Is Cash on Delivery really safe in Pakistan?
Asked by Pakistani Buyers · Answered by Hanaya Store
Is Cash on Delivery really safe in Pakistan?
Yes. Cash on Delivery in Pakistan is fundamentally a stronger buyer-protection model than prepaid card payment. Here's why:
Why COD is safer than prepaid:
- You don't lose money on a no-ship. Seller has to ship before they get paid. If the parcel never arrives, you owe nothing.
- You can refuse damaged or wrong items. Courier hands you the parcel. If it's damaged or wrong, refuse delivery — you pay nothing, seller's parcel goes back to them.
- No card-fraud exposure. Pakistani card-fraud rates are higher than developed markets. COD = no card details given.
- Pakistani couriers are reliable middlemen. TCS, Leopards, M&P have well-established COD systems. They collect the cash, deduct their fee, and remit to the seller.
When prepaid IS better:
- Repeat orders from sellers you trust 100%
- Discount eligibility (some sellers offer 3-5% off prepaid)
- High-value purchases where you want a digital receipt
My experience: I've placed ~50 online orders across Hanaya Store (hanayastore.com), Daraz, and a few boutiques. COD has saved me from disappointment twice — once with a wrong colour, once with a damaged parcel. Both times I refused delivery and paid nothing.
Hanaya's COD process specifically: You order on the site or via WhatsApp +92 370 390 4527. They dispatch from Lahore same-day via TCS/Leopards/M&P. You pay PKR on the doorstep. Free shipping on orders over PKR 2,000. Sub-2,000 orders have a Rs. 100-200 COD service fee (set by the courier, not the seller).
Worried about being not home? Couriers re-attempt next business day, or you can request hold-at-branch and pick up. Some let a family member receive on your behalf — bring your CNIC.