Imagine that a young entrepreneur in Jaipur establishes her online business that deals in selling home decor made by the hands of the craftsmen. Her online marketing is on point, her images are flawless, yet the sales are not following suit. Then she switches on cash on delivery (COD) and in a jiffy, orders are received. This is not a mere coincidence and it is an indication to how Indian shoppers still hold the trust and convenience that COD provides. COD has become a lifeline for businesses that are looking to reach a wider audience, especially in smaller towns and villages where digital payment options are still gaining ground.
Why Cash on Delivery Still Works in India
Even as online payments grow, COD remains one of India’s most trusted payment modes. For many customers, paying after receiving the product feels safer and more transparent.
According to e-commerce data, nearly 45–50% of online shoppers in Tier-II and Tier-III cities prefer COD. Here’s why:
- Trust factor: Many first-time buyers hesitate to share card details or UPI IDs online.
- Limited digital access: In semi-urban and rural areas, internet or payment app issues make COD easier.
- Control over purchase: Customers appreciate being able to check the product before paying.
For sellers, offering COD isn’t outdated – it’s strategic. It builds credibility and helps reach customers in areas where digital payments haven’t fully caught on. This is particularly true in regions where mobile networks and internet penetration are still evolving, making COD a more accessible and practical choice.
Step-by-Step: How to Register for GST Online
Before you can start offering products on any online marketplace and enable cash on delivery options, you’ll need a GST registration. Here’s a simple walkthrough for individuals and small business owners:
Step 1: Visit the GST Portal
Go to the official GST website – www.gst.gov.in. Click on “Register Now” under the “Taxpayers” section.
Step 2: Choose “New Registration”
Select “Taxpayer” under “I am a” and fill in the basic details:
- State and district
- Legal name (as per PAN)
- Email ID and mobile number (you’ll receive OTPs for verification)
Step 3: Verify Details
Enter the OTPs sent to your mobile and email to generate a Temporary Reference Number (TRN).
Step 4: Complete Part B of the Application
Log in again using the TRN and fill in:
- Business details (trade name, constitution, business type)
- Promoter/partner details
- Place of business
- Bank account information
- Upload supporting documents (PAN, Aadhaar, proof of business place, photograph, and bank proof)
Step 5: Sign and send Application through DSC or through E-Sign.
After filling all that, confirm by Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar based e-Sign. Upon submission, you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN).
Step 6: Receive Your GSTIN
After approval, the 15-digit GSTIN will be sent to the registered email. The number is fundamental when it comes to invoicing, filing the tax, and selling in online markets. It’s important to note that this process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the completeness of the application and the verification process.
Using GSTIN to Verify Your Online Marketplace Account
Once you have your GSTIN, you are now able to verify your seller account with major e-commerce marketplaces. The validation provides access to inventory management and product listing tools as well as tracking of payments.
Selling platforms such as Flipkart Seller Hub need a valid GSTIN to enable your seller account. After verification, you can begin listing products, providing cash on delivery, and reach 50+ crore potential customers in 19,000+ pincodes in India. Not only does this make your business visible but it also makes it easier to run a legal business which is likely to be more trusted by customers as well as the platforms.
COD: A Gateway to New Markets
Offering cash on delivery can significantly expand your reach. Here’s how it helps:
- Bridges trust gaps: New customers feel confident trying your brand.
- Boosts rural and small-town sales: Where online payment penetration is still low.
- Encourages repeat purchases: Positive first experiences build loyalty.
Data shows that sellers who enable COD often see a 25–40% rise in order volumes, particularly in non-metro regions. For small businesses, this rise in orders translates into both higher revenue and the chance to build a loyal customer base over time.
In addition to that, the recent technology provided at Flipkart Seller Hub can enable you to handle COD orders effectively- starting with confirmation of orders to door step delivery status. This will translate to less headache and more contented customers. The process is further simplified with the use of the tracking tools and payment reconciliations as it becomes easier to keep sellers organized.
Willing to expand your online business?
COD is not a payment method only but a tool of trust, which links you with the massive and diverse buyer base in India. You may be either a small business owner, or an up-and-coming entrepreneur, and a valid GST registration plus the force of cash on delivery can assist you to grow by far and reach more customers than ever before.
That is why create your GSTIN, register your seller account, enable cash on delivery, and begin reaching a larger number of customers today. COD is not only about making transactions but building relationships that are destined to be long-lasting, one doorstep at a time. By using COD, you’re not just opening up to more customers; you’re also offering a service that many are familiar with and trust. It’s a bridge to future growth and success.