What if I say you can let your customers pick up the delivery for their order instead of shipping them? Interesting! Isn’t it?
If you run a WooCommerce store, you know the shipping process is a bit of a hassle and expensive. Offering local pickup with multiple locations can be a game-changing alternative.
It gives your customers the flexibility to grab their orders at their convenience while saving you the hassle of shipping.
But the question is how to set it up. Easy! Follow these 4 steps:
✅ Access the WooCommerce shipping setting in your store
✅ Enable and set the basic details of the Local Pickup
✅ Add multiple locations
✅ Save and run your store
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to enable local pickup in WooCommerce, add multiple locations, and even set it for specific products.
Plus, I’ll share best practices, common mistakes, and quick fixes to ensure a smooth experience for both you and your customers. Let’s dive in! ⬇️
What is Local Pickup in WooCommerce?
In WooCommerce, Local Pickup is a method that allows customers to collect their order from the store’s address. Instead of shipping the products sellers can bring the customers to the store to reduce hassle.
But why would anyone use local pickup?
There are some significant benefits to using local pickup for both customers and sellers. They are:
- For sellers, they don’t have to ship the order all the time. Local pickup is an efficient option for store owners.
- For customers, they don’t have to wait for the delivery to come. They can collect the order as soon as it becomes available.
How Does It Work?
The local pickup method allows store owners to select a specific location where the pickup point is. After purchasing a product, customers from the closest area can choose the local pickup option.
In this process, the buyer would bring the purchase receipt to identify the order and collect it. The seller can provide a fixed time for the pickup at his/her convenience.
How do You Add Local Pickup with Multiple Locations?
Now that you know why local pickup is important you have to learn how to set it up. Let’s get into it ⬇️
Step 1: Go to the WooCommerce local pickup setting
First, you need to go to WooCommerce settings from the WordPress dashboard. Then you will find the shipping setting tab above, click it. It will take you to the shipping zone setting.
Then, click the local shipping option. It will open an interface where you can configure the local pickup.
Step 2: Set local pickup configuration
In the local pickup option, you have to enable the checkbox for local shipping. Then, set the title of this method.
You can charge a fee for local pickup by checking the box to add the price. Normally, sellers don’t charge so it’s free by default.
If you check the box, you will need to add a cost for this method in the given box. Finally, you need to choose whether it is taxable or not.
After finishing up here, click the add pickup location button to set the locations.
Step 3: Set pickup locations
In the pickup location interface, first set a name for the location. Then set the address for each box. Finally, you can add pickup details if you want to give them any instructions.
Step 4: Add multiple locations
Now repeat the step 3 for each location you want to add. After adding the locations you want click the Save Changes button at the end.
Voila! Now you’ve created pickup for multiple locations. Your customers can choose the pickup option on the checkout page. And choose their closest pickup point from the given locations.
How to Set Local Pickup for Specific Products
In WooCommerce, you could set the local pickup based on a specific region and zip address. But what if you want to set it for specific products?
In WooCommerce, you can’t choose products directly for local pickup. However, there’s a bypass way to apply it.
You can create a class for Local Pickup and assign products to this class. It’s the same way we offer free shipping for specific products.
The difference is you have to change the class details for local pickup and set the value to zero in the flat rate.
This way, when customers choose that product they will get the local pickup option only.
But I recommend using a plugin for this purpose. Because with a plugin you can efficiently set multiple products for local pickup.
Local Pickup for WooCommerce by Dotstore is one of the plugins that can do this job easily. Check their official documentation before using.
Best Practice of Setting the Local Pickup
The latest update in WooCommerce changed the process of setting the local pickup. Previously you had to choose a single location for this method.
Moreover, we didn’t have basic control over setting pickup points. In the latest version, this issue has been removed.
That’s why store owners provided some best practices for setting up local pickup. Let’s see what they are.
- Choose the WooCommerce blocks
On the checkout page, you should use WooCommerce blocks instead of classic shortcodes. Those shortcodes will restrict your control and take you to the legacy version of the local pickup setting.
- Don’t add any charges for local pickup
Local pickup won’t cost anything, rather your customers have to spend money and time to reach your pickup point. It will be unfair to them, and drive them away eventually.
Moreover, they will choose other shipping options which may be troublesome for you.
- Inform customers when the pickup point is open
You should add the pickup points’ opening and closing times for weekdays or weekends. This way customers can arrange their daily routine to collect their order.
- Stay up to date with WooCommerce
As I already said about the perks of an updated version of the WooCommerce plugin, you should use it also. This updated version is optimized for known pickup bugs on the checkout page.
💡Pro Tips
Go to the edit page of the checkout page. If you find there’s a shortcode, remove it and add the checkout blocks from the + icon.
WooCommerce Local Pickup Common Mistakes and Fix
Between the shortcodes and blocks, many of us made some mistakes, such as omitting the pickup option on the checkout pages. Here, I will mention some common mistakes you might make. Avoid or fix them.
| Issues | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Local pickup option doesn’t appear | Check if you’re using shortcodes or blocks. Use checkout blocks. |
| Multiple locations don’t appear | Check if you add multiple locations. If they are added, toggle on the enable button to activate them. |
| Customers can’t select the correct location | Check if your pickup point location is valid. Also, don’t change the order of location if they are nearby. It might confuse the buyers. |
| Pickup options appear broken on the checkout page | Check if the theme is compatible with WooCommece. Also, ensure there are no other conflicting plugins. |
If you manage to avoid or fix these issues, there shouldn’t be any more of them. Even if you find anything new, let us know in the comment section.
Conclusion
So now you’ve discovered how to add multiple locations in the local pickup of your WooCommerce store. Follow the steps to efficiently set up a local pickup method.
Moreover, you have learned to set it up for specific products, some best practices, and common mistakes & their quick fixes. I am confident that you can run your store more dynamically and smoothly now.
Even if you come across something new or facing trouble with anything I mentioned, don’t hesitate to let us know.
FAQs
Can I hide other shipping options when local pickup is selected?
With WooCommerce checkout blocks, you don’t have to go the extra mile to hide other options anymore. If you enable local pickup on your store, it will appear on a different tab on the checkout page.
Can I display the time my buyer can get local pickup?
Yes, you can display your preferred time to let your buyers pick their order. While setting up the location, simply add the timing for your store in the pickup details.
Why shouldn’t I charge fees for local pickup?
The buyers won’t pay you to pick up their order by themselves. If you deliver the order to their address, you can add a delivery charge. Otherwise, the reason for local pickup will be nullified.
Should I add multiple locations from the same zip code?
It’s not recommended to add multiple pickup locations within the same zip code. It might confuse your buyers while choosing their preferred location. If you do, ensure that both addresses are precise and full.
