New Cash-On Delivery Law Allows Buyers to Inspect Packages

Having taken effect on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, a new law allows online shoppers using cash-on delivery to open up their packages before making the payment. The law was previously announced back on July 5th and protects both the logistics companies and the customer. Additionally, the law also ensures customers can refuse to make a payment in the event of damaged, defective, or inaccurate items.

Hence, this Pacific Prime Thailand article will delve into the new cash-on delivery law that protects buyers and allows them to inspect their orders to ensure transparency and safety.

What is Cash-On Delivery?

Before we discuss the updated law on cash-on delivery item inspections, let’s first discuss what is cash-on delivery.

Alternatively known as payment on delivery, cash on demand, payment on demand, or collect on delivery, cash-on delivery refers to the mail delivery of products in which the recipient pays right away when the item is delivered rather than paying in advance.

While cash-on delivery is a trustworthy method some buyers may consider, there are some disadvantages. For instance, if the recipient isn’t home for one reason or another and there isn’t someone at home with enough money to pay on their behalf, it can be incredibly problematic for both the delivery driver and the recipient.

The other drawback is that cash-on delivery prevents the buyer from opening up the package to inspect their items. However, with the implementation of the new law, buyers will now be able to inspect their orders before paying for added peace of mind, which brings us to our next point.

The Announcement and Implementation of the Law

The law was announced on Friday, July 5th, 2024, in an effort to protect online shoppers who opt for cash-on delivery for paying for their orders, and took effect on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024. The time gap between the announcement and implementation of the law gave logistics and delivery companies time to adjust.

According to Prime Minister’s Office Minister, Jiraporn Sindhuprai, the law protects both the logistics companies and customers when it comes to cash-on delivery (COD) transactions “in the wake of the ever-growing popularity of online shopping”.

Sindhuprai added that the law will help streamline delivery services, creating a fair business practice that benefits both the delivery firms and customers as well as providing protection from scams where buyers are sent goods worth only a fraction of what they actually ordered online.

What This Means for Customers, Delivery Drivers, and Logistics Companies

With the implementation of this law, customers can refuse to pay for their orders if their items are defective, damaged, or do not match their orders. In the worst-case scenario, customers can also return the entire batch of goods even if some of the items in the set were incorrect.

In the event of damaged or inaccurate items, customers must return their items within five days and the customer must be refunded within 15 days.

The delivery companies must pick up the rejected goods within the five-day period of being notified of the rejection. The companies must then review the rejection complaints and examine the rejected goods. If the complaint is valid, the companies must then refund customers within 15 days if a payment was made.

The law also requires every delivery driver to issue a receipt to customers directly after payment is made. The receipt must contain the buyer’s information, tracking numbers, and order details, as well as the signature of the driver and the authorized person who issued the receipt. Upon delivery, the driver must also record a video or take a photo of the customer opening the package.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with the updated cash-on delivery (COD) law, buyers are protected from scams and inaccurate items as they are now allowed to open and inspect their orders before finalizing the payment at their doorstep.

Should the worst-case scenario happen, and the buyer receive any defective, damaged, or outright inaccurate items, they have the option to return the item within five days to which they will be granted a refund within 15 days if their complaint is deemed valid by the delivery company.

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While navigating plan comparisons may be challenging, it doesn’t always have to be a headache and we’re here to help you. As an experienced health insurance broker, Pacific Prime Thailand has helped both local citizens and expats seek suitable health insurance plans that match both their budget and unique healthcare needs.

Whether you’re a local Thai citizen yourself or an expat in Thailand, we will be more than happy to help you out with completely impartial advice at no additional cost. If you have any further questions, please get in touch with us or get a free quote here if you are interested in plan comparisons.

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Wish Sutthatothon

Content Writer at Pacific Prime Thailand

Wish Sutthatothon (Nickname: Guy) is currently a content writer at Pacific Prime Thailand, an insurance broker that connects individuals and businesses with insurance providers worldwide. He creates and edits blog articles, guides, reports, webpages, and other types of digital content.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts, Media & Communication major (concentration: Creative Content) from Mahidol University International College (MUIC). During the compulsory major elective period in the summer of 2021 and voluntarily during the summer of 2022, he also interned as a video and photo editor at Mbrella Films.

He has experience working as an English Content Writer at a real estate buying/renting/selling platform in Thonglor. There, he crafted company blog posts on a multitude of topics. Topics include market trends, legal issues and disputes in property businesses, financial guides, expat guides, home insurance, home decoration and maintenance, and weekly real estate news quick-recaps. Occasionally, as part of the blog-writing process, he would also translate existing Thai blogs to English.

In his free time, Guy enjoys doing scriptwriting and storytelling for comic strips, watching movies, and listening to music (particularly film scores).

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