Cash-on-Delivery Remains Costliest Payment Method for Slovak Online Retailers

Cash-on-delivery — a payment method where customers pay for purchases only upon receiving them — remains the most expensive option for Slovak e-commerce businesses, creating a financial burden that retailers are struggling to manage. While the method is popular among Slovak consumers who are cautious about prepaying for online orders, it generates significant costs for merchants, including handling fees, return logistics, and delayed cash flow. Eliminating cash-on-delivery entirely, however, risks alienating a substantial portion of customers who prefer or rely on the option, particularly those less comfortable with digital payments. Slovak online retailers are therefore under pressure to find a balance between accommodating customer preferences and maintaining financial viability, as abandoning the service could drive shoppers to competitors who still offer it.