Curbside pickup is a retail fulfillment service where customers order items online and then pick them up at a designated location outside the store, without having to leave their car. It’s essentially a “buy online, pickup in store” (BOPIS) option with the added convenience of not needing to step foot inside the store.
Here’s a breakdown of curbside pickup:
How it works:
- Order online: Customers browse and place their orders through the retailer’s website or app.
- Choose curbside pickup: During checkout, they select the “curbside pickup” option and specify their preferred pickup time.
- Order confirmation: The retailer receives the order and processes it. They’ll usually send a confirmation email or text message with the estimated pickup time.
- Pick up your order: When the order is ready, the customer drives to the store and parks in a designated curbside pickup zone. They might need to notify the store of their arrival through the app or by calling a designated number.
- Order delivered to car: A store employee will bring the order out to the customer’s car, verify their ID and order details, and load the items into the trunk or backseat.
Benefits of curbside pickup:
- Convenience: Customers save time by skipping the checkout line and browsing in-store.
- Safety: It minimizes contact with others, which can be especially appealing during the pandemic or for people with health concerns.
- Faster than delivery: Orders are usually ready for pickup within a few hours, compared to the waiting time for home delivery.
- Reduced shipping costs: Customers can avoid paying for home delivery fees.
- Ability to return items easily: It’s often easier to return items purchased through curbside pickup compared to those delivered to your home.
Things to keep in mind:
- Not all retailers offer curbside pickup. Check the store’s website or app to see if it’s available.
- There may be minimum order requirements for curbside pickup.
- Pickup times may vary depending on the store and the size of your order.
- Be sure to have your ID and order confirmation ready when you pick up your order.
Here are some popular retailers that offer curbside pickup:
- Walmart
- Target
- Best Buy
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Kroger
- CVS
- Walgreens
I hope this comprehensive information gives you a clear understanding of curbside pickup!