The way we shop has dramatically changed over the past few years. Most of us have chosen to go online to shop for items from the comfort and safety of our homes. This change in purchasing behaviour in people had eventually given birth to the popular shopping method we know today as click and collect delivery.
What is Click and Collect?
Click and Collect, also known as in-store pickup, is a service offered by many online retailers that allows shoppers to purchase items online and then pick them up at a designated store location. This can be convenient for shoppers who want to avoid shipping charges or live far from the retailer’s distribution centre.
How Does It Work?
When shopping online, look for the “click and collect” option at checkout. This will let you know whether the retailer offers in-store pickup for the items in your cart. If so, select your preferred store location and continue with the checkout process. Once you’ve placed your order, you’ll receive an email or text notification when it’s ready to be picked up. Bring this confirmation, along with a valid ID, to the store’s customer service desk or dedicated click and collect area to retrieve your items.
There are several benefits of using click and collect service, including the following:
You can shop from the comfort of your own home
Click and collect services mean that you can do your shopping from the comfort of your own home. This is particularly beneficial if you have young children or are unable to get to the store yourself.
It’s convenient
Collecting your shopping at a time that suits you is much more convenient than having to work around delivery times.
You don’t have to worry about missed deliveries
If you’re not going to be home when the delivery arrives, you don’t have to worry about missing it. With click and collect, you can pick up your shopping at a time that suits you.
It’s usually cheaper
Click and collect is often cheaper than home delivery, as you’re not paying for the delivery itself.
You can avoid the queues
If you know you’re going to be short on time, you can avoid the queues in-store by opting for click and collect.
You can still get your hands on those items that are sold out online
By choosing click and collect, you may still be able to get hold of items that have sold out online but are available in-store.
You don’t have to worry about packaging
With home delivery, you often have to deal with lots of packaging. With click and collect, you can simply take your shopping bags with you and avoid all the unnecessary packaging.
It’s more environmentally friendly
Click and collect is more environmentally friendly than home delivery, as it cuts down on emissions from delivery vehicles.
You can support local businesses
If you opt for click and collect from a local store, you’ll be supporting your local economy.
If there are advantages to using click and collect, there are also a few potential drawbacks to using click and collect service, including:
Limited selection
Some retailers only offer a limited selection of items for in-store pickup, so you may not be able to find what you’re looking for.
Shipping charges
While many retailers offer free in-store pickup, some charge a fee. Be sure to check the retailer’s website before placing your order to avoid any surprises.
Time constraints
In-store pickup may not be available for all items or at all store locations. And, in some cases, you may have to wait a few days for your order to be ready.
Is Click and Collect Right for You?
Whether or not click and collect is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want the convenience of shopping online but don’t want to pay for shipping, it’s worth considering. Just keep in mind that there may be some limitations on what you can order and when you can pick it up.
Overall, there are many advantages of click and collect over home delivery. So, if you’re looking for a more convenient, flexible and environmentally friendly way to shop, then click and collect could be the perfect option for you.