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There are a number of different ways that companies might ship things to one of their customers. One of those shipping models had gone out of fashion for a number of years but is now experiencing a bit of resurgence. The method we're referring to is commonly called COD, or collect on delivery. It basically means that the customer will actually pay the representative of the fulfillment company directly when they deliver the item, rather than paying for it before the item is shipped.

This method of shipping is meant to be a consumer protectionism strategy. This helps to ensure that customers can see the order that they pay for before they actually take delivery of it. This is something that in the past was extended to customers as a trust to help prove they weren't purchasing from a mail order scam, and now the same thinking is being applied by some internet based companies.

However, there is more to the COD shipping method than simply paying for the package when it arrives. You actually do have the right to refuse anything which is shipped to you COD. This is the final part of how this method of shipping is meant to protect the consumer. However, it was the abuse of this right for some time that lead to a large decline in COD shipping.

When customers refuse a COD shipment, it means that the courier company is going to be one the hook for the shipping costs of the package both to and from the point of intended delivery. If they are getting packages refused on a regular basis, this cost could be significant to their business. As customers, realizing that COD is a privilege, we should only ever refuse packages if we find out that the item ordered has been damaged or misrepresented in some way.

You may have to spend some time looking to find a fulfillment or courier company that will allow you to ship on a COD basis. Although more companies are offering this now than were for a few years, it is still by far not as common as the other prevalent shipping methods. However, many companies are finding that by being able to offer this type of shipping to their clients they are growing consumer confidence, something which has suffered greatly in the last few years, and which is absolutely necessary to the growth and success of a company.

Paul McDuffy is a consultant for a fulfillment company and lift gate delivery companies as well as national courier service businesses.