One thing to note that, at least UPS, no longer accepts “C” for COD. I am not sure what they DO accept, but I’m guessing check, money order, cashiers check or maybe even credit/debig.
Even for UPS, COD doesn’t actually stand for “Cash on Delivery” anymore, and hasn’t for years. It stands for “Collect on Delivery.”
The link in Post #2 for the U.S. Postal Service also indicates that it means “Collect on Delivery.”
They won’t accept personal checks – it has to be a guaranteed instrument like a money order or cashier’s check. I think they may have those portable gizmos set up to handle debit cards now, too.
Along with credit cards, the elimination of a huge portion of stay-at-home moms contributed to the demise of COD. It is a huge hassle if there is not a good likelihood that an adult will be at home when the delivery shows up.
About 10 years ago I bought something from a vendor with an on-line presence that would only sell COD. It was a pain in the ass.
COD works better for B-B because there is often a shipping-and-receiving worker on duty, or at least a receptionist to hand the delivery person a check. Also, as mentioned above, the fees work out better for high value shipments. It also saves a bunch of finger pointing if the shipper loses or damages the goods.
But, the old Dragon magazine comic Wormy taught me it stands for “Cough up Or Die”.