THE "COD" TRAP: WHY THEY DON'T TRUST YOUR WEBSITE
Indian shoppers pick Cash on Delivery because they fear scams. Real street testimonials fix the "Trust Deficit" instantly.
"Why is my RTO (Return to Origin) so high?"
Every Indian DTC founder asks this. You blame the courier. You blame the customer. But the real reason is simple: They didn't trust you enough to pay upfront.
In India, COD isn't a convenience; it's insurance against getting scammed.
Social Proof is the Antidote
A website with product photos looks like a website. A video of a real person on M.G. Road holding your product, feeling the fabric, or tasting the drink looks like reality.
When a potential customer sees a street interview, two things happen:
- Verification: "Okay, this product actually exists physically."
- Validation: "This random person likes it, and they weren't paid to say that."
Raw street testimonials significantly boost the perceived trustworthiness of your brand, leading to a direct increase in prepaid orders. Stop focusing on your payment gateway icons. Focus on your trust signals.
The Lisn Editorial
Marketing Strategy Team