Buy online pick in-store (BOPIS) or curbside pickup are not new. However, their uptake has been on an upward trajectory in recent months following the stay-at-home directives in the current COVID-19 crisis.
The Difference Between BOPIS and Curbside Pickup
Generally, these two models are pretty much the same in that they involve ordering online but differ in the location of delivery.
In BOPIS, for instance, deliveries are made to a retail store most convenient to the customer. On the other hand, curbside pickup model deliveries are made to any location chosen by the customer, such as a warehouse.
Here are some of the things you may need to start offering the service.
At Least One Physical Location
Even when you are running an entirely online store, you are better off having at least one brick-and-mortar location. Physical locations provide a business with a place to fulfill orders and act as a pickup location for nearby customers.
Whenever possible, the store should be located in a strategic area that customers can conveniently access. Doing this will also help your business attract foot traffic.
A Sound Multichannel Inventory Management System
When introducing BOPIS and curbside pickup to your customers, the inventory is one part that can make or bear your business. For that reason, it is critical that you employ a multi-channeled sales strategy for your business to succeed in the e-commerce world.
Although effective in boosting sales, the multi-channeled approach also makes the already complex inventory process much more complicated. Fortunately, investing in Stitch Labs alternatives can help make the process much more straightforward and convenient when managing your inventory across multiple platforms.
Get A Website or an App to Allow Customers to Order Stuff
A website is to an online store while a physical brick and mortar shop is to a physical store.
Online retailers must have a well-developed website or app to allow customers to place orders. The process of shopping on the website has to be straightforward and super easy for customers. Retailers should also be able to use the app to communicate with customers in every step to ensure that their experience is as convenient as possible.
On top of that, the website or app has to be integrated with the inventory to create an enhanced and reliable level of convenience for the customers.
Focus On Customer Satisfaction
Today’s customer has more choices than ever, and keeping them satisfied should be every business’ priority. Jumping into BPOIS and curbside pickup without first defining the customer experience will likely result in unhappy customers, and consequently, hurt business.
When introducing BOPIS and curbside sales models to your online business, therefore, ensure that your focus is on exceptional customer experience at every point – from ordering to final delivery. Doing this will ensure that you have happier customers who are more likely to come back and recommend others.
Summary
BOPIS and curbside pickup sales models present customers with a much safer shopping option, particularly in the current pandemic. It minimizes contact with people outside their household and helps them stay in their safe zones. With these two business models showing signs of continued growth, it could be a worthy addition to your online business.
