The idea behind in-store pickup is that your customers can wait for you in their car. If you don't know they've arrived, they may get impatient and come into the store to let you know they're in the store. To prevent this, you'll need a way for customers to notify you once they arrive.
After a customer places an order online and comes to your store, you can ask them to call or text you and then bring their order to their car.
For example, when you send them a notification letting them know their order is ready for pickup, include a note that says, “Let us know once it’s arrived by calling or texting 555-555-5555 with your order number.”
Designate a place where customers can wait for their order
Depending on your store location, canada phone no you may be able to reserve a parking space near your store for in-store pickup. Or if it's not a high-traffic area, customers can line up in front of your store.
The key here is to make sure the pickup location is explained and easy to find when they arrive. You also want to make sure you're not blocking traffic.
Advertise, advertise and advertise some more
Spending time and energy developing an in-store pickup plan won’t be worth it unless you also create a marketing and advertising strategy to raise awareness about pickup availability. You can spread the word through your newsletter, social media , or website, and include the details on your checkout page.
Be open about your in-store pickup option on social media to make sure customers know when you're available.
Allison Mistakidis, Co-Founder of Whiskeyjack Boutique
“Talk openly about in-store pickup on social media to make sure customers know when you’re available,” says Allison. “Include details indicating pickup options on your checkout page, in order confirmation emails, and in general marketing emails. Customers will use this service if they know it’s available!”
Retailers offering in-store pickup and how they do it
Major retailers like Nordstrom, Walmart, and Target may have been the first to offer in-store pickup, but this order fulfillment option is critical for retailers of all sizes.
Nowadays, smaller retailers are gradually adopting this service. They do so by advertising in-store pickup options through their e-commerce website and social media.
Clothes Mentor
Clothes Mentor sells pre-owned designer and brand name clothing. The brand offers shipping and in-store pickup options. When customers reach the checkout page, they see a shipping or pickup option.
Whiskeyjack Boutique
Whiskeyjack Boutique sells Canadian-made gifts and currently only offers in-store pickup and purchase.
We use Shopify POS to manage all of our online orders and in-store pickups.
Allison Mistakidis, Co-Founder of Whiskeyjack Boutique
“We use Shopify POS to manage all of our online orders and in-store pickups,” says Allison. “We can print delivery receipts to attach to orders, making them easy to find when the customer comes to pick up their order.”
Whiskeyjack Boutique also advertises its in-store pickup options via Instagram and provides clear details about what customers can expect from its in-store pickup services. This includes the days and times it will be available and where they can pick up orders.
True North Yarn Co.
True North Yarn Co. advertises in-store pickup on its website and through Instagram . Customers who live in the area can choose “free in-store pickup” at checkout and a staff member will contact the customer when their order is ready.