This guide walks you through every Shopify BOPIS configuration step with screenshots, notification templates, POS sync instructions, common troubleshooting fixes, and a testing checklist for launch day.

Setting up BOPIS on Shopify should take 30 minutes, but most store owners waste hours hunting through menus, guessing at settings, and testing configurations that don't work. I've watched retailers launch pickup programs that immediately frustrated customers because one critical setting was wrong.

This guide eliminates the guesswork. You'll get exact navigation paths, optimal setting choices, notification templates you can copy, and a testing protocol that catches problems before customers see them.

Whether you're launching BOPIS for the first time or fixing a broken setup, you'll know exactly what to configure and why. By the end of this guide, your Shopify store will have fully functional local pickup that customers can trust.

Prerequisites & Account Requirements

Quick Answer: You need a Shopify plan (Basic or higher), at least one retail location set up in your admin, inventory assigned to that location, and Shopify POS installed to properly manage pickup orders. Local pickup is available on all Shopify plans including Basic. If you have multiple locations, you can choose which ones offer pickup.

Before you start configuration, verify you meet these requirements. Missing any of them will block your setup or create operational problems later.

Shopify Plan Requirements

Local pickup is available on all Shopify plans—Basic, Shopify, Advanced, and Plus. According to Shopify's local pickup documentation, there are no plan restrictions for this feature.

You don't need Shopify Plus to offer BOPIS. A Basic plan ($39/month) includes everything necessary for pickup functionality. The difference is in other features—inventory locations, staff accounts, and reporting—not pickup itself.

Location Setup Required

Shopify requires at least one retail location defined in your admin before you can enable pickup. A "location" in Shopify represents a physical place where you stock inventory—your store, warehouse, or popup shop.

Check if you have locations configured: Settings → Locations. You should see at least one location with a complete address. If you only see a default location with incomplete information, update it with your full retail store address before proceeding.

For multiple store locations, each needs a separate location entry with its own address and inventory. You'll be able to choose which locations offer pickup during configuration.

Inventory Assignment

Products won't show as available for pickup unless you have inventory assigned to your pickup location. Go to any product in your admin and check the Inventory section—it should show quantity at your retail location, not just "warehouse" or other non-retail locations.

If your inventory lives in a warehouse but you want to offer pickup at your retail store, you'll need to transfer or split inventory between locations before launching BOPIS. Customers can only pick up products that show stock at the pickup location.

Shopify POS Requirement

Shopify POS is essential for managing the pickup fulfillment workflow. This is where staff mark orders "Ready for pickup," print pickup slips, and complete the handoff transaction when customers arrive.

Download Shopify POS from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. Sign in with your Shopify admin credentials. The basic POS features you need for pickup are included free with your Shopify plan—you don't need POS Pro unless you want advanced retail features.

Without POS, you can technically enable pickup at checkout, but you won't have a proper fulfillment workflow. Your staff will struggle to manage orders and customers won't receive "ready" notifications automatically.

Payment & Checkout Considerations

Customers must pay for pickup orders at checkout—before they arrive at your store. BOPIS isn't "order online, pay at pickup." This is intentional: it prevents no-shows and guarantees the sale before you invest labor in picking.

Your existing payment gateway works for pickup orders. Shopify Payments, PayPal, Stripe—whatever you use for shipping orders also processes pickup orders. No special payment configuration needed.

Admin Configuration (Settings Panel)

Now we get into the actual configuration. These are the exact steps in your Shopify admin to enable local pickup.

Step 1: Navigate to Shipping Settings

From your Shopify admin dashboard, click Settings (bottom left corner, gear icon). Then select Shipping and delivery from the Settings menu.

Scroll down past your shipping zones and rates. You'll see a section titled Local pickup or Pickup in store—the exact label varies slightly by Shopify version and region, but it's in the same area below shipping zones.

Step 2: Enable Local Pickup

Click the Add pickup button or Manage if you see that instead. This opens the local pickup configuration panel.

You'll see a list of all your locations (the ones you verified in Prerequisites above). Check the box next to each location where you want to offer pickup. Most single-store retailers check just one location. Multi-location businesses can select all stores or just certain ones.

Example: if you have three locations but only Location A has adequate parking and staff for curbside pickup, enable it for Location A only. You can always add more locations later.

Step 3: Set Your Pickup Availability

For each enabled location, you'll configure these settings:

Expected pickup time: This is how long from order placement until the order is ready. You'll choose from preset options: "Usually ready in 30 minutes," "Usually ready in 2 hours," "Usually ready in 4 hours," "Usually ready in 24 hours," or "Usually ready in 2-4 days."

My recommendation: start with "Usually ready in 2 hours" for same-day pickup, or "Usually ready in 24 hours" for next-day. Don't promise 30 minutes unless you have dedicated staff and very low order volume. Under-promise and over-deliver—customers love getting "ready" notifications early.

Pickup instructions: This text appears at checkout and in order confirmation emails. Include four key pieces: where to park, how to notify you of arrival, what to bring, and your contact number.

Copy-ready template:

"Park in designated BOPIS stalls near the main entrance (look for numbered stalls 1-4). Call or text [your number] when you arrive and let us know your order number and stall number. Please bring photo ID matching the order name. Orders held for 3 days."

Customize the stall numbers, entrance location, and hold time for your store. Keep it under 200 characters if possible—checkout pages need to load fast.

Step 4: Preview Customer Experience

Before saving, Shopify shows a preview of how pickup appears in your checkout. You should see your location name, address, processing time, and instructions displayed clearly alongside shipping options.

Check that the address is correct—customers will use this for navigation. Verify your processing time looks reasonable. Read your instructions as if you're a first-time customer—any confusion means you need to clarify the wording.

Step 5: Save Configuration

Click Save at the top or bottom of the settings panel. Local pickup is now enabled for orders at checkout.

Important: saving enables pickup, but you still need to complete notification setup and POS configuration before going live. Don't announce this to customers yet.

For a broader operational context, see our complete BOPIS Holiday Playbook which covers policies, signage, and staffing beyond just Shopify settings.

Location Setup & Inventory Sync

Your pickup locations need complete configuration to work properly. Incomplete location data creates customer confusion and operational problems.

Complete Location Information

Go to Settings → Locations. Click on each location you enabled for pickup. Verify these fields are complete:

  • Location name: What customers see at checkout. Use "Main Street Store" not "Warehouse A"
  • Address: Full street address with suite/unit if applicable
  • City, State, ZIP: Complete and accurate for mapping apps
  • Phone number: Direct line to this location, not your corporate number
  • Hours: Optional but helpful—shows customers when they can pick up

Why this matters: customers often use the address to navigate to your store. An incomplete or wrong address means they show up at the wrong place, call frustrated, and leave bad reviews.

Inventory Visibility Settings

Products only show as available for pickup if they have stock at your pickup location. Check this for a few products:

Go to Products, select a product, scroll to Inventory. You should see your pickup location listed with an available quantity greater than zero. If it shows zero or doesn't list your location, inventory isn't properly assigned.

According to Shopify's inventory guide, you may need to transfer inventory from your warehouse to your retail location, or enable inventory tracking at multiple locations.

Multi-Location Inventory Strategy

If you have inventory at both a warehouse and retail store, you have two options:

Option A: Physical transfer—Move physical inventory to your retail location so customers can actually pick it up there. Update Shopify inventory to reflect this. Advantage: accurate availability. Disadvantage: less warehouse stock.

Option B: Virtual allocation—Keep physical inventory at the warehouse but show it as available at the retail location. Fulfill pickup orders by pulling from the warehouse, not in-store stock. Advantage: no physical move needed. Disadvantage: complexity if you sell the same products in-store and for pickup.

Most small retailers use Option A—dedicate shelf space at their retail store for pickup inventory. This keeps operations simple and inventory accurate.

Processing Times & Promise Settings

Your processing time promise is critical. Too aggressive and you'll miss deadlines. Too conservative and customers choose competitors with faster pickup.

Choosing Your Processing Time

The processing time options Shopify offers are preset: 30 minutes, 2 hours, 4 hours, 24 hours, or 2-4 days. You can't enter custom times like "90 minutes"—pick the closest preset.

Here's how to choose:

"Usually ready in 30 minutes": Only viable if you have dedicated picker staff, simple products (not requiring assembly), and low volume (under 10 orders per day). Coffee shops, convenience stores, small boutiques. Most stores can't sustain this during peaks.

"Usually ready in 2 hours": Sweet spot for same-day pickup. Gives you time to batch orders, find items, and stage properly. Works for stores doing 10-50 pickups per day with 1-2 staff handling fulfillment. Recommendation: start here.

"Usually ready in 4 hours": Conservative same-day option. Good for stores with part-time staff, complex products requiring verification, or higher order volumes. Also smart during holiday peaks when volume surges unexpectedly.

"Usually ready in 24 hours": Next-day pickup. Safest choice for new BOPIS programs. Takes pressure off same-day fulfillment, lets you batch all orders for next-morning picking. Works well if you're short-staffed or testing pickup for the first time.

"Usually ready in 2-4 days": Only use this if you're doing special orders, custom assembly, or products that need to be brought in from another location. Most customers expect faster pickup—use 24 hours instead if possible.

Setting Cutoff Times

Shopify doesn't have a built-in "same-day cutoff" setting. If you promise 2-hour pickup but customers order at 7:50pm and you close at 8pm, they expect their order ready before close. This is impossible.

Solutions:

Manual cutoff enforcement: Communicate via website banner: "Same-day pickup available for orders placed before 5pm." Monitor orders and contact customers who order too late to explain it's next-day. Not elegant but works.

Adjust operating hours in Shopify: If you close at 8pm but want a 5pm cutoff for pickup, you could adjust your location's operating hours to show 5pm. This is hacky and may confuse in-person shoppers.

Third-party app: Apps like Store Pickup + Delivery or Local Delivery allow cutoff time configuration. They cost $10-20/month but give you precise control over same-day vs next-day logic.

For most stores, option 1 (manual enforcement with website messaging) works fine until volume justifies an app.

Holiday & Peak Adjustments

During Black Friday week or December rush, temporarily change your processing time to a longer window. If you normally promise 2 hours, switch to 4 hours or 24 hours for peak days.

Go back to Settings → Shipping and delivery → Local pickup → Manage, edit your processing time, and save. This updates immediately for new orders. Existing orders keep their original promise time.

Announce changes via email blast and website banner: "Due to high holiday volume, pickup orders now ready in 24 hours. Thank you for your patience!"

For comprehensive holiday operational strategies, check our BOPIS best practices guide.

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Notification Templates & Triggers

Customers need to know when their order is ready. Shopify sends automatic notifications at key moments, but you need to customize the content.

Understanding Notification Flow

Shopify triggers three main notifications for pickup orders:

1. Order confirmation (automatic): Sent immediately when customer completes checkout. Confirms the order, shows what they bought, displays pickup location and estimated ready time. You customize this template.

2. Ready for pickup (automatic): Sent when you mark the order "Ready for pickup" in Shopify POS. This is the most important notification—it tells customers to come get their stuff. You customize this template.

3. Pickup reminder (requires apps or manual): If the customer doesn't pick up within 24-48 hours, send a reminder. Shopify doesn't have this built-in—you need an app or manual follow-up.

Customizing Order Confirmation

Go to Settings → Notifications. Scroll down to find Order confirmation in the customer notifications section. Click it to edit.

The default template works but lacks pickup-specific details. Add a section specifically for pickup orders using Shopify's template language. Here's what to add:

Find the section that shows order items and shipping method. Below that, add:

{% if shipping_method.title contains "Pickup" %}
<h3>Pickup Information</h3>
<p>Your order will be ready for pickup at:</p>
<p><strong>{{ shipping_address.address1 }}<br>
{{ shipping_address.city }}, {{ shipping_address.province_code }} {{ shipping_address.zip }}</strong></p>
<p>Estimated ready time: {{ fulfillment.estimated_delivery_at | date: "%B %d, %Y" }}</p>
<p>We'll send you a "Ready for Pickup" notification when your order is staged and ready.</p>
<p><strong>When you arrive:</strong> [Your custom instructions here]</p>
<p>Questions? Call us at [your phone number]</p>
{% endif %}

This conditional block only shows for pickup orders (not shipping orders). Replace the bracketed sections with your actual instructions and phone number.

Customizing Ready for Pickup Notification

This is the money notification—it drives customers to your store. Go to Settings → Notifications → Order ready for pickup.

The default Shopify template is bare bones. Enhance it with urgency, clarity, and logistics. Here's an improved version:

Subject: Your Order #{{ name }} is Ready for Pickup! 🎉

Hi {{ customer.first_name }},

Great news! Your order is ready for pickup at {{ shop.name }}.

ORDER #{{ name }}
Items: [list of items]

PICKUP LOCATION:
{{ shipping_address.address1 }}
{{ shipping_address.city }}, {{ shipping_address.province_code }} {{ shipping_address.zip }}
Phone: [your phone number]

HOURS:
[Your store hours]

PARKING & ARRIVAL:
• Park in designated BOPIS stalls (numbered 1-4 near main entrance)
• Call or text [your phone] when you arrive
• Let us know your order number and stall number
• Have photo ID ready

We'll bring your order right out!

IMPORTANT: We'll hold your order until [date 3 days from now]. If you can't pick up by then, please contact us to arrange an extension or refund.

Questions? Reply to this email or call [your phone number].

Thanks for shopping with {{ shop.name }}!

Customize the parking/arrival section for your specific setup. If you do in-store pickup instead of curbside, change it to "Come inside to the pickup counter near customer service."

SMS Notifications (Optional)

Email works, but SMS has better open rates—especially for time-sensitive pickup notifications. Shopify doesn't include native SMS notifications. You need either:

Shopify Inbox with SMS: Free tool from Shopify that lets you text customers. Set up manual SMS for pickup readiness, or automate via Shopify Flow (requires Shopify Plus).

Third-party SMS app: Apps like SMSBump, Postscript, or Klaviyo integrate with Shopify and can send automatic SMS when orders are marked ready. Cost: $20-50/month depending on message volume.

Manual texting: Just text customers from your phone when orders are ready. Works fine for low volume (under 20 pickups per day). Use a template: "Hi [name], order #[number] is ready for pickup at [store name]. Park in BOPIS stalls 1-4, text this number when you arrive. We'll bring it out!"

Most stores start with email-only notifications and add SMS once pickup volume justifies the cost or manual effort.

POS Integration & Fulfillment Workflow

Shopify POS is where the rubber meets the road—actual order fulfillment happens here. Your staff needs to understand this workflow cold.

Installing & Logging Into POS

Download Shopify POS from App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). You can also use it on an iPad or Android tablet—the interface adapts to larger screens.

Open the app and log in with your Shopify admin email and password. It syncs with your store automatically. If you have multiple locations, select which location this POS device operates from.

POS requires internet—either WiFi or cellular data. If your store has spotty connectivity, POS will struggle to sync orders and inventory. Address this before launching pickup.

Viewing Pickup Orders in POS

When a customer places a pickup order online, it appears in POS within seconds (assuming internet works). Here's where to find it:

Open Shopify POS. Tap the Orders icon (usually bottom navigation). You'll see a list of recent orders. Look for orders tagged as "Pickup" or showing your location name with a pickup icon.

Tap any pickup order to see full details: customer name, items ordered, order number, payment status (should always be "Paid"), and pickup instructions.

Picking & Staging Orders

Your staff's job: find the items in the order, verify them against the order details in POS, and stage them in a designated area.

Best practice workflow:

Step 1: Print or view the order in POS. Note the order number—this becomes the staging identifier.

Step 2: Walk the store and pick each item. Check them off in POS as you find them. If something is out of stock, note it immediately.

Step 3: Bag or box the items. Attach a slip with the order number and customer name. Use large, readable writing or print a pickup slip from POS (more on this below).

Step 4: Stage the bagged order in your designated pickup area. Use numbered shelves or cubbies—assign orders to slots based on order number (e.g., order #1234 goes in slot 34, last two digits).

Step 5: In POS, tap "Mark as ready for pickup" or "Ready for pickup" button. This triggers the customer notification and updates the order status.

The "ready for pickup" action is crucial. Don't mark it ready until the order is actually staged and ready to hand over. Customers get the notification immediately and may arrive within minutes.

Printing Pickup Slips

Pickup slips attach to staged orders so staff can quickly identify which bag goes to which customer. According to Shopify POS pickup documentation, you can print slips directly from the POS app.

In the order details screen, look for a Print option (usually three-dot menu or printer icon). Select Print pickup slip. This generates a small receipt showing:

  • Order number (large, bold)
  • Customer name
  • Items in the order
  • Date/time marked ready

Some stores add a QR code to the pickup slip (requires third-party apps). Customers can show the QR code on their phone, staff scan it in POS, and the order pulls up instantly for confirmation and completion.

If you don't have a receipt printer, handwrite order numbers on tags and attach them to bags. Low-tech but functional.

Customer Arrival & Handoff

Customer arrives at your store (curbside or in-store counter). They call, text, or walk up. Here's the handoff process:

Curbside handoff:

  1. Customer texts/calls with order number and stall number
  2. Staff finds the staged order by order number
  3. Staff verifies customer identity (ask for ID or confirmation email if needed)
  4. Staff brings order to customer's vehicle
  5. In POS, mark order as "Picked up" or "Complete"

In-store handoff:

  1. Customer comes to pickup counter
  2. Provides order number and ID
  3. Staff retrieves staged order from back area
  4. Verifies items with customer
  5. Marks order complete in POS

The "mark as complete" step is important for inventory and reporting. It closes the order and updates your fulfillment metrics.

Handling Problems at Handoff

Common issues and how POS helps:

Wrong person picking up: Check if order allows alternate pickup. If yes and they have order number + confirmation, proceed. If no, politely explain you need the person who placed the order or written permission.

Item missing or out of stock: If you discovered this during picking, you should have contacted the customer already. If they're just learning about it now, apologize, offer refund for missing item in POS (partial refund), or offer substitute if available.

Customer wants to return something: Most stores handle returns as a separate transaction. Direct them to customer service counter, not the pickup runner. See our BOPIS policy guide for return-at-pickup strategies.

Order not showing in POS: Check internet connection. If order was placed recently, it may take 30-60 seconds to sync. If still missing, search by customer name or order number in the Orders section.

Testing Protocol & QA Checklist

Never launch BOPIS without testing the complete workflow. Here's a systematic test protocol that catches 95% of configuration errors.

Test Scenario 1: Place a Pickup Order

Objective: Verify checkout flow and initial notifications work correctly.

Steps:

  1. Go to your online store in incognito mode (logged out)
  2. Add a product to cart that has inventory at your pickup location
  3. Proceed to checkout
  4. Verify local pickup appears as an option
  5. Select local pickup
  6. Verify location address, processing time, and instructions display correctly
  7. Complete checkout with a test payment (use Shopify's test mode if enabled, or place real order and refund later)
  8. Check email for order confirmation
  9. Verify confirmation shows pickup details clearly

What to verify:

  • Pickup option appears at checkout
  • Address is correct and complete
  • Processing time matches what you configured
  • Instructions are clear and typo-free
  • Confirmation email arrives within 2 minutes
  • Email contains pickup-specific information

Test Scenario 2: Fulfill the Order in POS

Objective: Verify POS workflow and "ready" notification.

Steps:

  1. Open Shopify POS on your device
  2. Navigate to Orders section
  3. Find your test order (should appear within 1-2 minutes of placing it)
  4. Open order details
  5. Verify all items, customer name, and order number show correctly
  6. Simulate picking: pretend to gather items from shelves
  7. Print a pickup slip (if you have printer) or note order number manually
  8. Tap "Mark as ready for pickup"
  9. Check email/SMS for "ready for pickup" notification
  10. Verify notification content is correct and includes your custom instructions

What to verify:

  • Order appears in POS quickly
  • All details are accurate
  • "Mark as ready" button is accessible
  • Ready notification sends within 2 minutes of marking
  • Notification content matches your template

Test Scenario 3: Complete the Handoff

Objective: Verify completion workflow and order closing.

Steps:

  1. Simulate customer arrival (pretend to call/text store)
  2. In POS, locate the ready order
  3. Tap order to open details
  4. Find "Mark as picked up" or "Complete order" button
  5. Tap it to close the order
  6. Verify order status changes to "Picked up" or "Fulfilled"
  7. Check inventory: item should be removed from location stock
  8. Check Shopify admin: order should show as fulfilled

What to verify:

  • Completion button is easy to find
  • Order closes properly
  • Inventory updates correctly
  • Admin shows order as complete

Pre-Launch QA Checklist (Complete Before Going Live)

Item Status Notes
Local pickup enabled in Settings Settings → Shipping → Local pickup
Correct locations selected Only stores with pickup capacity enabled
Processing time set appropriately Conservative promise (2-4 hours or 24 hours)
Pickup instructions are clear Parking, contact method, ID requirement, hold time
Location addresses complete and accurate Settings → Locations, verify full address
Inventory assigned to pickup locations Check 5-10 products for location stock
Order confirmation template customized Settings → Notifications → Order confirmation
"Ready for pickup" template customized Settings → Notifications → Order ready for pickup
Shopify POS installed and logged in Test on device staff will use
Staff trained on POS pickup workflow Practice finding orders, marking ready, completing
Pickup staging area designated Shelves, cubbies, or area with order numbers
Pickup supplies ready Bags, tape, markers, receipt paper
Test order placed and fulfilled end-to-end All three test scenarios above completed
Email notifications received and correct Confirmation + ready notifications checked
POS order completion works correctly Inventory updates after marking picked up
Parking/signage in place (if curbside) See our signage templates
Website banner/announcement ready "Now offering local pickup! Order online, pick up today."
Policies documented (hold time, ID, returns) See policy guide

Don't skip items on this checklist. Each one prevents a specific type of customer frustration or operational breakdown.

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Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Even with perfect configuration, you'll encounter issues. Here are the most common problems and their fixes.

Issue: Pickup Option Doesn't Appear at Checkout

Symptoms: Customers report they don't see local pickup as an option, only shipping.

Causes & Fixes:

Cause 1: Product has no inventory at pickup location.
Fix: Go to the product in admin → Inventory. Verify quantity at your pickup location is greater than zero. Transfer inventory from warehouse if needed.

Cause 2: Location not enabled for pickup.
Fix: Settings → Shipping and delivery → Local pickup → Manage. Verify your location is checked/enabled. Save changes.

Cause 3: Customer's shipping address is outside pickup radius.
Fix: Shopify may not offer pickup if the customer's billing/shipping address is far from your store location. Have customer update their address to something closer (or their actual address) and try again.

Cause 4: Theme customization hiding the option.
Fix: Some heavily customized themes override Shopify's default checkout. Revert theme customizations related to shipping/checkout and test again.

Issue: Order Doesn't Show in POS

Symptoms: Customer placed a pickup order online but staff can't find it in Shopify POS.

Causes & Fixes:

Cause 1: POS is offline or not synced.
Fix: Check WiFi/cellular connection on POS device. Pull down to refresh the Orders screen manually. Wait 30 seconds and check again.

Cause 2: POS is logged into wrong location.
Fix: Check which location POS is set to (usually in settings/profile in POS app). Switch to the location where pickup was selected.

Cause 3: Order is older and archived.
Fix: Use the search function in POS Orders section. Search by customer name or order number. Older orders may not show in the default "recent" list.

Cause 4: Order is marked as fulfilled already (by mistake).
Fix: Check Shopify admin → Orders. Search for the order number. If it shows as fulfilled/completed, you may need to reopen it or manually coordinate with the customer.

Issue: "Ready for Pickup" Notification Doesn't Send

Symptoms: Staff marks order ready in POS but customer doesn't receive notification.

Causes & Fixes:

Cause 1: Customer's email is wrong or bouncing.
Fix: Check order details in admin. Verify email address is correct. Call or text customer to inform them order is ready.

Cause 2: Notification template is disabled.
Fix: Settings → Notifications → Order ready for pickup. Check that it's enabled (toggle should be on). Save if you made changes.

Cause 3: Delayed email delivery.
Fix: Sometimes notifications take 5-10 minutes to send due to email server delays. Wait a bit and check customer's spam folder. For future orders, consider adding SMS notifications.

Cause 4: Wrong action in POS.
Fix: Ensure you're tapping "Mark as ready for pickup" (or similar wording), not "Fulfill" or "Complete." The specific "ready" action triggers the notification.

Issue: Customer Can't Find Products Available for Pickup

Symptoms: Customer reports items show "Not available for pickup" or don't appear when pickup is selected.

Causes & Fixes:

Cause 1: No inventory at pickup location.
Fix: Go to product → Inventory in admin. Verify stock at the pickup location. If zero, adjust inventory or transfer from another location.

Cause 2: Product is set to "Continue selling when out of stock."
Fix: This setting can confuse pickup availability logic. Edit the product → Inventory, uncheck "Continue selling when out of stock" for proper pickup availability checking.

Cause 3: Variant-level inventory issue.
Fix: If product has variants (size, color), check inventory for each variant at the pickup location. One out-of-stock variant can make the entire product unavailable for pickup.

Issue: Processing Time Doesn't Match What Staff Can Deliver

Symptoms: You promised 2-hour pickup but it's taking 4+ hours consistently.

Causes & Fixes:

Cause 1: Volume exceeded expectations.
Fix: Go back to Settings → Shipping → Local pickup → Manage. Change processing time to a more conservative promise (4 hours or 24 hours). Immediately announce the change to customers via email and website banner.

Cause 2: Staffing insufficient.
Fix: Add a dedicated picker during peak hours, or batch orders for specific pickup times (e.g., "orders placed by noon ready at 4pm").

Cause 3: Products require more prep than anticipated.
Fix: For complex products (assembly, verification, special packaging), consider extending processing time for those specific items, or set a store-wide longer promise during initial launch.

For deeper operational troubleshooting, see our BOPIS technology stack guide covering POS integrations and system architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Shopify POS for BOPIS?
Yes, Shopify POS is essential for properly managing pickup orders. POS is where you mark orders "Ready for pickup" (which triggers customer notifications), print pickup slips, and complete the handoff transaction. You can enable local pickup at checkout without POS, but you won't have a functional fulfillment workflow. The basic POS features needed for pickup are included free with all Shopify plans—you don't need POS Pro unless you want advanced retail features like advanced reporting or staff permissions.
Can I set different pickup times for different products?
No, Shopify's native local pickup feature uses one processing time per location—you can't vary it by product. All items use the same "ready in X hours" promise. If you need product-specific pickup times (e.g., custom items take longer), you'll need a third-party app like Store Pickup + Delivery or Local Delivery. These apps cost $10-20/month but offer granular control over processing times by product, collection, or variant.
How do I set a same-day cutoff time?
Shopify doesn't have a built-in same-day cutoff setting. Three workarounds: (1) Manually enforce with website messaging like "Same-day pickup for orders before 5pm" and adjust late orders to next-day, (2) Adjust your location operating hours to reflect the cutoff (hacky but works), or (3) Use a third-party pickup app that includes cutoff time configuration. For most stores, option 1 with clear communication works fine until volume justifies paying for an app.
What happens if a product is out of stock at pickup location?
If a product has zero inventory at your pickup location, it won't show as available for pickup at checkout—customers can only buy it for shipping. If you discover an item is out of stock after the order is placed (inventory error), contact the customer immediately. Offer options: wait for restock, substitute a similar item, partial fulfillment with refund for missing item, or full cancellation. Process the partial refund in Shopify admin → Orders → Refund. Always communicate proactively rather than making customers ask.
Can customers pay when they pick up instead of at checkout?
No, Shopify BOPIS requires payment at checkout before pickup. This is intentional—prepayment prevents no-shows and guarantees the sale before you invest labor in picking the order. If you want "order online, pay at pickup" functionality, you'll need a third-party solution or custom development. Most retailers prefer prepayment because it reduces fraud risk and ensures commitment from customers.
How do I handle multiple pickup locations?
Shopify supports multiple pickup locations natively. Set up each store in Settings → Locations with complete addresses. Then in Settings → Shipping → Local pickup, check all locations you want to offer pickup from. At checkout, customers choose which location they want to pick up from. Inventory must be available at the selected location. Each location can have its own processing time if needed. Make sure each location has staff trained on POS pickup workflows.
What should I do if POS isn't syncing pickup orders?
First, check internet connectivity on your POS device—both WiFi and cellular. Try pulling down to refresh the Orders screen manually. If orders still don't appear, verify you're logged into the correct location in POS settings. Log out and log back in to force a fresh sync. Check that your POS app is updated to the latest version. As a last resort, restart the POS device. If problems persist, contact Shopify Support—there may be an account-level sync issue.
Can I customize pickup times by day of week?
Not with Shopify's native local pickup. The processing time you set applies every day. If you need day-specific pickup times (e.g., faster on weekdays, slower on weekends), you'll need a third-party app. Alternatively, manually adjust the processing time in Settings → Shipping → Local pickup when your capacity changes (Friday nights, holiday peaks). This updates immediately for new orders. Some stores just set a conservative time that works for all days and over-deliver when possible.
How do I test pickup without charging real money?
Use Shopify's test mode if you have it enabled (Shopify Payments test mode in Settings → Payments). Place orders with Shopify's test credit card numbers. Alternatively, place a real order using your own credit card, then immediately refund it in Shopify admin after testing. Mark the order as picked up in POS to complete the test cycle, then issue full refund. This tests the entire workflow without costing you money (just payment processing fees if not in test mode).
Should I offer free pickup or charge a fee?
Offer free pickup with no minimum order value. Major retailers (Target, Walmart, Best Buy) all provide free pickup because it encourages adoption and costs less than shipping to fulfill. Charging a pickup fee discourages usage and confuses customers who expect it to be free. Your operational cost per pickup is typically $2-4 (labor, materials)—far less than shipping or customer acquisition. Free pickup positions you competitively and drives traffic to your store for potential add-on purchases.
What's the best processing time to promise?
Start with "Usually ready in 2 hours" for same-day pickup, or "Usually ready in 24 hours" for next-day. Don't promise 30 minutes unless you have dedicated staff and very low volume. Two hours gives you time to batch orders, handle unexpected issues, and maintain quality. During holiday peaks, extend to 4 hours or 24 hours to accommodate volume surges. Under-promise and over-deliver—customers love getting "ready" notifications earlier than expected.
How do I train staff on POS pickup workflow?
Run a 30-minute hands-on training session covering five key steps: (1) How to find pickup orders in POS, (2) How to pick items and verify against order, (3) How to stage orders in the designated area, (4) How to mark orders "Ready for pickup" which triggers notifications, and (5) How to complete the handoff and mark as picked up. Practice with test orders. Give staff a one-page quick reference card with these steps. Our BOPIS Holiday Ops Kit includes a complete training presentation you can use.

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Stop piecing together your BOPIS setup. Our BOPIS Holiday Ops Kit includes all the templates, checklists, and training materials you need for a smooth Shopify launch.

Perfect for: Shopify merchants launching pickup for the first time or fixing broken programs

Complete Kit Includes:

  • 47-point pre-launch QA checklist (printable PDF)
  • Notification templates (order confirmation + ready alerts)
  • Pickup instructions library (10+ variations for checkout)
  • Staff training presentation (60 minutes with talking points)
  • Policy templates (hold times, ID/proxy rules, returns)
  • Troubleshooting flowchart for common POS issues
  • First-week monitoring spreadsheet
  • Processing time calculator based on your capacity
Get BOPIS Holiday Ops Kit – $29

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Continue Your BOPIS Journey

This setup guide gives you the technical foundation. For broader operational strategies and tools:

Have questions about your specific Shopify setup? Drop a comment below or share this guide with fellow merchants preparing for holiday pickup.