subject: Can My Cod (collect On Delivery) Shipment Be Refused? [print this page] When using a Chicago messenger to ship goods using COD (Collect on Delivery), business owners often consider the possibility of their shipment being refused, and what will happen in the aftermath of the failed delivery. While the chances of a COD delivery being refused are relatively small, it is important to realize that this IS possible. Any customer can legally refuse any COD shipment for any reason whatsoever. The general idea is that the customer has ordered the good because it is wanted, but in a COD delivery, for some reason or another, the receiver has decided that they did not want (or did not wish) to pay for the product beforehand. This is the nature of COD, it means that the purchaser did not want to give out credit card information or did not have the means to pay for item at the time of the order.
Most often, the person will not have changed their mind by the point of delivery. However, occasionally someone will forget that an order was placed, or it was placed by someone else in the business that is not available to claim the package at the time. Furthermore, the buyer's financial status may have changed, and if the item was very expensive, they may choose to deny it outright. Finally, they may expect the package and find out that they are satisfied or it was not what they expected.
If your COD shipment has been refused for any reason, the cost of shipping to and from the would-be purchaser will be, unfortunately, your business's responsibility. This will likely be added as an additional fee during your normal billing cycle, assuming you are an account holder with your Chicago messenger. The product will be returned to you, your shipping facility, warehouse, or whatever address is marked as its point of origin.
By offering COD shipping, you are taking a risk. It is a matter of trust on the part of the seller. Many businesses no longer include COD shipping because there are so many other methods of payment. Those who do, generally do so with the hopes that the additional method will keep customers who would not otherwise order without a COD option. However, most companies also have the ability to sell products online, can take credit cards and debit cards, and except checks or money orders. Many companies simply assume that payment in advance should be expected.
