Glossary
What is click and collect? E-commerce definition
June 4, 2026
Click and collect refers to a buying method where the customer orders online and then picks up their product in a store, a collection point, or a drive-through. It combines the simplicity of e-commerce with the speed of physical pickup. For a boutique with a local network, this system can reduce delivery costs, speed up product handover, and create an opportunity for in-store contact.
Summary
Definition of click and collect
Click and collect, sometimes called BOPIS for Buy Online, Pick Up In Store, is based on a simple principle: the purchase is made on the website, but the delivery is replaced by a pickup. The customer chooses a collection point, receives a confirmation, and then comes to collect their order when it is ready.
This model should not be confused with simple reservation. In a reservation, payment can take place later in-store. In a true e-commerce click and collect, the payment is generally finalized online and the order enters the back-office as a sale to be prepared.
Concept | Role |
|---|---|
Home delivery | The package is sent to the customer. |
Click and collect | The customer collects their order from a chosen location. |
In-store reservation | The product is set aside, sometimes without immediate payment. |
Collection can be done in-store, via drive-through, at a partner pickup point, or in an automated locker. The level of organization depends on the volume of orders and the local network.
Why click and collect is important for an online store
Click and collect meets a very concrete need: obtaining a product quickly without paying for or waiting for delivery. It is particularly relevant for local businesses, omnichannel brands, food, decoration, DIY, fashion, or urgent products.
For the merchant, this pick-up method can reduce logistical costs and bring the customer closer to the physical store. Once on site, the customer can ask a question, exchange a product, discover something new, or make an additional purchase.
It also improves the retail proposition when local stock is reliable. Displaying that a product is available today in a nearby shop can make all the difference against a competitor offering delivery in several days.
Collection organization and customer experience
The success of click and collect depends on the clarity of the steps. The customer must know where to pick up the order, from when it will be ready, what identification to present, and how long it will be kept. Vague communication leads to calls, unnecessary trips, and frustration.
On the operational side, the store must reserve the stock as soon as the order is placed, prepare the package, notify the customer, and mark the order as collected. Synchronization between web stock and store stock is therefore central.
Choice of collection point at checkout.
Notification when the order is ready.
Collection status updated in the admin.
Click and collect on Shopify
Shopify offers local pickup features when inventory locations are correctly configured. The merchant defines their locations, preparation times, eligible products, and the information displayed at checkout.
The customer can then select pickup instead of standard delivery, provided the product is available at the relevant location. Teams see the order to be prepared in the admin and can send a notification of availability.
For more complex organizations, apps or POS integrations can complement the setup: time slots, curbside pickup, lockers, multi-store management, or advanced notifications.
Points of vigilance to be aware of
Click and collect becomes problematic if the displayed stock is not reliable. A confirmed order that is then canceled because the product is missing in store severely degrades trust. It is therefore necessary to avoid promising immediate pickup without a robust process.
The on-site experience matters as much as the online experience. Clear signage, an identified counter, and a trained team prevent the customer from feeling like they are bothering someone or waiting unnecessarily. The pickup must remain simple, fast, and consistent with the promise made on the website.
In summary
This glossary sheet presents the concept of What is click and collect? E-commerce definition from an e-commerce perspective. The objective is to understand the term, its role in an online store, and the points to check before using it in a Shopify project or a growth strategy.
Clear definition of the term and its scope.
Concrete impact on the customer experience or commercial performance.
Reading tailored for merchants, marketing teams, and e-commerce profiles.
Associated terms and frequently asked questions
Associated terms
Omnichannel: click and collect as a web-to-store channel.
Checkout: option store pickup vs delivery.
Delivery address: not required for pure in-store pickup.
Fulfillment: preparing and handing over the order.
FAQ
Is click and collect free for the customer?
Often yes: in-store pickup is offered free of shipping charges to encourage this option. You can also charge a symbolic fee depending on your strategy.
Do I need stores to offer click and collect?
Yes, at least a pickup point (boutique, showroom, warehouse open to the public). Without a physical location, orient customer towards delivery or a partner pickup point.
How to activate click and collect on Shopify?
Create Locations, activate local pickup for each, configure instructions and delays, then verify the checkout experience with an item in local stock.
Click and collect and omnichannel: same thing?
Click and collect is an omnichannel service (web + store), not the entire omnichannel concept. Omnichannel also covers POS, marketplaces, unified customer service, and shared inventory.
Going further
Sources: Shopify Help Center (Local pickup).
Enzo
13 May 2026
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