Convenience is what consumers value most. One of the latest trends that caters to this consumer need is BOPIS, or Buy Online Pick Up In Store. BOPIS has been gaining popularity among retailers and customers alike because it combines the ease of online shopping with the instant gratification of in-store pickup. 

So, what exactly is BOPIS? Simply put, it allows customers to shop online and then pick up their purchases at a nearby store, eliminating the wait time for shipping and avoiding delivery fees. This hybrid shopping model meets the needs of modern consumers who seek flexibility and speed in their shopping experiences.

Integrating BigCommerce BOPIS into your retail strategy can offer numerous benefits. For BigCommerce store owners, BOPIS can lead to increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, and better inventory management. With this convenient option, you can attract more customers to your store, both online and offline, and create a seamless shopping experience that keeps them coming back.

Let’s Discuss BigCommerce BOPIS

BigCommerce BOPIS or Buy Online Pick Up In Store, is a feature that seamlessly blends the convenience of online shopping with the immediacy of in-store pickup. This powerful integration allows customers to shop from your BigCommerce store and pick up their items at your physical location, either in-store or curbside. Let’s break down how this works and why it’s a game-changer for your business.

The process of BigCommerce BOPIS is straightforward and involves three main steps:

01. Customers buy online

Shoppers browse and purchase items from your BigCommerce store. During checkout, they select the option to pick up their order in-store or curbside, choosing a convenient location and time for pickup.

02. Store fulfills the order

Once an order is placed, your store receives a notification to prepare the order. If the item is in stock, a store associate picks, packs, and sets it aside for pickup. If the item is not available at the chosen store, it is transferred from a nearby store or warehouse. Notifications, typically via SMS or email, are sent to the customer to keep them updated on the status of their order.

03. Customers pick up the order

Customers arrive at the store or designated curbside location to pick up their purchases. They show a confirmation email or notification, and a store associate hands them their order. For curbside pickup, the process is contactless and streamlined, ensuring a safe and quick transaction.

Benefits of BigCommerce BOPIS

Integrating BOPIS into your BigCommerce store offers many advantages for you and your shopper. Here they are:

• Customer satisfaction – By providing multiple pickup options, you cater to the needs of various customers and boost their overall satisfaction and loyalty.
• Enhanced inventory management – Real-time inventory tracking ensures that stock levels are accurate, helping avoid stockouts and overstocks. This efficiency in inventory management leads to better resource utilization.
• More in-store traffic – BOPIS drives more foot traffic to your store. Many customers make additional purchases when they come to pick up their orders, increasing in-store sales.
• Online shopping convenience – BOPIS offers the best of both worlds, allowing customers to enjoy the convenience of online shopping and the instant gratification of immediate pickup.
• Customer loyalty – Enhanced customer experiences through convenient pickup options and efficient service foster loyalty and repeat business.
• Increased sales – The convenience and speed of BOPIS can lead to higher sales, as customers are more likely to complete their purchases and pick up additional items in-store.
• Seamless shopping experience – Integrating online and offline shopping creates a seamless experience for customers, making their journey from browsing to buying as smooth as possible.
• Contactless delivery – Especially important in today’s health-conscious world, curbside pickup provides a safe, contactless option for customers to receive their orders.
• Order tracking – With BigCommerce BOPIS, customers can easily track their orders from purchase to pickup, reducing anxiety and increasing satisfaction.
• Real-time inventory – Real-time inventory updates ensure that customers know exactly what’s available, leading to a more reliable shopping experience.
• In-store returns – Allowing customers to return online purchases in-store simplifies the return process and encourages more online purchases.
• Omnichannel strategy – Implementing BOPIS is a key part of an effective omnichannel strategy, bridging the gap between your online and physical stores and providing a unified customer experience.

How to Integrate BigCommerce BOPIS

Integrating BOPIS into your BigCommerce store can significantly enhance your customer experience and streamline your order fulfillment process. 

One example of a BigCommerce BOPIS app is eLocal. eLocal by Epic  offers a customizable and user-friendly solution for managing local delivery and pickup options. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Install eLocal by Epic

1. Sign up and choose a plan.
2. Visit the Epic website and sign up for eLocal. Choose the plan that best suits your business needs based on the number of orders you handle monthly.
3. Install the App.
4. Follow the instructions to install the eLocal app on your BigCommerce store. The installation process is straightforward and includes free training and setup support.

Step 2: Set up local delivery and pickup options

1. Use eLocal to manage local delivery zones, set specific delivery dates, and customize pickup options. You can control everything from the app’s dashboard.
2. Set up multiple pickup locations and create specific time slots for when customers can pick up their orders.
3. Configure delivery limits based on postal codes to ensure that your delivery options are well-defined and manageable.

Step 3: Customize your checkout process

1. Customize your checkout experience to include a “Pick Up At Store” option. This can be done by toggling the feature on in the eLocal settings
2. Define the preparation time needed before products are ready for pickup or delivery to manage customer expectations effectively.
3. Set a minimum purchase amount for orders to qualify for pickup or delivery, encouraging larger purchases.

Step 4: Inventory management

1. Ensure your inventory is up-to-date in real-time to avoid overbooking or stockouts. eLocal integrates seamlessly with your BigCommerce store to keep inventory levels accurate.
2. Set limits on the number of orders that can be picked up in-store to manage workflow and prevent overwhelming your staff.

Step 5: Enhance customer experience

1. Offer rush delivery for an additional charge to cater to customers who need their orders quickly.
2. Use a countdown timer on your product pages to create a sense of urgency and encourage quick purchases.
3. Customize the eLocal widget to match your brand’s look and feel, making it easy for customers to select their pickup or delivery preferences during checkout.

Step 6: Manage seasonal and special delivery dates

1. Configure specific dates and holidays when delivery or pickup options might vary. This helps manage customer expectations during busy periods.
2. Allow customers to choose from multiple delivery and pickup dates according to specific zones, ensuring flexibility and convenience.

Step 7: Utilize additional features

1. Apply shared modifiers to multiple products in bulk, saving time and ensuring consistency across your inventory.
2. Automatically add products or extra charges to the shopping cart for specific conditions, such as during holidays or for rush delivery.

Step 8: Monitor and optimize

1. Use eLocal’s built-in analytics to monitor the performance of your BOPIS integration and make data-driven decisions to optimize your operations.
2. Collect feedback from your customers to continuously improve the BOPIS experience and address any issues promptly.

Make Every Pickup Perfect with BigCommerce BOPIS

Discover how eLocal by Epic can simplify your delivery and pickup process, enhance customer satisfaction, and boost your sales. Contact us today and start reaping the benefits of a seamless BOPIS integration!