There is no single best courier for every online shop in Bangladesh; Pathao, Steadfast and REDX each suit different sellers, and many shops use more than one.
There is no single best courier for every online shop in Bangladesh; Pathao, Steadfast and REDX each suit different sellers, and many shops use more than one. The easiest way to use any of them is through Multipurc, which has plugins for all three: Pathao Courier (delivery orders, tracking and merchant shipping), Steadfast Courier (parcel booking, tracking and delivery status) and REDX Delivery (parcel booking, tracking and courier status updates). This guide explains how to compare couriers and how to set up integration so orders become parcels in a few clicks.
Why Courier Integration Matters
Without integration, every order means copying the customer's name, phone, address and COD amount into the courier's panel by hand. That is slow and error-prone: a wrong digit in a phone number or a missed area can mean a failed delivery. Integration sends order details directly from your store to the courier, returns a tracking ID and keeps delivery status updated in your dashboard.
How to Choose a Courier
Rather than relying on someone else's ranking, evaluate couriers against your own needs. Ask each courier directly, and check their official websites, for:
1. Coverage
Does the courier deliver reliably to the districts and upazilas where your customers live? Coverage and speed can differ between Dhaka, other cities and rural areas.
2. Delivery charges
Charges usually vary by area, weight and delivery speed. Ask for current rate cards; rates change, so we do not quote them here.
3. COD charge and settlement
Most sellers in Bangladesh rely on Cash on Delivery. Ask what the courier charges for COD collection and how often it settles collected cash to your bank or mobile account.
4. Pickup
Will the courier pick up from your location, and how often? Or must you drop parcels at a hub?
5. Returns
How are refused or returned parcels handled and charged? Returns directly affect your profit.
6. Tracking and support
Clear tracking reduces "where is my order?" calls. Check how responsive merchant support is when something goes wrong.
7. Integration
Does your ecommerce platform support the courier? With Multipurc, all three have ready plugins.
Pathao, Steadfast and REDX on Multipurc
| Feature on Multipurc | Pathao Courier | Steadfast Courier | REDX Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plugin available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Booking from orders | Delivery orders | Parcel booking | Parcel booking |
| Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Status updates | Merchant shipping | Delivery status | Courier status updates |
The descriptions above come from Multipurc's plugins page. Coverage, charges and settlement terms are set by each courier, so confirm them with the courier.
Using More Than One Courier
Many shops connect two couriers:
- One for Dhaka deliveries and one for outside Dhaka
- A backup when the main courier is delayed
- Different couriers for small parcels and bulky items
Because Multipurc's courier plugins live in the same dashboard, you can choose the courier per order.
Setting Up Courier Integration on Multipurc
- Open a merchant account with your chosen courier(s).
- Collect your API credentials or merchant details from the courier.
- In your Multipurc store admin, enable the Pathao, Steadfast or REDX plugin.
- Enter the credentials and pickup details, then save.
- Open a test order and book it through the courier.
- Confirm that the tracking ID and status appear on the order.
A Simple Courier Trial Plan
If you are unsure which courier suits you, run a short, structured trial instead of guessing:
- Pick two couriers and connect both plugins in Multipurc.
- Split orders for a few weeks, for example by sending orders inside Dhaka through one and outside Dhaka through the other, then swapping.
- Record the results for each parcel: pickup time, delivery time, whether it was delivered, refused or returned, and any damage.
- Compare total cost per delivered order, including delivery charges, COD charges and the cost of returns, not just the headline rate.
- Check settlement: how quickly COD cash reached you and whether the amounts matched.
- Note support quality: how fast issues were resolved.
After the trial, keep the courier that performed best for each type of delivery, and keep the other connected as a backup. Repeat the review every few months, because coverage and service levels can change. This approach gives you a decision based on your own data rather than on general opinions.
Tips to Reduce Failed Deliveries
- Confirm COD orders before booking.
- Collect complete addresses including area and a landmark.
- Use Fake Order Tracking: Multipurc's plugin checks phone numbers against courier.com.bd delivery history to flag risky COD orders.
- Notify customers with SMS when the parcel is dispatched.
- Package well so parcels arrive undamaged.
- Review return reasons each week and fix the causes.
Read our guide on reducing Cash on Delivery returns for more.
Courier Integration and Customer Experience
Fast, predictable delivery is part of your brand. Show estimated delivery times on product pages, send tracking information, and respond quickly when a parcel is delayed. A fashion store, for example, benefits from clear size guides and reliable exchanges; see how product pages look on the Fashion House demo store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which courier is best for an online shop in Bangladesh?
It depends on your customers' locations, parcel types and COD needs. Compare Pathao, Steadfast and REDX on coverage, charges, COD settlement and returns. Multipurc integrates all three, so you can use whichever fits, or several.
Does Multipurc integrate with Pathao, Steadfast and REDX?
Yes. Multipurc has plugins for Pathao Courier, Steadfast Courier and REDX Delivery, covering booking and tracking.
Can I use two couriers on one store?
Yes. Enable more than one courier plugin and choose the courier per order.
Do I need my own courier merchant account?
Yes. The plugins connect your existing merchant account with each courier to your Multipurc store.
Where can I find courier charges?
On each courier's official website or from their merchant team; charges change over time.
Conclusion
Pathao, Steadfast and REDX each have strengths, and the best choice depends on your coverage, COD and return needs. What matters most is integrating your courier so orders flow straight from your store to delivery. Multipurc's courier plugins let you book and track with any of the three from one dashboard. Start free on Multipurc, or contact [email protected].