If you’re a local retailer or restaurant looking to increase revenue without throwing money at broad advertising, curbside pickup is one of the most efficient tactics you can deploy. Curbside pickup reduces friction for busy customers, shortens transaction time, and keeps your business competitive in a market that increasingly favors convenience. Below are 10 proven tactics to help you implement or optimize curbside pickup to lift local sales and improve customer loyalty.
Why curbside pickup matters for local businesses
Consumers expect fast, contactless options. Offering curbside pickup signals that you respect customers’ time and health concerns while driving incremental sales—often from people who wouldn’t otherwise enter the store. According to industry guides, online and contactless pickup options continue to be a major growth area for local commerce (https://www.shopify.com/blog/curbside-pickup) (source).
10 proven tactics to boost local sales with curbside pickup
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Make the option highly visible on every channel
Customers won’t use curbside pickup if they don’t know it exists. Add a prominent “Curbside Pickup” button to your homepage, list it on your Google Business Profile, mention it in social posts, and include it in checkout flow on your e-commerce site. Clear visibility creates immediate demand and reduces questions to your staff. -
Simplify the ordering and notification process
The easier it is to place an order and know when it’s ready, the higher your conversion and repeat rates. Use SMS or push notifications to confirm order status, and auto-assign a pick-up window. Integrations between POS, online ordering, and text systems reduce human error and speed the handoff. -
Reserve dedicated, well-signed parking spots
Designate one or more nearby parking spots for curbside pickup. Paint or sign them, and include instructions on your booking confirmation explaining how to identify and use the spots. A visible, easy-to-access pickup zone reduces confusion and creates a smoother customer experience. -
Train staff for a fast, friendly handoff
Staff should be trained to greet customers quickly, verify identity, and load orders efficiently. Consider a standard script or checklist to make the handoff consistent. When staff are confident and capable, customers notice—and they come back. -
Offer time-based incentives and bundles
Drive incremental sales by promoting bundles or limited-time offers exclusive to curbside pickup. For example, offer a “Curbside Quick Bundle” at a small discount or include a free sample for orders picked up within an hour. Time-based incentives encourage faster turns and higher average order values. -
Use signage and wayfinding to reduce friction
Place signs that guide customers from the street to the pickup zone. Add digital map links in confirmation messages. Clear wayfinding reduces calls and makes pick-up a one-step action—good for busy shoppers and your staff. -
Capture and use local customer data
Use curbside pickup transactions to collect emails, phone numbers, and preferences. Segment local customers for targeted offers (e.g., neighborhood-specific coupons or early access to new items). Localized promotions often convert better than generic campaigns. -
Measure and optimize key metrics
Track metrics such as time-to-ready, average order value for pickup vs. in-store, pickup abandonment rate, and repeat rate of curbside customers. Use those insights to fine-tune staffing, inventory allocation, and messaging. -
Promote safety and contactless options
Make contactless handoff a clear choice: customers can opt for “hands-off” placement in their trunk or on a sanitized table. Highlighting your safety measures reassures customers and can be a deciding factor for those still cautious about in-store interactions. -
Partner with nearby businesses for cross-promotion
Local partnerships can expand your reach. Swap flyers with nearby service providers, bundle offers with complementary businesses (e.g., coffee shop + bakery), or coordinate shared parking signage in busy districts. Cross-promotion brings in customers who already trust neighboring businesses.
Implementational checklist
- Create visible curbside messaging on website and Google Business Profile
- Designate and mark pickup parking spaces
- Integrate POS with SMS/email notifications
- Train staff on standardized pickup protocols
- Launch one promotional curbside offer to encourage trial
Tools and tech that make curbside pickup easier
Invest in an order management system that links online orders with your in-store POS and SMS platform. Modern e-commerce platforms and POS providers often include built-in curbside workflows, reducing custom development. For best practices and setup ideas, see detailed guides from major e-commerce platforms (https://www.shopify.com/blog/curbside-pickup) (source).
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Poor visibility: If customers can’t find the option online, they won’t use it. Make curbside a top-level offer.
- Long wait times: Manage expectations with accurate ready-times and live updates.
- Confusing pickup process: Use consistent signage and scripts to eliminate uncertainty.
- Staff bottlenecks: Stagger preparation times and assign a dedicated pickup attendant during peak hours.
Measuring success and iterating
Start with a short pilot: offer curbside pickup for a subset of items or during specific hours. Track these KPIs:
- Conversion rate for visitors presented with curbside option
- Average order value for curbside vs. other channels
- Repeat pickup customer rate within 30 and 90 days
- Customer satisfaction (via quick post-pickup surveys)
Use A/B tests on pickup messaging, parking signage, and incentives. Small improvements in notification copy or parking clarity can yield outsized gains in customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Customer messaging examples that convert
- Confirmation SMS: “Thanks! Your order will be ready between 2:15–2:30 PM. Park in spot Curbside-1 and reply READY when you arrive.”
- On-site sign: “Curbside Pickup — Pull into Spot 3 and call/text (555) 123-4567. We’ll bring your order out in 2 minutes.”
- Promotional email subject: “Fast, free curbside pickup — Ready in under 15 minutes”
Short FAQ
Q: What is curbside pickup and how does it work?
A: Curbside pickup is a service that lets customers order online or by phone and collect items from a designated spot outside the store without entering. Customers receive pickup instructions and notifications, then park in the reserved spot and alert staff to complete the handoff.
Q: How can I advertise my curbside pickup service locally?
A: Promote curbside pickup on your Google Business Profile, social media, email newsletters, local flyers, and through targeted ads to nearby ZIP codes. Offer a first-time curbside promo to encourage trial.
Q: Is curbside pickup the same as curbside delivery?
A: They’re similar but different: curbside pickup requires the customer to come to the location and collect their order, while curbside delivery involves staff bringing the order to the customer at a specific nearby location (often their parked car or doorstep).
Authoritative source
For implementation tips and trends on pickup options, many retailers reference platform guides that cover setup, payment, and customer flows (https://www.shopify.com/blog/curbside-pickup) (source).
Conclusion — act now to capture local demand
Curbside pickup isn’t a fad; it’s a durable convenience that local shoppers increasingly expect. By making the option visible, simplifying the handoff, training staff, and tracking meaningful metrics, you can turn curbside pickup into a steady revenue stream and a differentiator in your neighborhood. Start with one small change this week—add a curbside option to your checkout or mark a pickup spot—and measure the impact. The customers who want speed and convenience are already looking for businesses like yours; make it easy for them to choose you.
Ready to grow local sales with curbside pickup? Implement one tactic from this list today and watch pickup orders—and repeat customers—grow.
Junk Guys Inland Empire
Phone: 909-253-0968
Website: www.junkguysie.com
Email: junkguysie@gmail.com
