Setting up Shopify local pickup for single or multiple locations works best when the pickup process stays simple and organized.
A single-location setup is easy to manage. A multi-location setup needs more planning because stock, pickup availability, and order handling depend on how each location is configured in Shopify.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to add local pickup to Shopify, manage it for single and multiple locations, and how to avoid the common mistakes that frustrate customers at checkout.
Shopify local pickup: A quick overview
Shopify local pickup means a customer buys online and collects the order from a store location instead of choosing shipping. This is why local pickup is also sometimes referred to as Shopify click and collect.
That sounds simple, but the setup changes depending on how many locations you run.
One store only needs one pickup system. Multiple stores need location-based inventory, clear pickup instructions, and, in some cases, store transfers so pickup still works if products are out of stock at one location.
Tools/Apps for Shopify local pickup:
- Shopify POS
- Shopify Built-in Features
- Point of Sale App
- Stellar Delivery Date & Pickup App
First, let’s look at the Shopify click and collect flow of a single store.
How to manage Shopify local pickup for a single-location store
When you add pickup option in Shopify for a single location, keep the workflow as simple as possible. Local pickups for a single store are easy to set up. A few setup details make the process easier to manage.
Use a realistic ready time
One of the biggest mistakes in Shopify local pickup and local delivery setups is using an unrealistic ready time.
For example, if a store says an order will be ready in 30 minutes, but the team needs 2 hours, customers lose trust right away.
Set an in store pickup time in the Shopify storefront that matches the real pace of the store. For example, if you run a bakery, the time should include everything from prepping and baking to cooling, decorating, packing, and getting the order ready for handoff at the counter.
Add clear pickup instructions
Your pickup instructions should answer all the questions a customer will ask.
- Where to go
- What to bring
- When will the pickup notification be sent
- Who to contact if they have a problem
Good pickup instructions reduce support messages and make your store feel more organized.
Follow a simple order flow
For a single store, use a very basic Shopify in store pickup flow:
Order received
The order comes in. You check the items and confirm the stock is available at that location.
Picked
This is the step where the team pulls the item and sets it aside. Shopify’s local delivery & pickup workflow in POS includes preparing the order before notifying the customer, so this step should happen before anything gets marked ready.
Learn more about Shopify Point of Sale.
Ready for pickup
Once the order is packed, mark it ready and send the customer notification. You can do this by going to Settings> Shipping and delivery, then going to the Shopify in store Pickup option in the Additional delivery methods section.
Picked up
When the customer collects the order, mark it as picked up in Shopify POS. We suggest using the Point of Sale app. This updates the order as fulfilled, which means the pickup is complete.
Show pickup availability on product pages
If the theme supports it, show pickup availability on the product page. This gives the customer useful information before they even reach the cart or checkout.
For brands having multiple store locations, this works a little differently. You can use apps like Stellar Delivery Date & Pickup to manage pickup and local delivery in Shopify across multiple locations.
This app helps customers schedule delivery from the cart page or product page using a delivery date picker and time slots.
How to manage Shopify local pickup for multiple locations?
With multiple locations, the setup depends on three things:
- Which stores should offer pickup?
- Where is the inventory stocked?
- How do orders move when the chosen location does not have the item?
First, decide which locations should offer pickup
Not every location needs to be a pickup point.
Some locations are better used for storage or fulfillment only. Enable Shopify local pickup for stores that have the staff to handle it well.
Assign inventory carefully by location
Make sure inventory is assigned properly at each location. Fast-moving products should be available in more than one store. These will be your best-selling products.
Speciality or limited products can stay at one location. For example, a festive gift hamper doesn’t need to be in all locations.
Use store transfers when the stock is not at the pickup location
If the selected pickup location does not have the product, store transfers can help move stock from another location.
That makes pickup more flexible and gives customers more in store pickup options in the Shopify storefront.
Set different processing times when a transfer is needed
Never use the same ready time for every pickup order.
If the item is already in stock at the selected location, the order can be prepared faster. If it needs to come from another store, keep the pickup time longer.
Also, some products should stay where they are. For example, do not transfer bulky or fragile items between stores.
Tips to make Shopify local pickup work smoothly
Keep track of inventory at every location
This is one of the first things to pay attention to. If the stock is wrong at a specific location, customers may see a pickup option that is not possible.
Use realistic pickup times
Choose a pickup time that matches how your store works. Give customers a realistic estimate rather than promise a fast pickup, and keep them waiting when they arrive.
Create one staff workflow for pickup prep
A clear pickup routine makes daily operations easier. When the team follows the same steps, orders move faster, and there is less chance of being late on pickup timings.
Use a clear sign for pickup
Good signs help customers know where to stop, where to enter, or where to collect their order without needing extra support.
Here’s a simple example. If a customer comes to your store for pickup, a clear sign could say:
Online Order Pickup Here
Please show your order confirmation at the counter
Review pickup orders daily
Keep a close check on pickup orders every day. This helps make sure ready orders do not sit too long and gives the team a chance to follow up if a customer has not collected their order.
Shopify local pickup: The number of locations doesn’t matter
Shopify local pickup is easy to manage when you run one location. Once you start offering pickup across multiple locations, it gets a little complicated.
Always look at locations, inventory, and checkout first, because that is what keeps the experience smooth for both the store and the customer.
If you want your local pickup setup to work well, start small. Review your locations, fix inventory, test the full checkout flow, and then expand pickup to more stores when the process feels stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can add pickup option on Shopify stores so customers can buy online and collect the order from a location you choose.
Local curbside pickup means the customer places the order online and picks it up outside the store, usually from a marked parking spot or curbside pickup area, instead of coming inside.
With in-store pickup, the customer goes inside the store to collect the order. With curbside pickup, the customer stays outside, and the order is brought to their car or handed off at the curb.
Go to Shopify Admin > Settings > Shipping and delivery > Pickup in store, then click the location where you want to offer pickup and turn on Let customers pick up orders directly at this location.
The best way to add local pickup on Shopify is to use Shopify local pickup apps like Stellar Delivery Date & Pickup. Apps like Stellar helps store owners to manage pickup for both single and multiple locations.
