The quickest way to open an online shop in Bangladesh with Cash on Delivery is to use Multipurc: create a store with "Start free", turn on the Cash on Delivery plugin, and connect a courier such as Pathao, Steadfast or REDX.
The quickest way to open an online shop in Bangladesh with Cash on Delivery is to use Multipurc: create a store with "Start free", turn on the Cash on Delivery plugin, and connect a courier such as Pathao, Steadfast or REDX. Multipurc's COD plugin shows Cash on Delivery as a checkout payment option while it is active, and you can add SSLCommerz later for customers who prefer to pay online. This guide walks through every step, plus how to keep COD returns and fake orders under control.
Why Cash on Delivery Matters in Bangladesh
Cash on Delivery (COD) lets customers pay when the parcel arrives. For many Bangladeshi shoppers, especially first-time buyers from a new shop, it removes the fear of paying for something that never arrives or does not match the photos. Offering COD usually makes new customers more willing to try your store.
COD also brings challenges: refused parcels, fake orders, wasted courier charges and slower cash flow, because money is collected by the courier and settled to you later. A good setup gets the benefits of COD while limiting these risks.
Step 1: Prepare Your Business Basics
- A clear product range and pricing
- Product photos and descriptions
- Delivery charges inside and outside Dhaka
- A return and refund policy
- A phone number customers can call
- A trade licence, if required for your business; see our trade licence guide
Step 2: Create Your Store on Multipurc
Go to multipurc.com and click "Start free". Once your store is created, you get an admin dashboard for products, orders, customers, inventory and settings.
Step 3: Choose a Theme
Pick one of the seven themes in the theme gallery: Aurora, Default Storefront, ElectroMart, Fashion House, FreshCart, Grocery Store or Male Fashion. Use the website customizer to set colours, logo, sections and layouts without code. For a grocery or daily-needs shop, explore the FreshCart demo store to see a fast-checkout layout.
Step 4: Add Products
Add products with sizes, colours and images, and keep pricing and inventory in sync. Write delivery time and charges on product pages so customers are not surprised at checkout.
Step 5: Enable Cash on Delivery
Open the plugins page in your store admin and turn on Cash on Delivery. While active, COD appears as a payment option at checkout. That is all you need to start accepting COD orders.
Step 6: Add Online Payment as an Option
Some customers prefer to pay in advance, and advance payment reduces your COD risk on high-value items. Enable the SSLCommerz plugin, which Multipurc describes as a gateway for online card, mobile banking and internet banking payments. You will need an SSLCommerz merchant account; check their requirements and charges directly.
Step 7: Connect a Courier
COD only works smoothly with a reliable courier that collects cash and settles it to you. Multipurc offers:
- Pathao Courier: delivery orders, tracking and merchant shipping
- Steadfast Courier: parcel booking, tracking and delivery status
- REDX Delivery: parcel booking, tracking and courier status updates
Each courier sets its own merchant terms, COD charges and settlement schedule, so compare them directly. Our article on Pathao, Steadfast and REDX courier integration explains the setup.
Step 8: Reduce Fake Orders and Returns
- Confirm every COD order by phone or message before booking the parcel.
- Use Fake Order Tracking: Multipurc's plugin checks a customer's phone number against courier.com.bd delivery history to spot fake or risky COD orders.
- Ask for the delivery charge in advance from customers with a history of refusals, or on high-value orders, through SSLCommerz.
- Show accurate photos and sizes to avoid "not as described" returns.
- Send order updates with Multipurc's SMS plugins so customers know when to expect the parcel.
- Keep a refusal list and require advance payment from repeat offenders.
Step 9: Set Up Notifications and Policies
Enable an SMS plugin such as BD Bulk SMS or BulkSMSBD for order notification templates, and SMTP for order emails. Publish About, Contact, Privacy, Terms and Refund pages. Clear policies build trust and are often required by payment providers.
Step 10: Test and Launch
Place test orders on mobile and desktop using COD. Check that the order appears in your dashboard, that you can book it with your courier, and that notifications arrive. Then share your store link on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Managing COD Cash Flow
Because couriers collect COD cash and settle it later, keep enough working capital for stock and packaging. Track which parcels are delivered, returned or pending, and reconcile courier settlements with your orders every week. Multipurc's Payment History and Finance tools help you see orders, payouts and money in one view.
COD vs Online Payment: Offer Both
| Cash on Delivery | Online payment (SSLCommerz) | |
|---|---|---|
| Customer trust for new shops | High | Depends on trust |
| Risk of refused parcels | Higher | Lower |
| Cash flow | Delayed via courier | Via gateway settlement |
| Best for | New customers, low-value items | Repeat customers, high-value items |
Offering both lets each customer choose, and lets you require advance payment where risk is high.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open an online shop in Bangladesh with cash on delivery?
Create a store on Multipurc with "Start free", enable the Cash on Delivery plugin, connect Pathao, Steadfast or REDX, add your products and place a test order before launching.
Does Multipurc support Cash on Delivery?
Yes. The Cash on Delivery plugin shows COD as a checkout payment option while it is active.
Which online payment can I add on Multipurc?
Multipurc stores accept online payment through SSLCommerz, alongside Cash on Delivery.
How can I reduce fake COD orders?
Confirm orders before shipping, use Multipurc's Fake Order Tracking plugin to check delivery history, and request advance payment on risky or high-value orders.
Do I need a courier account?
Yes. You need a merchant account with your chosen courier; Multipurc's plugins then connect it to your orders.
Conclusion
Cash on Delivery is still essential for winning new customers in Bangladesh. With Multipurc you can open a store, enable COD, connect a courier and add SSLCommerz for prepaid orders without writing code. Combine COD with order confirmation and fake order checks, and you get the trust benefits without the worst risks. Start free today, or contact [email protected].