Curbside Pickup…Picks Up
Why this Way of Doing Business Isn’t Going Away Anytime Soon
Dining out at restaurants is starting to look more like life pre-pandemic. However, in wake of changing mask requirements/recommendations, navigating best business practices during this time is still very tricky.
Consumer spending patterns by channel has vastly changed. Businesses have integrated a wealth of technology (contactless payments, scan to pay, etc) and customers are getting used to expecting certain channels to get their goods.
Case in point: Curbside Pick Up
Since the start of the pandemic, Curbside Pickup has grown exponentially. What used to be a newer concept for chain retailers, independent retail and restaurants have adapted their businesses by bringing on curbside pick-up.
Convenience
We can’t even count the ways customers love the convenience of Curbside Pickup, between not having to locate their masks so they can go into a building, having a car full of fussy kids, or the possibility they aren’t feeling or looking their best, the option to not leave their cars is nothing less than priceless.
Instant Gratification
Another perk is the chance to pickup or grab something sooner than waiting for delivery. While delivery times can extend 1-2 hours on busy nights, the wait time is greatly reduced when picking up.
Easy to Navigate
Like most of the technology rolled out as the result of the pandemic, our curbside pickup solutions allows customers to easily order from their computers and mobile devices.
So how do you continue to keep this channel strong for your business?
Technology
Your ordering system should be pulling accurate inventory to avoid out of stock notifications to the customer. It should also be very easy use.
Apps are also an incredibly easy way to direct customers to the curbside, delivery and pick up area of your e-commerce platform. Menus are displayed clearly and customers can select how they will be getting their order.
In addition, payment methods can be stored in the operating systems for quicker check out and digital loyalty programs are easily integrated.
Promotion
Continue to share with your customers the variety of ways they can access their orders. Add outdoor signage next to parking spots and share on your social media and Google My Business pages. Print messages on the receipts, on your phone recordings and add a promotion message to your website.