Today, more and more purchases are made through the Internet. If delivery is carried out from another locality or even a country, then the question arises of a convenient payment method. In this article, you will learn what cash on delivery is and how to arrange it correctly.
What is cash on delivery?
In simple terms, cash on delivery is a kind of payment method for the parcel at the expense of the recipient. In other words, the sender only needs to fill out a declaration, for which the person to whom it is addressed will pay. This service, provided by Russian Post, is very convenient for those who are used to making purchases via the Internet.
Parcels executed in the status of cash on delivery have special markings and stickers, which allows it to be recognized at the post office. After payment of the declared value, the money is transferred to the sender, notifying him by mail notification. Thus, this system excludes the use of additional payment systems or bank services.
Limitations of cash on delivery
Those who decide to use the cash on delivery option should remember that there are some restrictions on this service. For example, you can not make out a parcel, the cost of which will exceed 10 thousand rubles. Branch employees refuse to declare large amounts, as there is a risk of returning the goods, which will be reimbursed by mail.
Cash on delivery cannot be sent to military units and departments of the so-called field mail. In addition, sending to addresses with the index "YUA" is excluded. In all other cases, there are no restrictions for senders and recipients. However, before you make out the parcel by cash on delivery, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of this method of delivery and payment for the goods.
Advantages and disadvantages of cash on delivery
Of course, any method of payment for goods purchased in an online store has its advantages and disadvantages. So, cash on delivery is convenient to use due to the lack of intermediaries when transferring money. The percentage for the work of the postal service is much lower than with bank transfer. In addition, the seller and the buyer have a guarantee of receipt of goods and payment, which provides mail.
Cash on delivery, however, has its drawbacks. For example, if the client refuses to pay for the goods upon receipt, they have to return it to the sender, who, in turn, must reimburse the postal service for the return shipping. In addition, the recipient does not have the right to examine the contents of the box or small package until it pays for it. For example, in the package you ordered is clothing. Cash on delivery does not allow to evaluate its quality and issue a refund before its reimbursement. That is why, if the product does not meet customer expectations, you have to enter into negotiations with the seller after the transaction.
What is the difference between cash on delivery and mail order?
Many believe that postal order and cash on delivery are one and the same. However, the difference between them is significant. Cash on delivery is carried out as payment for the received parcel or parcel. A postal order is simply a transfer of funds in the name of a person.
For purchases of any items only cash on delivery is suitable. Stores that sell computer games or e-books can accept mail orders, since in return they only need to send a virtual code or file directly to the buyer's computer.
How to make cash on delivery?
In order to purchase any item by cash on delivery, you need to provide the seller with the following data:
- Full surname, name and patronymic of the recipient.
- The exact postal address, including the postal code of the nearest post office.
- Email address (if available), which may be required in case of missing package.
- Mobile and home phone numbers where postal staff can contact you.
In addition, when buying a thing over the Internet, accurately indicate its characteristics, such as color, size, material and so on. It often happens that upon receipt of the goods does not live up to expectations. This risk most often includes equipment, shoes or clothing.
Cash on delivery as a sender can be made directly at the post office, providing accurate details of the recipient and stating the value and cost of the parcel. Mail staff will orient on tariff zones and help to carefully pack the forwarded item.
How else can I pay for goods in the online store?
If you are confident in the quality of the purchased goods, then you can use the following methods of payment:
- Transfer to the bank account of the seller or his bank card. In this case, you can make an advance payment or make the full cost of the goods.
- Payment via electronic payment system (WebMoney, Qiwi, "Yandex. Money").
- Cash payment to the courier upon receipt. This method is suitable if the online store is located in your village.
The choice of the method of payment for purchases is a purely individual matter and depends on the value of the purchased goods and how well the online store is known. Cash on delivery can be recommended only in those cases when you are fully confident in the quality of the purchase and the good faith of the seller.