cash on delivery

American  

noun

1. C.O.D.

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cash on delivery British  

noun

1.  COD.  a service entailing cash payment to the carrier on delivery of merchandise

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Usage

What does cash on delivery mean? Cash on delivery refers to an arrangement in which payment for a purchase is made directly by the purchaser to the person who delivers the item.It is commonly abbreviated as C.O.D., which can also stand for collect on delivery. Cash on delivery and C.O.D. don’t necessarily always mean that actual cash (paper money) is required (though it often used to mean this). Sometimes, a check, money order, or credit card payment will be accepted for a cash on delivery order.Cash on delivery can be used as an adverb, as in We’re shipping it cash on delivery; as an adjective, as in Our cash on delivery orders are behind schedule; and in other variations. The abbreviation C.O.D. can be used as a noun, as in Sorry, we don’t accept C.O.D.s. Example: Most of our shipments are cash on delivery, and we have a high percentage of successful payments.

Etymology

Origin of cash on delivery

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The snow was not, and material support to sustain the troops could only be had for cash on delivery.

From Salon • Dec. 21, 2021

Its rent obligations jumped by $12 million while sales plummeted and vendors started refusing to ship inventory unless they were paid cash on delivery, according to the retailer’s bankruptcy documents.

From New York Times • Oct. 15, 2019

Flipkart solved these obstacles by doing the deliveries itself, letting customers inspect goods before buying, and accepting cash on delivery.

From Forbes • Jun. 13, 2012

Suppliers may demand cash on delivery, or require past bills paid immediately before continuing to do business with the city, said Bogdanoff, who is not involved in Stockton’s restructuring effort.

From BusinessWeek • Feb. 24, 2012

As you know, C.O.D. means "cash on delivery".

From Business Hints for Men and Women by Calhoun, Alfred Rochefort