How To Set Up Local Delivery And Pickup In Store In Shopify
Local delivery and pickup in store are set up per location in Settings, Shipping and delivery. For local delivery, activate a location and define the area by delivery radius or ZIP codes, then set a price and a note. For pickup, switch the location on, set the expected pickup time and write a clear ready for pickup message.
What Is Different In The New System
Local delivery and pickup are tied to your locations, not to your markets. You will still find them in Settings, Shipping and delivery. Shopify is moving rates for shipping into Markets, and these two features keep their own settings per location. Both pages sit under Shipping and delivery.
Part One: Local Delivery
Step 1: Open The Local Delivery Page
- Open Settings, then Shipping and delivery.
- Click Local delivery.
- Click your location. In my example it is called Shop location.
The page is titled Local delivery for Shop location. Location status reads Doesn't offer delivery, and the toggle is off.
A P.O. Box cannot be used as a local delivery address. If Shopify cannot verify the address, fix it first under Locations.
Step 2: Turn On Delivery And Choose Your Zone Type
- Switch the Location status toggle on. The label changes to Offers delivery, and an Unsaved changes bar appears with Discard and Save.
- Under Delivery zones, choose how to describe your area.
- Use ZIP codes. Choose specific areas that you deliver to.
- Set a delivery radius. Set a distance around your location that you deliver to. You can tick Include neighboring states or regions, choose the radius unit (miles in my example) and choose the currency for your prices.
Step 3: Set The Price And Rules
Shopify starts you with a zone called Local Delivery, set to up to 6mi and Free. Change the price if you do not want to deliver for free. Click the three dots on the zone to edit it. You can set:
- Zone name
- Delivery radius up to
- Minimum order price
- Delivery price
- Delivery information
Click + Zone to add more zones with different prices and different messages, for example a closer zone that is free and a farther zone that costs more. You can also add conditional pricing, such as one price for smaller orders and free delivery above a set amount.
Know your real cost before you set a price. Local delivery is your time and your fuel, and it grows with every extra order.
Step 4: Write A Clear Note
The delivery information appears at checkout and in the order confirmation email. Include processing time, delivery days and anything the customer must do. Customers rarely read the details, so keep it short and plain.
Step 5: Save, Preview And Test
Click Save in the Unsaved changes bar. Then place a test order with an address inside your area and another outside it.
Be careful with free local delivery. Customers outside your intended area can still select it if their address qualifies. Define the area clearly and be ready to contact anyone who chooses it by mistake.
Manage Your Deliveries
At the bottom of the page, Manage local deliveries offers Recommended local delivery apps. These help you plan routes, contact customers and update delivery statuses.
Local Delivery Limits
If local delivery is on, customers will not see multiple shipping methods at checkout, even when their order qualifies for split shipping.
Part Two: Pickup In Store
What You Need First
- At least one location that fulfills online orders
- The latest version of checkout
- Physical products
- Stock at one or more pickup locations
Shopify now says you can offer pickup even when items are not available at the pickup location, by setting up store transfers. The customer cannot change the pickup location after choosing it at checkout, and only sees locations in their own country.
Step 1: Open Pickup In Store
- Open Settings, then Shipping and delivery.
- Click Pickup in store.
- Under Your locations, click your location.
A blue notice at the top says you can now offer pickup even when items are not available at the pickup location, and invites you to select a location to set up store transfers. The location reads Doesn't offer pickup until you switch it on.
A P.O. Box cannot be a pickup location.
Step 2: Turn Pickup On
Click your location. The page is called In-store pickup for Shop location, and the Location status toggle starts off.
Switch the Location status toggle on. The label changes to Offers pickup, and an Unsaved changes bar appears with Discard and Save.
Step 3: Set The Expected Pickup Date
This is the order processing time shown to customers at the storefront and at checkout. Shopify's example reads Usually ready in 24 hours. Open the dropdown and choose the time that matches your business, and add a little extra. It is better to surprise a customer than disappoint them.
Step 4: Write The Ready For Pickup Message
This message is sent when you mark the order ready, and it can be up to 255 characters. Shopify fills it in with Bring your confirmation email when you come to collect your order. Replace it with something more useful: where to go, who to ask for, how to reach you and your hours. All pickup is free, so there is no price to set.
Step 5: Set Up Store Transfers
If you have more than one location, you can transfer stock to your pickup location. A Transfer required badge shows in Orders when this is needed.
To keep certain products out of transfers, create a collection of them and add it under Transfer exclusions. You can exclude collections, not single products.
Step 6: Check The Preview, Save And Fulfill The Order
Below the message you will find a Checkout preview of what customers will see. The location name and address shown there come from your location settings, so fix them there if they are wrong. Click Save when you are happy.
Fulfill pickup orders from Orders in your admin. If your store fulfills automatically, untick Automatically fulfill the order's line items, because that setting does not apply to pickup orders.
Print on demand and dropship stores need to send pickup order details to the supplier by hand.
Where To Pick Up From
Do not use your home address. It is a privacy and safety risk, it can look less established to customers, and it can create liability. Choose a business address, a partner shop, a postal outlet, a locker or a co-working space.
Key Takeaways
- Local delivery and pickup are set per location in Settings, Shipping and delivery
- Define a local area by radius or ZIP codes and set price, minimum and note
- Free local delivery can still be chosen by customers outside your area
- Pickup needs stock at the pickup location and is always free
- Never use your home address as a pickup location
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up local delivery in Shopify?
Open Settings, Shipping and delivery, turn on Local delivery, choose your location, then define the area by radius or ZIP codes and set a price and note.
Can I offer pickup in store without a retail shop?
Yes, using a business address, a partner shop, a locker or another neutral location. Avoid your home address.
Why does my customer see only one shipping method at checkout?
Local delivery overrides split shipping, so multiple methods will not show when local delivery is on.
Can I charge for store pickup?
No. Pickup in store is free in Shopify.
Why is my pickup order not showing as fulfilled automatically?
Automatic fulfillment does not apply to pickup orders. Untick the automatic fulfillment option and fulfill the order by hand.