Have you heard about BigCommerce BOPIS? It refers to the Buy Online Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) option for BigCommerce retailers that is changing the way delivery is done.
BOPIS allows customers to shop online and pick up their purchases at a nearby store, combining the convenience of online shopping with the immediacy of in-store pickup. This approach has tremendously helped online retailers in raising sales and giving their customers a better shopping experience.
Today, we’re going to explore best practices and strategies in utilizing BigCommerce BOPIS app to raise satisfaction for your customers and streamline your operations.
BigCommerce BOPIS in a Nutshell
Buy Online Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) is a retail strategy where customers purchase items online and then pick them up at a physical store. This method combines the ease of online shopping with the convenience of in-store pickup, offering purchasers the best of both worlds.
For customers, BigCommerce BOPIS offers:
- Convenience: Customers can browse and purchase products from anywhere they are and pick them up at a day and time that’s convenient for them. No more rushing home or arranging for someone to accept the delivery.
- Speed: BOPIS eliminates the wait for shipping and allows customers to get their items faster, often on the same day.
- Flexibility: Shoppers can choose a pickup time that suits their schedule, making the shopping experience more flexible and personalized.
For retailers, the benefits include:
- Increased store visits: BOPIS brings your customers into your physical stores, which increases the chances of additional in-store purchases.
- More sales: Retailers can raise their overall sales and customer satisfaction by offering an attractive pickup option.
- Better inventory management: BOPIS helps retailers manage their inventory more effectively by integrating online and offline sales channels.
Personalize the BigCommerce BOPIS Experience
Once you have integrated a BOPIS app into your eCommerce store, it’s time to make it better by customizing the experience for your shoppers so that they’ll choose that option more.
Send customized emails and SMS notifications
Communicate every detail clearly. Personalized email and SMS notifications can make a significant difference.
For example, sending tailored messages to customers when their orders are ready for pickup enhances their overall experience. These messages can include the customer’s name, specific pickup details, and even personalized thank-you notes.
It’s important to cater to customer preferences, too. Offer customers the option to choose how they receive their pickup instructions—via email, SMS, or app notification. It can make the process more convenient.
Additionally, provide clear, step-by-step instructions based on past interactions can help customers know exactly what to expect, making the pickup process quicker and more pleasant.
Use purchase history to suggest related products at pickup
Use the customer purchase history as a powerful way to enhance the BigCommerce BOPIS experience.
Analyze past purchases and suggest related products that your customers might be interested in when they come to pick up their orders. This way, you increase the chances of additional sales but also add value to the customer’s shopping experience by showing that the retailer understands their preferences.
Provide personalized offers and discounts for BOPIS Customers
Offer personalized discounts and special offers to encourage repeat business. For instance, provide a discount on future purchases or exclusive deals on related products to make your customers feel valued and appreciated. This approach is great for customer loyalty and for maximizing the potential for upselling and cross-selling during the pickup process.
Enhance Customer Satisfaction with BOPIS
Aside from personalizing the BOPIS experience for your shoppers, there are several other ways you can use to enhance their experience with it, like below:
Ensure seamless handovers
Make sure the transition from online to offline goes smoothly. Customers should have a clear understanding of the process from the moment they place their order online to when they pick it up in-store. This includes providing clear instructions on where to go and what to bring for the pickup.
Your store should also have clear signages directing customers to the designated pickup areas. A dedicated pickup zone will speed up the process and make the process more organized and stress-free.
Ensure real-time inventory updates
Speed is a crucial element of a successful BOPIS experience. Real-time inventory updates ensure that customers can see what items are available for pickup immediately. This transparency helps manage customer expectations and reduces the chances of order cancellations due to out-of-stock items.
Ensure efficient order fulfillment
Minimize wait times with efficient order fulfillment systems. This involves having well-trained staff, streamlined processes, and appropriate technology to handle your BOPIS orders swiftly. The less time your customers spend waiting to pick up their orders, the better the overall shopping experience is for your shoppers.
Omnichannel Strategies
To maximize the effectiveness of your BigCommerce BOPIS, integrate it with other fulfillment channels such as curbside pickup and home delivery. This integration allows customers to choose the most convenient option for them, enhancing their shopping experience.
- Curbside pickup: This option became highly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be a preferred choice for many customers. It offers the convenience of BOPIS without requiring customers to leave their cars.
- Home delivery: While BOPIS is great for immediate pickups, some customers still prefer the convenience of home delivery. Offering a seamless transition between these options ensures that customers can choose their preferred method without any hassle.
Create a cohesive omnichannel experience for customers
A cohesive omnichannel experience means that all customer interactions, whether online or offline, are connected and consistent. Here’s how to achieve this:
- Unified customer data: Ensure that customer data, such as purchase history and preferences, is accessible across all channels. This allows for a personalized experience whether the customer is shopping online or in-store.
- Consistent messaging: Maintain consistent communication across all platforms. Whether through email, SMS, or in-app notifications, the information provided to the customer should be uniform and up-to-date.
- Integrated technology: Use technology that integrates all aspects of the customer journey. Real-time inventory management systems, for example, ensure that stock levels are accurate across all channels, preventing issues like over-selling or stockouts.
- Flexible fulfillment options: Offer multiple fulfillment options and make it easy for customers to switch between them. For instance, a customer who initially chooses home delivery should be able to change their preference to curbside pickup if their plans change.
The BigCommerce BOPIS Solution
A powerful solution to enhance your local eCommerce capabilities is eLocal by Epic. eLocal is a pickup and delivery app that makes it easier than ever to manage inventory, fulfill orders, and create special delivery rules for local shipping areas.
eLocal integrates seamlessly with BigCommerce, providing real-time inventory management, seamless pickup and delivery solutions, and flexible fulfillment options. eLocal scales with your business and ensures a smooth setup and efficient operations.
Plus, with Epic’s expert support, you’ll have guidance every step of the way.
Take the Leap: Up Your eCommerce Game with BigCommerce BOPIS and eLocal
Are you ready to transform your eCommerce strategy and delight your customers with a seamless shopping experience? Integrate BigCommerce BOPIS into your store through eLocal to revolutionize your shoppers’ shopping journey.
Learn more about eLocal by Epic and discover how it can elevate your business today. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!
