates of returns.

A better option is Delivery Duty Paid, DDP. Although likely more expensive, it SHOULD not require post-purchase actions from the customer. Reduces returns and improves customer experience. You will need a full landed cost calculator for this.

If applicable, there are the schemes for Low Value Consignment deliveries in EU and UK. Cheaper delivery, faster, simpler customer procedure and happier customers. Does require registrations and help from dedicated companies such as us, EAS Project (www.easproject.com).