NTG STUDIO WEBShort answer
Your website should calculate fees by defined delivery zones, accept descriptive addresses with a landmark and a location pin, offer time slots, notify customers by WhatsApp at each step, handle cash on delivery and returns, and give couriers a clear job sheet with contact details and directions.
Key takeaways
- Addresses are described by landmark and GPS pin
- Zone-based fees must be known before the cart
- WhatsApp tracking cuts "where is my order?" calls
- The courier job sheet prevents wasted trips
Delivery is the moment of truth for Cameroonian e-commerce. The customer has paid or is about to, and everything depends on what happens between the warehouse and their door. Part of reliability is decided on the ground, but a large part is decided by your website.
Clear zones and rates
Divide the city into zones (Akwa, Bonapriso, Bonamoussadi, Makepe, Kotto, Bonabéri in Douala, for example) with a rate and lead time for each. Customers choose their neighbourhood on the product page and see the total before the cart.
Addresses that work without house numbers
Many addresses are described by landmarks. The form offers: neighbourhood, free description ("after the pharmacy, blue gate"), and a button to share a location on the map. The phone number is mandatory and verified.
Time slots
Morning, afternoon, evening or express. The customer plans, the courier knows when they’re expected, and failed attempts go down.
WhatsApp tracking
Order confirmed, being prepared, handed to the courier with their name and number, delivered. Each step triggers an automatic message. "Where is my order?" calls drop sharply. Live tracking is illustrated by the Kamer Eats demo.
The courier’s job sheet
Couriers receive their runs on their phone with address, landmark, pin, contact, amount to collect and payment method. They mark each delivery as done, which updates the website.
Cash on delivery
The site records the chosen method (cash or Mobile Money to the courier). At the end of the round, delivered orders and collected amounts are reconciled automatically.
Returns
A faulty product or wrong size: a page explains the process, the customer triggers it from their account or on WhatsApp, and a pickup is scheduled.
Other cities
For Bafoussam, Garoua or Bamenda, transport partners with a stated lead time and tracking number. The site honestly shows the real lead time.
To launch your store, read Building an online store in Cameroon with Orange Money and MTN MoMo. Transport companies will find a dedicated offer on Auto & logistics, and retailers on Retail & e-commerce.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need our own couriers?
Not necessarily. Many stores combine one or two in-house couriers for the city centre with partners for the rest. The website must handle both.
What about customers who aren’t home?
The courier calls before leaving and again on approach. A second attempt can be charged, which the site states clearly.
Is free delivery a good idea?
Above a certain basket value, yes: it raises the average basket. Below it, a fair rate per zone is better.
Founder of NTG Studio Web in Douala. Master’s in international public law, IBM Data Analytics and Anthropic AI Fluency certified. He designs websites and visibility strategies for African businesses. Learn more →