Common, and it carries risk.
WHY OFFER IT
For many Nigerian customers it is the most trusted option, particularly for a first purchase.
For some businesses it is the difference between orders and no orders.
THE RISKS
Refused deliveries, where you bear the delivery cost and the goods return Customers unreachable on delivery Cash handling by riders
MANAGING IT
Confirm orders by phone before dispatch, particularly for anything of value Restrict it to areas you or your courier actually cover Set a maximum order value above which you require payment in advance Keep a record of customers who refuse repeatedly
MAKING THE PHONE NUMBER REQUIRED
Essential. An order with no reachable number cannot be delivered.
CALCULATING THE COST
Include the cost of refused deliveries in your pricing. If ten per cent are refused, that is a real cost per order.
WHEN TO STOP OFFERING IT
If refusals make it unprofitable. Some businesses restrict it to repeat customers, which is a reasonable compromise.
