1/16/2025

Implementing BOPIS Successfully in Your Shopify Store

In recent years, the retail landscape has shifted dramatically, with more customers shopping online than ever before. Among these changes is the rise of BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick-Up In Store), a convenient shopping option for customers who want to enjoy the best of both worlds. By merging the efficiencies of online shopping with the immediacy of pick-up at physical locations, BOPIS can help retailers improve their sales while enhancing customer satisfaction. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins & outs of implementing BOPIS successfully in your Shopify store, and how you can leverage platforms like Arsturn to boost your online engagement.

Understanding BOPIS

What is BOPIS?

BOPIS stands for Buy Online, Pick-Up In-Store. This retail strategy allows customers to browse & purchase products online and then pick them up at a designated store location. According to Shopify, 59% of consumers express interest in BOPIS options, proving its growing relevance in the market. By offering this choice, retailers can lure online shoppers into brick-and-mortar stores, which opens up opportunities for additional sales as customers may purchase more upon arrival.

Why Implement BOPIS?

BOPIS offers several advantages for both retailers & customers:

Increased foot traffic: Customers visiting to pick up their orders often make additional in-store purchases.
Reduced shipping costs: Shipping to a store is usually cheaper than delivering to a home.
Faster service: Customers who need items quickly can often receive them on the same day rather than waiting for home delivery.
Enhanced customer experience: The immediate gratification of BOPIS meets the modern consumer's desire for quick access to products.

Setting Up BOPIS on Shopify

To successfully implement BOPIS in your Shopify store, follow these steps:

1. Ensure Your Shopify Account is Ready

Before diving into setup, make sure that your Shopify account meets the requirements for in-store pick-up, such as having at least one location set to fulfill orders. Familiarize yourself with the Shopify Help Center to explore various systems available.

2. Configure Your Checkout Settings

To enable BOPIS, you’ll need to set up the checkout options for your Shopify store:

Go to your Shopify admin & navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
In the Pickup options section, click Set up to define the locations where customers can pick up their orders.
It's important to set expected pickup dates and provide clear instructions for customers.

3. Inventory Management

Effective inventory management is crucial for the BOPIS model to work. Use Shopify’s real-time inventory tracking features to ensure that the stock levels are accurate. This can help avoid scenarios where items are out of stock when customers arrive to pick them up.

Make sure to enable Store transfers settings to automatically transfer inventory from fulfillment centers to the in-store pickup location, if needed. If you have different types of products (like perishables), you may want to manage inventory differently based on product type.

4. Integrate POS Systems

If you have a physical store, ensure you’re using Shopify POS that seamlessly integrates with your Shopify inventory. This allows for a smooth management of orders placed online that need to be picked up in person. Utilize features that allow your team to easily manage pickup orders, so they’re ready when customers arrive.

Activate notifications in Shopify POS for new orders.
Set aside items for order pickups & send notifications to customers when their orders are ready. This keeps your customers in the loop & improves their pickup experience.

5. Create Clear Instructions for Customers

Once your store is set up for BOPIS, make sure customers understand the process. Provide clear & concise instructions on:

How to select the pick-up option at checkout.
What identification to bring to pick up their orders.
Location details, including store hours & any other special instructions.

6. Engage Customers with Effective Communication

To boost your BOPIS offerings, consider utilizing Arsturn to create a custom chatbot for your website. Here’s how this can elevate your BOPIS experience:

Instant responses to customer inquiries about pickup availability & times.
Help customers with navigating the website for the best product choices.
Provide notifications regarding special promotions or BOPIS-related information.
Enhance engagement, ensuring customers are aware of offers that can be collected in-store.

7. Promote Your BOPIS Offering

It is crucial to market your BOPIS option to attract customers. Use various channels to promote:

Email newsletters to existing customers, highlighting the convenience BOPIS offers.
Social media campaigns showcasing how easy it is to shop online & pick up in-store.
Signage in physical stores to inform foot traffic about the new option for online purchases.

8. Monitor & Optimize your Implementation

Collect data on BOPIS usage and customer feedback. This information can guide you in refining your offering. Monitor performance metrics such as:

Pickup times & speed of order fulfillment.
Customer satisfaction ratings for the pickup experience.
Metrics to improve the inventory management process further.

Challenges of Implementing BOPIS

Although BOPIS can significantly enhance customer experience & drive sales, there are several challenges businesses face:

Inventory Synchronization: Ensuring online and in-store inventory levels are accurate is crucial to avoid disappointing customers.
Fulfillment Speed: Customers expect their order ready when they arrive. Any lag in this process can lead to dissatisfaction and impact future sales.
Staff Training: Staff members need to be trained to manage BOPIS orders effectively, handling customer inquiries both at the point of sale and online.

Conclusion

Implementing BOPIS in your Shopify store is not just about offering a new feature; it's about creating a seamless shopping experience that meets customers' evolving expectations. By following the steps detailed above, integrating powerful tools like Arsturn for enhanced customer interaction, and maintaining efficient inventory management, retailers can ensure their BOPIS program's success.

This is a fantastic opportunity for brick-and-mortar stores to thrive in this ever-changing retail landscape. Keep refining your processes, listening to customer feedback, and adapting to new trends—your customer satisfaction will skyrocket, along with your sales!