Click & Collect is a delivery method where customers place an order online and then pick up the goods themselves at a physical store, warehouse, or designated pickup point. It combines the convenience of e-commerce with the speed and flexibility of in-person shopping – often without additional shipping costs or delays.
For businesses, Click & Collect requires tight control over order management, inventory levels, and order preparation, ensuring a smooth and efficient customer experience. This puts pressure on both internal workflows and system integrations to work seamlessly together.
Rackbeat August 22, 2025
The Click & Collect process typically consists of four steps, where both the customer experience and internal logistics must align:
1. Customer places an order online:
The customer visits your webshop and selects Click & Collect as the delivery method. This option is especially popular among customers who want quick access to their purchase without waiting for delivery.
2. The order is processed and reserved in inventory:
Once the order is placed, it must be registered in your system, and the item should be reserved. This requires proper inventory management to ensure the item is actually available. With strong order management and real-time data – for example, through a WMS (Warehouse Management System) – the risk of errors or double bookings is minimized.
3. The order is prepared for pickup
Next, the order is picked and packed. Using a system that supports pick lists, the warehouse staff can easily locate and prepare the order. This ensures a fast and accurate handling of pickup orders.
4. The customer picks up the order
Once the order is ready, the customer is notified – typically via email or SMS – and can then collect the item at the selected store or warehouse. With the right system integrations between inventory and webshop, both the business and the customer receive real-time updates, ensuring a smooth handover.
To successfully implement Click & Collect, your webshop, warehouse, and internal routines must work in harmony. Orders must be processed quickly, stock levels updated in real-time, and pickup-ready orders prepared without errors.
A well-functioning Click & Collect setup typically includes:
Automatic inventory updates when an order is placed online
Pick lists to quickly locate and prepare the correct items
Clear overview of pickup-ready orders, helping staff prioritize tasks efficiently
Integration between webshop and inventory system, enabling real-time data sync
Customer notifications when the order is ready for collection
Reduced manual processes, minimizing errors and saving time
With the right systems and workflows in place, Click & Collect becomes an effective and customer-friendly delivery option that benefits both the business and the customer.
1. Fast delivery without shipping costs: Customers gain quick access to their goods and avoid shipping fees – increasing satisfaction and conversion rates.
2. Increased customer satisfaction and flexibility: Customers can choose when and where to collect their order, building trust and brand loyalty.
3. Less pressure on logistics and shipping: By offering pickup, you reduce reliance on external shipping and ease pressure on your internal logistics.
4. Upselling opportunities at pickup: When customers collect in-store or at a showroom, you can present related products and potentially increase sales.
5. Efficient inventory management combined with e-commerce: Click & Collect works best when your system can manage both online orders and physical pickups. Strong inventory control, precise order management, and flexible system integrations ensure a smooth and automated process.
Want more tips and insights about inventory management, order workflows, WMS, and digital integrations? Subscribe to our newsletter. We regularly share knowledge, inspiration, and news on how to optimize your warehouse operations and make your business more efficient – without fluff or sales talk.