Cash on delivery in Egypt: why it still rules, and how to cut returns

If you sell online in Egypt you know the scene: a new order, you pack it, ship it, and the courier brings it back because the customer "wasn't there" or "changed their mind". The parcel went and came back, and the shipping is on you.

Why cash on delivery is not going away

Egyptian shoppers want to see the item first. Trust in online payment is growing, but when cash is on offer most people still pick it. Switch cash on delivery off and you close the door on a large share of your customers.

So the right question is not "keep cash or not" but "who do I ship to with confidence, and who do I ask for a deposit?"

Five things that actually cut returns

First, confirm the order before you ship. A short WhatsApp message with the product, total and address separates serious buyers from browsers. In numu the confirmation goes out on its own when the order arrives.

Second, show the real shipping price before the customer confirms. Surprise fees at the door are a top reason for refusal. Set your rates by governorate and the customer sees them at checkout.

Third, look at the risk signal before shipping. numu's Trust Network looks at a phone number's history across stores and gives you a signal: this order looks fine, or it deserves a second look. The decision stays yours.

Fourth, ask for a deposit on risky orders. Instead of refusing the order, ask for a small amount up front by wallet, InstaPay or card. Serious customers pay; the rest show themselves.

Fifth, improve the shipping itself: less time between order and dispatch, and a tracking number the customer receives. Every day of delay is a chance to change their mind.

Do the maths

Before deciding, work out what a returned order costs you: shipping both ways, packaging and time. numu's free COD cost calculator shows the return rate at which you start losing money.

Bottom line: cash is here to stay, and the smart merchant ships knowing who is on the other side.