Most Sri Lankan shoppers pay cash on delivery, and that is fine. But there is a second way for your customer to pay on MyKade: a secure payment link that MyKade texts to the customer's phone. With it, the customer can pay in full or pay an advance before the parcel goes out.
This post explains what the link is, when it helps, and exactly what to say to a customer.
The golden rule: the customer pays MyKade
On MyKade, customers always pay MyKade, never the seller. That is true for cash on delivery and for payment links. You never collect money in your own bank account, through a mobile wallet, or by hand.
This is not a small detail. It means:
- The customer knows their money is going to a business, not a stranger's personal account.
- You never have to handle, hold or return anyone's money.
- If something goes wrong with an order, there is a clear record of who paid what.
If a customer offers to "just send it to your account", the answer is always a polite no.
Pay in full or pay an advance
Pay in full means the customer pays the whole amount online. Nothing is left to pay at the door.
Pay an advance means the customer pays part of the amount online now. Make sure they clearly understand how much they have paid and how much is still left.
Either way, the money goes to MyKade, and your profit still reaches your wallet when the parcel is delivered.
When a payment link makes sense
You do not need a link for every order. Think of it as a tool for certain situations:
- The customer asks for it. Some people prefer paying online, or are buying for someone else in another town.
- It is a gift. The person paying is not the person receiving. Paying in full means the receiver does not have to find cash.
- The order looks risky. On MyKade, risky orders (for example, a number that refused parcels before) may need a deposit or a confirmation before they are sent.
- The customer is unsure. An advance shows they are serious, and it means the parcel is less likely to be turned away at the door.
Remember that in real Sri Lankan online shops, selling to strangers, 30–37% of COD parcels came back, and 19% of those returns were refused at the door. Paying something before dispatch is a simple sign that the customer really wants the item.
How to explain it without sounding pushy
Never make a customer feel accused. Offer the link as a choice, and explain it is MyKade, not you, who will text it.
You can pay cash when it arrives, or if you prefer, MyKade can text you a secure payment link so you can pay online now. The link comes from MyKade, not from me, and I never take payments personally. Which would you like?
For a gift order:
Since this is a gift, would you like to pay online in full? MyKade will text you a secure link. Then [name] won't need to pay anything when the parcel arrives.
For an order that needs an advance:
For this order we need a small advance before it's sent. MyKade will text you a secure payment link. Once that's paid, the parcel goes out and you pay the rest as agreed.
Keep your customer safe from scams
Payment links are a common trick for scammers, so help your customer stay safe:
- Tell them the link will come from MyKade by text, and to expect it.
- Never send a payment link you made yourself, and never ask for a bank transfer.
- Never ask for card numbers, PINs or one-time codes. No honest seller needs them.
Read more in scams every online seller should know.
Before you place a link order
- Confirm the item, size or colour, and the full total including delivery (usually around Rs 450).
- Confirm the delivery name, address and phone number.
- Tell the customer to expect a text from MyKade with the link.
- Ask them to tell you once they have paid, so you can follow up if needed.
Give your customers the choice
Cash on delivery stays the favourite, but a payment link gives careful customers and gift buyers a safe option, and gives you more confidence in risky orders. Download the MyKade app and offer both ways to pay, the honest way.