Being able to deliver your products to customers has become an essential part of the success and survival of most businesses. Since the pandemic, online shopping has transitioned from being convenient to necessary, increasing the need for stores to provide local delivery options.
Transitioning from a brick-and-mortar or click & collect to using a delivery service can be daunting. The good news is that you can set up local delivery on Shopify, leveraging a variety of options. So, whether you’re setting up your first online store or an existing Shopify user looking to expand your offer, continue reading for everything you need to know about how to set up local delivery in Shopify.
What is Local Delivery, and Why Do I Need It?
Local delivery gives a customer the option to have their purchase delivered directly to their door. Broadening your offer to include local delivery is a valuable tool to improve customer satisfaction and boost sales.
Consumer spending habits are becoming increasingly dependent on the ability to purchase and receive items from the comfort of their home. In fact, 21.2% of total retail sales are expected to happen online in 2024. With a local delivery option, you can tap into shoppers’ desire for convenience when shopping, as 83% of shoppers say that convenience while shopping is more important today than it used to be.
The ripple effect of the added convenience of offering local delivery will be felt in terms of increased sales. Integrating local delivery services satisfies the immediate gratification consumers seek and fosters a stronger connection between local businesses and their communities. This relationship is vital; it drives repeat business and builds a loyal customer base.
With this in mind, stores need to transition to an online delivery model in order to keep up with the current market trends and stay ahead of the competition. Thankfully, there are a few different ways to set up delivery options in Shopify.
Setting up Local Delivery with Shopify Native Settings
Shopify offers built-in local delivery without needing to install an app. To use Shopify’s local delivery service, you will need to manually add in each location that you deliver from and set the distance for local delivery. Depending on their distance from your listed delivery locations, customers may or may not be eligible for local delivery. If you want to cover a wider area, you might need multiple delivery locations to cover that.
It’s important to note that your local delivery options will depend on which Shopify plan you are subscribed to. For example, if you are on the Shopify Plus plan, your store will need to have less than 20 locations and have custom checkout deactivated.
Introducing Amai Local Pickup & Delivery
Amai Local Pickup & Delivery for Shopify simplifies the process of adding local delivery options to your online store. The app helps merchants enhance customer satisfaction by allowing customizable delivery zones, cutoff times, and delivery rates. The app facilitates the management of multiple store locations, enabling individual and bulk configuration to streamline operation efficiency. Users of this app have access to developer assistance, ensuring smooth integration and operation within your Shopify ecosystem.
How to Install and Use Amai Local Pickup & Delivery
To install and use the Amai Local Pickup & Delivery app on your Shopify store, you can follow these simple steps:
- Go to the Shopify App Store and search for “Amai Local Pickup & Delivery”.
- Once you’ve found the app, click on the “Add app” button. You may need to log in to your Shopify store if you haven’t already done so.
- After installation, the app will then appear in the “apps and sales channels” section of your Shopify account.
- Access the app to configure your store locations, delivery zones, cutoff times, and other settings.
- Once you have your delivery options in place, you will need to decide how to deliver the products.
- In-House Delivery: You may decide to designate existing staff members or recruit new ones to deliver the items. How many people you will need depends on the size of your business, but it is important to have at least a few reliable people who can handle deliveries. This is a cost-effective option that is worth considering when first introducing delivery options. It may only be sustainable for a short time, depending on the demand, but it will allow you to find your feet during the first stages.
- Local Couriers: When you start seeing growth in your delivery orders, consider using a local courier service. Using a local courier will take the responsibility out of your hands and allow you to deliver more products.
Limitations of Shopify’s Native System and Competitors
Shopify’s native system does not afford merchants the same level of flexibility as apps specifically designed for Shopify local delivery. Shopify Plus plans also have some restrictions for using local delivery with custom checkout and a maximum number of delivery locations.
With other third-party apps, customers encounter glitches and instability issues. For example, customers being able to select unavailable dates for delivery throws a wrench in operations and leads to confusion. There’s also a notable gap in support; while responses might initially be prompt, solving the actual tech problems drags out. Lapses like these can disrupt business and erode trust. These issues underscore the value of choosing an app like Amai Local Pickup & Delivery, known for its reliable functionality and strong customer support, ensuring a smoother, more dependable experience for merchants and their customers.
Features and Advantages of Amai Local Pickup & Delivery
- Seamless Setup: Add your store locations and integrate your Shopify inventory effortlessly. This makes launching or expanding your pickup and delivery options straightforward and hassle-free.
- Flexibility at Your Fingertips: Nothing beats the flexibility Amai Local Delivery & Pickup affords users. You can tailor everything from minimum order prices to specific delivery zones. The app gives you the control to mold its features around your business model and customer needs, ensuring a perfect fit.
- Easy Management Across Locations: Managing one or several stores is no longer a logistical headache. Amai’s intuitive dashboard allows for easy configuration of services, whether you’re tweaking settings for a single store or rolling out updates across multiple locations.
- Smart Pickup Suggestions: The app smartly suggests the nearest pickup points to your customers, enhancing their shopping experience with added convenience.
- Customizable Delivery Options: Define your delivery zones with precision, setting cutoff times and adjusting rates to optimize for your operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Unrivaled Support: When you install and use the app, you’re not just getting a suite of tools. You will also have access to 24/7 customer support. There’s a dedicated team available to assist with everything from minor tweaks to custom coding — you’re never alone.
Useful Tips
- Ensure each delivery location has sufficient inventory to fulfill orders completely.
- Use the delivery information section to clearly communicate delivery options, charges, and instructions to your customers.
- Use proper packaging, including eco-friendly packaging, to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Enhance customer retention and loyalty by providing personalized local delivery services.
- Regularly review and document delivery option prices to stay ahead of changes, such as fuel price fluctuations.
Summary and Advice
Offering local delivery is another way to differentiate your store and offer added convenience to your customers. The added convenience can improve your sales and give customers more reasons to buy from you. To effectively implement this strategy, you need to optimize your local delivery process. This includes utilizing tools like Amai Local Pickup & Delivery to help manage and streamline these services efficiently. With this app, you’re not simply offering a delivery service; you’re enhancing the shopping experience, building customer loyalty, and setting your brand apart in a competitive market. Take the next step towards boosting your business by checking out Amai Local Pickup & Delivery.
