E-commerce
How to Start an E-commerce Website in Sri Lanka: Step by Step
From product list and payments to delivery and launch, the practical steps to start selling online in Sri Lanka.
තව කියවන්නE-commerce
Cash on Delivery vs Online Payments for Sri Lankan Online Stores
Cash on delivery is still popular in Sri Lanka, especially outside major cities. But COD also brings refused parcels and courier costs for orders that never pay. The answer is usually a smart mix.
Why customers choose COD
- They don’t have or don’t want to use a card online
- They’re buying from a brand for the first time
- They want to see the product before paying
The hidden cost of COD
Refused deliveries mean two-way courier fees and stock tied up in transit. Cash handling and reconciliation also take time.
How to balance it
- Offer a small discount or free delivery for card payments
- Limit COD to certain areas or order values
- Confirm COD orders by phone or WhatsApp before dispatch
- Show reviews and a clear return policy to build trust for online payment
Make online payment easy
A clean, mobile-friendly checkout with local cards and bank transfer options converts far better than redirect-heavy flows.
Frequently asked questions
Can I restrict COD to certain areas?
Yes. WooCommerce can enable or disable payment methods by delivery zone or cart total.
Can customers pay by bank transfer?
Yes, we add bank transfer with slip upload so you can verify payments before dispatch.