Glossary
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click-and-collect
Click and collect (in-store pickup, BOPIS): definition, customer journey, omnichannel benefits, Shopify local pickup settings, and best practices.
Updated on
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 pickup point, or a drive-thru. It combines the simplicity of e-commerce with the speed of physical pickup. For a boutique with a local network, this system can reduce shipping costs, speed up product delivery, 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 site, but delivery is replaced by a pick-up. The customer chooses a collection point, receives a confirmation, and then comes to pick up their order when it is ready.
This model should not be confused with a simple reservation. In a reservation, payment can take place later in store. In a true e-commerce click and collect, 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 picks up their order in a chosen location. |
In-store reservation | The product is set aside, sometimes without immediate payment. |
Collection can be done in-store, at a drive-through, at a partner point, or in an automatic locker. The level of organization depends on the volume of orders and the local store 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 a 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 store. Once there, the customer can ask a question, exchange a product, discover something new, or make an additional purchase.
It also improves the commercial promise when local stock is reliable. Displaying that a product is available today in a nearby shop can make the difference against a competitor offering delivery in several days.
Organization of collection 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, when it will be ready, what proof of purchase to present, and how long it will be kept. Unclear communication leads to phone 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. The synchronization between web stock and store stock is therefore central.
Choice of pickup point at checkout.
Notification when the order is ready.
Collection status updated in the admin panel.
Click and collect on Shopify
Shopify offers local pickup features when inventory locations are properly 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 panel and can send a readiness notification.
For more complex organizations, POS applications or integrations can complete 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 cancelled because the product is missing in-store severely damages trust. Therefore, promising immediate pickup without a robust process must be avoided.
The on-site experience matters as much as the online experience. Clear signage, an identified counter, and a trained staff prevent the customer from feeling like they are interrupting or waiting unnecessarily. The pickup process must remain simple, fast, and consistent with the website's promise.
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 sales performance.
Reading adapted 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: choice between pickup vs. delivery.
Delivery address: not required for pure in-store pickup.
Fulfillment: order preparation and handover.
FAQ
Is click and collect free for the customer?
Often yes: in-store pickup is offered with no shipping fees to encourage this choice. You can also charge a symbolic amount depending on your strategy.
Do you need physical stores to offer click and collect?
Yes, at least one pickup point (shop, showroom, warehouse open to the public). Without a physical location, opt for delivery or a partner pickup point.
How do you activate click and collect on Shopify?
Create locations, activate local pickup for each, configure instructions and processing times, then check the checkout process with a product in local stock.
Are click and collect and omnichannel the same thing?
Click and collect is an omnichannel service (web + store), not the entirety of omnichannel. Omnichannel also covers POS, marketplaces, unified customer service, and shared inventory.
Going further
Sources:
Enzo
June 4, 2026
