How to Set Up Click and Collect on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Click and Collect
3. Setting Up Click and Collect on Shopify
4. Conclusion
5. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that 59% of consumers are interested in buy online, pick-up in-store (BOPIS) options? With the rise of ecommerce, offering a seamless shopping experience that merges online and offline channels has never been more crucial. As ecommerce professionals, we understand the significance of adapting to consumer preferences, and implementing a click-and-collect strategy can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and drive sales.

In this blog post, we will explore how to set up click and collect on Shopify effectively. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of the steps involved, the benefits of offering this service, and best practices to ensure a smooth operation. We’ll cover essential aspects such as inventory management, customer notifications, and the integration of third-party applications to optimize the click-and-collect experience.

Let’s dive into the details and equip ourselves with the knowledge to elevate our ecommerce operations.

Understanding Click and Collect

What is Click and Collect?

Click and collect, also known as buy online, pick-up in-store (BOPIS), is an order fulfillment strategy that allows customers to purchase products online and pick them up at a physical store location. This method provides customers with the convenience of shopping online while eliminating shipping costs and wait times associated with home delivery.

Benefits of Implementing Click and Collect

1. Enhanced Customer Experience: Customers appreciate the flexibility of picking up their orders at their convenience.
2. Increased Store Traffic: While customers come to pick up their orders, they might also browse and purchase additional items.
3. Reduced Shipping Costs: Businesses save on last-mile delivery expenses, allowing for more competitive pricing.
4. Improved Inventory Management: Real-time inventory updates ensure that stock availability is accurately reflected for both online and in-store purchases.

The Rise of Click and Collect

With the ongoing evolution of ecommerce, the demand for flexible shopping options has surged. Many retailers are now adopting click and collect to meet customer expectations for convenience. By 2025, click-and-collect retail sales are projected to reach $154.3 billion, highlighting the importance of integrating this feature into our ecommerce strategy.

Setting Up Click and Collect on Shopify

Step 1: Requirements for Click and Collect

Before diving into the setup process, we need to ensure that our Shopify store meets the following requirements:

• Shopify Plan: Click and collect is available for all Shopify plans, but additional features may require the Shopify Plus plan.
• Store Locations: Ensure that we have defined the physical store locations in our Shopify admin.

Step 2: Enable Click and Collect in Shopify

To begin setting up click and collect, follow these steps:

1. Access Shopify Admin: Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
2. Go to Settings: Navigate to the “Settings” section at the bottom left of the admin panel.
3. Shipping and Delivery: Click on “Shipping and delivery.”
4. Set Up Click and Collect: In the Pickup in store section, click on “Set up” or the designated icon. Here, we’ll be able to define the locations where customers can pick up their orders.
5. Select Locations: Choose the physical store locations from which customers can collect their orders. If you have multiple locations, ensure all relevant stores are included.
6. Processing Times: Set the expected processing times for in-store pickups, which will be displayed to customers during checkout. Select a reasonable time frame that considers order preparation and store hours.

Step 3: Customize Notifications for Customers

Once we’ve enabled click and collect, it’s essential to communicate effectively with our customers. Customizing notifications will help keep customers informed about their order status.

1. Ready for Pickup Notifications: In the “Ready for pickup notification” section, enter clear instructions for customers on how and where to collect their orders.
2. Email and SMS Alerts: Configure email or SMS notifications to inform customers when their orders are ready for pickup. This proactive communication enhances the overall customer experience.

Step 4: Inventory Management and Store Transfers

Managing inventory efficiently is crucial for a successful click-and-collect operation. Here’s how we can streamline inventory management:

1. Real-Time Inventory Updates: Ensure that your store's inventory is synced with your online platform to provide real-time updates. This prevents customers from ordering items that are not available for pickup.
2. Store Transfers: If an item is out of stock at a particular pickup location, we can set up store transfers to automatically transfer inventory from another location. To do this:
   • From the Shipping and delivery settings, click on the Pickup in store section.
   • Select the location and configure store transfers to allow automatic inventory transfers when items are unavailable.

Step 5: Testing the Click and Collect Experience

Before launching the click-and-collect option to customers, it’s crucial to test the entire process:

1. Place Test Orders: Conduct several test purchases as if you were a customer, selecting the click-and-collect option at checkout.
2. Evaluate Notifications: Ensure that all notifications are sent correctly and that customers receive timely updates regarding their order status.
3. Check Inventory Accuracy: Confirm that the inventory reflects accurate stock levels, and ensure that the store transfers function as intended.

Step 6: Optimize the Customer Experience

To maximize the benefits of click and collect, we should continuously optimize the customer experience:

1. User-Friendly Interface: Ensure that the pickup option is easy to find and select during the checkout process.
2. Clear Instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions on the product pages and during checkout to help customers understand the pickup process.
3. Promote Click and Collect: Use marketing channels, such as email campaigns and social media, to promote your click-and-collect service and educate customers about its benefits.

Step 7: Explore Third-Party Applications

While Shopify provides built-in functionality for click and collect, we can enhance this experience further by integrating third-party applications. Solutions like Zapiet – Pickup + Delivery offer additional features such as:

• Advanced scheduling options for pickups.
• Customizable pickup notifications.
• Enhanced inventory management capabilities.

Integrating such applications can help streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Setting up click and collect on Shopify is an invaluable addition to our ecommerce strategy. By providing customers with the option to pick up their orders in-store, we enhance their shopping experience while driving traffic to our physical locations and reducing shipping costs.

As we embrace the omnichannel retail environment, it’s essential to ensure that our systems are in place to handle the increased demand for flexibility and convenience. By following the outlined steps, continuously optimizing our processes, and exploring additional tools, we can create a seamless click-and-collect experience that meets our customers’ needs.

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FAQ

What is click and collect? Click and collect is a shopping method that allows customers to purchase products online and pick them up at a designated physical location.

How do I enable click and collect on Shopify? To enable click and collect, navigate to the Shipping and delivery settings in your Shopify admin, set up the pickup locations, and customize notifications for customers.

Can I manage inventory for click and collect? Yes, Shopify allows you to manage inventory in real-time and set up store transfers to ensure that products are available for pickup.

What are the benefits of click and collect? Benefits include increased store traffic, reduced shipping costs, improved inventory management, and enhanced customer experience.

What third-party applications can enhance my click and collect setup? Applications like Zapiet – Pickup + Delivery can provide advanced features for managing pickups and deliveries, optimizing the customer experience even further.