Is Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS) Still Popular After COVID-19?
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The Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS) trend that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic remains popular today, largely due to ongoing health precautions and consumers' preference for convenience. BOPIS has become an established delivery method, enabling shoppers to schedule their purchases for easy, safe pick-up. Major eCommerce platforms—including Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, and WooCommerce—offer specialized apps and plugins that simplify adding this feature to your online store. As an added benefit, customers save significantly on shipping costs, making this option attractive across various industries.
eCommerce Platforms and Essential Apps
If your store runs on Shopify, you can quickly integrate a pickup and delivery service via apps available in the Shopify App Store. A highly recommended option is Zapiet’s Pickup + Delivery app, which effortlessly enables these capabilities in your store.
For WooCommerce users, the Local Pickup Plus extension provides similar functionality, seamlessly integrating local pickup options into your store.
Magento users can opt for Store Pickup, a free extension that provides comparable BOPIS functionality and user experience.
Physical Requirements for Successful BOPIS
Unlike traditional shipping methods, BOPIS requires coordinating specific pick-up locations and scheduled time slots. Customers frequently express concerns about security, convenient parking, and easy access to their orders. At minimum, your store needs an attentive staff member to ensure orders are correctly fulfilled. Additionally, depending on your location, you'll need solutions to address potential security and parking challenges.
Managing Time Slots Effectively
Offering scheduled pickup times seems simple, but handling customers who arrive late—or even days later—can complicate operations. To maintain excellent customer service, consider flexible procedures for pickups outside designated time slots. Additionally, incorporating reminders can greatly assist customers who forget their scheduled pickups, ensuring smoother operations and increased customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
The continued popularity of BOPIS is evident in cities like New York, where businesses have embraced the model for convenience, safety, and community support—whether delivering food to hospitals, providing donations to food banks, or offering a socially distanced shopping experience. If you're looking to integrate or enhance BOPIS in your eCommerce store, feel free to contact us—we'd be happy to help!
