Brazil: Pix, bank slips, Correios, and whether the numbers work after taxes
Camila Souza · 2026-10-07
PIX as modern COD
Pix has become a solid alternative to cash on delivery (COD). With transactions processed quickly, it offers consumers a smoother experience and reduces the non-payment rate that’s common with traditional COD. The average conversion rate using Pix can be up to 3% higher than with bank slips, especially among younger users who are more tech-savvy.
Shipping costs and delivery times by region
Shipping costs vary a lot by region in Brazil. In the Southeast, the average shipping cost is around R$ 15,00, while in the North and Northeast, it can exceed R$ 30,00. Delivery times also vary: in metropolitan areas of the Southeast, delivery can take up to 2 business days, while in more remote areas, it can take 10 days or more. Factoring in these variables is crucial to improving the customer experience and preventing drop-offs.
Taxes and invoices
Taxation in e-commerce is complex. ICMS, for example, ranges from 7% to 18% depending on the state, and failing to issue an invoice can result in penalties. In addition, e-commerce businesses need to be aware of the requirement to issue an electronic invoice (NFe) for transactions over R$ 100,00. It’s important to include these costs when setting prices to ensure profitability.
Chargebacks and fraud
Chargebacks have become an increasing concern. Chargebacks in Brazilian e-commerce can reach 1,5% of sales, especially in niches like fashion and electronics. To mitigate risks, it’s recommended to:
- Implement CPF and delivery information checks.
- Use fraud monitoring tools.
- Train your customer support team to spot suspicious patterns.
CPA by niche
Customer acquisition costs (CPA) vary by niche. In sectors like fashion, CPA can hover around R$ 30,00, while in electronics, it can exceed R$ 100,00. This directly impacts profitability and marketing strategy. To optimize CPA, consider:
- Testing different ad channels.
- Adjusting targeting based on consumer behavior.
- Using FreeSpy data to identify which ads are performing best in each niche.
Your e-commerce business’s efficiency depends on good management of payments, logistics, taxes, and fraud monitoring. With that in place, you can make the numbers work and keep the business sustainable.
What’s your average CPA by niche?