Shopping has come a long way, and people now expect flexibility and convenience, whether they’re browsing from their couch or stopping by your physical store. If you have a brick-and-mortar store, adding Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) to your offering is an absolute must! It’s an easy way to blend online and in-store shopping and can do wonders for your business, especially as we roll into the holiday season.
So, what exactly is BOPIS, why should you care, and how can you set it up if you’re using BigCommerce or Shopify? Let’s break it down!
What the Heck is BOPIS?
BOPIS stands for Buy Online, Pick Up In Store, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Customers browse your products online, place their order, and then pick it up in your physical store—skipping shipping costs and delivery waits altogether.
This hybrid shopping method has exploded in popularity because it gives customers the best of both worlds: the ease of online shopping with the instant gratification of getting their purchase in hand ASAP. Plus, for those who hate waiting for packages or don’t want to pay for shipping, BOPIS is a dream come true.
Why Should You Offer BOPIS? (Spoiler: It’s Awesome for Your Business)
You might be thinking, “Is BOPIS really that big of a deal?” The short answer? YES. Here’s why:
- Foot Traffic = More Sales 0 Even though customers are shopping online, they still have to come to your store to pick up their order. And when they do, guess what? Many of them end up grabbing a few extra things while they’re there. Studies show that a large chunk of BOPIS shoppers make additional purchases when picking up their online orders. So not only are you driving online sales, but you’re also increasing foot traffic—and with it, your overall sales.
- Bye-Bye Shipping Costs 0 Let’s face it, shipping can be expensive for both you and your customers. With BOPIS, there’s no need to ship anything. Your customer comes directly to your store to get their order, which means no more shipping fees cutting into your margins. Plus, customers love the idea of saving on shipping, especially during the holidays when every penny counts.
- Instant Gratification (and Faster Fulfillment) – Shoppers today want their stuff fast. With BOPIS, they can get it the same day—or even within the hour, depending on your setup. No waiting around for deliveries or worrying about shipping delays. This is a game-changer, especially during the busy holiday season when packages can get delayed due to overloaded carriers. With BOPIS, you’re giving customers what they want when they want it, without the wait.
- Better Inventory Management – One of the best things about BOPIS is how it helps you keep better track of your inventory. Instead of splitting inventory between your online store and your physical location, BOPIS lets you use your in-store stock to fulfill online orders. This helps you move inventory faster and avoid overstock or stockouts, keeping everything running smoothly.
- Happy Customers, Repeat Customers – People love options, and offering BOPIS gives them exactly that. Whether they’re in a hurry, hate waiting for deliveries, or want to avoid shipping fees, BOPIS offers a convenient, flexible shopping option. When customers can shop the way that works best for them, they’re more likely to come back again and again. And let’s be honest, keeping customers happy is what it’s all about.
The Holiday Season is Coming—Why BOPIS is a Must
The holiday season is the busiest (and most stressful) time of the year for both businesses and customers. Shipping delays, out-of-stock items, and the rush to get gifts in time can make it a logistical nightmare. That’s where BOPIS can save the day.
By offering BOPIS, you give holiday shoppers a super convenient option to get their hands on what they need, fast. They can skip the shipping chaos and pick up their order the same day. Last-minute gift givers will love you for it, and you’ll get a competitive edge by offering a faster, more reliable fulfillment option when shipping times are unpredictable.
How to Set Up BOPIS on BigCommerce and Shopify
If you’re running your eCommerce store on BigCommerce or Shopify, good news—implementing BOPIS is super easy!
- BigCommerce – BigCommerce has several tools to help you offer BOPIS. You can use inventory management systems that sync your online and in-store stock, making it easy to show customers what’s available for pickup. There are also third-party apps that can help streamline the process, offering real-time stock updates and even scheduling pickup times. It’s all designed to make life easier for both you and your customers.
- Shopify – Shopify also makes offering BOPIS a breeze. You can use Shopify’s POS system to track inventory across your online and physical stores. Shopify even has a built-in feature for local pickup that you can enable directly from your dashboard. You can customize pickup locations, set pickup times, and notify customers when their order is ready—all with just a few clicks.
If you’ve got a brick-and-mortar location and an eCommerce store, offering Buy Online, Pick Up In Store is a no-brainer. It gives customers the flexibility and convenience they crave while driving more foot traffic to your store, cutting down on shipping costs, and boosting customer satisfaction.
And with the holiday season just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to get it up and running. Shoppers will appreciate the fast, hassle-free option of picking up their orders without the stress of shipping delays. Plus, it’s super easy to set up if you’re using BigCommerce or Shopify, so what are you waiting for?
Scott Sanfilippo began his eCommerce journey in 1994 by co-founding one of the Internet’s first online retailers, TheFerretStore.com, which was acquired by PetCo in 2006. In 2001, he co-founded the eCommerce design and marketing firm Solid Cactus, which was acquired by web.com in 2009. Today, Scott is the General Manager of Your Store Wizards and lives in Delray Beach, FL. Scott can be contacted at scott@yourstorewizards.com.