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Quick commerce platform Kiko Live has introduced a cash-on-delivery (COD) option for online grocery orders, leading to a 30% surge in daily online transactions and revenues for participating Kirana stores, the company has announced. The feature was launched following a successful pilot involving 80 Kirana stores across Delhi NCR. The pilot confirmed that trust and convenience continue to shape consumer behaviour in India’s rapidly evolving online retail space.
“With COD, we’re bringing the familiar, flexible experience of the local Kirana into the digital age,” said Alok Chawla, Co-Founder of Kiko Live. “Customers still value the option to pay after delivery, and we’re enabling that through a seamless digital platform.” Kiko Live allows small retailers to operate digital storefronts with real-time delivery tracking and user-friendly interfaces. The addition of COD mirrors the traditional habits of many Indian consumers, reinforcing trust while modernizing service delivery.
To address potential misuse, such as fake orders, Kiko Live added a verification step: existing customers can use COD immediately, while new users unlock it only after their first successful delivery. The platform has also digitized the informal "khata" credit system, enabling retailers to assign and monitor customer credit limits, manage outstanding balances, and maintain transaction records—enhancing transparency and improving cash flow.
“Each pilot store is now processing over 20 online orders daily,” said Imran Alam, VP – Sales, Kiko Live. “At this pace, COD could make up over 50% of all online orders within a year.” By integrating COD into its digital commerce model, Kiko Live is preserving the trust-based relationships that define India’s Kirana ecosystem while helping small retailers grow in the digital economy.
