Flipkart starts part payment method to reduce cancellations, order returns

Walmart-owned e-commerce firm says option would encourage pre-paid transactions and reduce cash on delivery

Flipkart has launched a new payment method that lets customers pay some amount for a product and the balance on delivery, aiming to reduce returns and cancellations.

The Walmart-owned e-commerce giant, in an email to sellers, said ‘Part-Payment’ would encourage pre-paid transactions. Customers can pay the remaining amount in cash when a product is delivered or either by online transaction. The rate card will remain the same for 'part payment' orders.

E-commerce websites allow customers pre-paid, post-paid (cash on delivery) or EMI (equated monthly instalment) as options to purchase products. Most customers choose cash on delivery (CoD), which results in higher units