Cash on Delivery: How It Works for Shoes

Cash on delivery, or COD, means you pay the courier in cash when the parcel reaches your door instead of paying online in advance. For shoes in Pakistan, this is the most common payment method because you can check the parcel before handing over money. You order online, the courier calls before arriving, and you pay the exact amount in cash when you receive the box.

How COD works step by step

The process is simple and follows the same pattern across most Pakistani online shoe stores.

  1. You place the order on the website and select cash on delivery at checkout. No card or bank transfer is needed at this stage.
  2. The store confirms the order, usually by phone call or WhatsApp message. This call is to verify your address and phone number, so answer it if you can. Unconfirmed orders are often cancelled.
  3. The shoes are packed and handed to a courier company such as TCS, Leopard, M&P or the store's own rider service.
  4. The courier calls you when the parcel reaches your city or area. You agree on a time or a meeting point.
  5. You pay the courier in cash. The courier hands over the parcel.
  6. The store receives the money from the courier company after a few days, which is why COD orders sometimes take slightly longer to process.

The whole cycle usually takes 2 to 5 working days for major cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, and 4 to 7 working days for smaller towns.

What happens when you refuse a parcel

Refusing a COD parcel is your right, but it helps to know what actually happens.

If you are not home, or you change your mind, you can simply tell the courier you do not want the parcel. The courier marks it as refused or return to sender and takes it back. You pay nothing.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • You do not owe any money for refusing, but repeated refusals can get your phone number flagged by the store or courier. Some stores stop offering COD to customers who refuse multiple parcels.
  • Refusing after the courier has already travelled to your address costs the store real money in courier fees. This is why stores verify orders by phone first.
  • If you simply do not answer the courier's calls for several days, the parcel is returned as unclaimed. This works the same as a refusal.
  • Open parcels are different. If you have opened the box and taken the shoes out, the courier may not accept a refusal on the spot. In that case you may need to follow the store's return process instead.

The honest approach is to refuse before opening if you have decided you no longer want the order. If the shoes are wrong or damaged, accept the parcel, note the problem, and contact the store's support team the same day.

Checking the parcel before you pay

This is the main advantage of COD for footwear. When the rider arrives, you are allowed to look at the parcel before paying. Here is what to check:

  • The outer box should show the store's name or packing slip with your order details.
  • Ask the rider to let you see the parcel. Most couriers in Pakistan allow you to inspect the package before payment, though some will not let you fully open it and try the shoes on.
  • If the parcel looks crushed, wet or already opened, you can refuse it on the spot and pay nothing.
  • Match the item name on the slip with what you ordered. Wrong item deliveries do happen, especially during sale seasons when order volumes are high.

Keep in mind one limitation: trying the shoes on and checking the fit is usually not possible at the door. Fit checks and exchanges happen after delivery through the store's exchange policy. Before ordering, measure your foot and compare it against the Mova shoe size guide so you order the correct size the first time.

Preparing the exact amount

Couriers in Pakistan carry limited or no change, so preparing the exact cash amount matters.

  • Check your order confirmation message. It states the total, which is the product price plus the delivery charge if one applies.
  • Count the notes before the courier arrives. If your total is Rs 2,499, hand over Rs 2,499 exactly rather than Rs 3,000 and hoping for change.
  • If you cannot make the exact amount, tell the courier on the phone before he sets out. He can arrange change in advance.
  • Keep smaller notes ready. Large denominations like Rs 5,000 notes are hard for riders to break.
  • Some couriers now accept payment through mobile wallets at the door as well, but cash is still the default for COD. Ask on the call if you prefer that option.

COD compared with advance payment

Aspect Cash on delivery Advance payment (card or transfer)
Payment timing At your door, on delivery Before dispatch
Risk if store is new to you Low, you see the parcel first Higher, you pay first
Processing speed Sometimes 1 day slower due to phone verification Usually faster to dispatch
Change needed Yes, exact cash amount No
Available everywhere Yes, most cities and towns Yes, anywhere with internet
Refusal option Yes, before opening No, returns handled after delivery
Discounts Sometimes fewer promotional discounts Some stores offer small discounts for prepaid

The trade off is simple. COD gives you control and lower risk. Advance payment gives you speed and sometimes a small discount. For a first order from any store, COD is the safer choice. Once you trust the store, prepaid orders are more convenient.

Common COD problems and how to avoid them

Missed verification calls. If the store calls to confirm and you do not pick up, the order may be cancelled within 24 hours. Save the store's number after ordering and answer unknown numbers for a day or two.

Wrong address details. Write the full address with landmarks, nearest main road and a working alternate phone number. In dense areas like Karachi's old city or Lahore's inner streets, landmarks matter more than street numbers.

Refused by a family member. If someone else at home receives the parcel and refuses it because they were not expecting it, tell your household about the order in advance.

Delivery charges. Some stores charge a delivery fee on COD orders and waive it on prepaid ones. Check the checkout page total before confirming so there are no surprises at the door.

Sale season delays. During events like the 11.11 sale, order volumes jump and COD verification calls and courier delivery can take a few extra days. If you are shopping during a sale such as the 11.11 sale collection, order early rather than on the last day.

Tips for ordering shoes by COD

A few habits make COD orders smoother:

  • Order one pair first if you are unsure about sizing or quality. Once you know your size in the brand, order more with confidence.
  • Read the product page carefully. Check the material, sole type and size availability before ordering.
  • If you need a specific category, browse the full range first. For example, the men's shoes collection covers formal, casual and sports styles, so you can compare options before committing to an order.
  • Keep the order confirmation message saved. You will need the order number if anything goes wrong.
  • Be reachable on delivery day. Answer calls from numbers you do not recognise for the 2 to 5 days after ordering.
  • Inspect the parcel at the door and report any issue to the store the same day, with photos if possible.

Where to buy

For order, delivery and payment questions, the Mova customer FAQs page covers the store's COD process, delivery times and exchange details in one place.

Frequently asked questions

Is cash on delivery available across Pakistan?

Yes, COD is available in nearly all cities and towns through national courier networks. Major cities usually receive parcels in 2 to 5 working days, while remote areas can take up to a week. Some far-flung locations may be prepaid only, so check the checkout page for your area.

Can I open the parcel and check the shoes before paying?

You can inspect the parcel before paying, and most riders allow the box to be opened for a visual check. However, fully trying the shoes on at the door is usually not allowed. If the item is wrong or visibly damaged, refuse the parcel or contact the store immediately after delivery.

What happens if I am not home when the courier arrives?

The courier will call you. If you miss the call, he usually tries again the same or next day. After a few failed attempts, the parcel is returned to the store as unclaimed and the order is cancelled. You pay nothing, but repeated unclaimed orders can affect future COD eligibility.

Do I need to keep exact change for the courier?

Yes. Couriers often carry no change, so you should prepare the exact total shown in your order confirmation. If you only have large notes, tell the courier on the phone before delivery so he can arrange change.

Can I return or exchange shoes after paying cash on delivery?

Yes, but the process works differently from refusing at the door. Once you have paid and accepted the parcel, returns and exchanges follow the store's policy. Contact the store's support team, keep the box and receipt, and follow the instructions they give you. Exchanges for size are the most common request for footwear.

Sources and further reading

  • Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, consumer guidance on online shopping
  • State Bank of Pakistan, payments and e-commerce overviews
  • Consumers International, guidance on consumer rights in e-commerce

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