Curbside pickup has become a popular way to shop—offering convenience and saving time by letting you grab your order without leaving your car. I’ve used it plenty, and while it seems simple, there are some rules that can make the experience smoother for everyone involved.
Knowing these guidelines can help you avoid common mistakes and get the most out of curbside pickup every time. Whether you’re new to it or have tried it before, understanding these tips can make the process easier and more efficient.
Curbside pickup requires you to stay in your car until staff bring your order.
When I use curbside pickup, I always stay in my car. The staff brings my order right to me, so I don’t need to get out or walk inside the store.
It’s a simple way to save time and avoid unnecessary contact with others. I just park in the designated spot and wait.
This makes the whole process smooth and convenient. Sometimes, you even check in using the store’s app to let them know you’ve arrived. This way, they bring your order out quickly without any delay.
Always check in through the store’s app or website before arriving.
I always make sure to check in through the store’s app or website before I get to the pickup spot. This step lets the store know I’m on my way, so they can start preparing my order if they haven’t already.
Once I arrive, I just select “I’ve parked” and enter my parking spot number, which makes the process smooth. Without checking in, I’ve found it can take longer for someone to bring my order out.
Checking in is quick and avoids any confusion about where I’m parked. It really helps curbside pickup run without delays. For details, you can see how Walmart handles pickup and delivery.
Not all items are eligible for curbside pickup, such as certain perishables.
I’ve noticed that not everything I want is available for curbside pickup. Perishable items like milk, eggs, and some fresh produce often aren’t eligible because they require careful handling.
Some stores also restrict age-restricted items and oversized products from curbside pickup. It makes sense since these need extra verification or special shipping.
If I’m unsure whether something qualifies, I usually check if it’s marked with the “pick up in store” option online. That helps avoid surprises when I arrive.
For more details, you can see specific rules at places like CVS or Sam’s Club.
You may need to provide your car’s make, model, and license plate for quick identification.
When I use curbside pickup, they often ask for my car’s make and model. It helps them spot my vehicle faster in busy parking lots.
Sometimes, giving my license plate number is required, too. This way, staff can check their list and know exactly when my order is ready.
Having this information ready saves time for both me and the store. It makes the whole pickup smoother and quicker.
If you’re unsure about your vehicle details, you can usually find them on your registration or insurance card. Sometimes, the dashboard or door frame has this info as well.
Some stores enforce specific time windows to pick up your order to keep things running smoothly.
I’ve noticed many stores give you a set time window to pick up your curbside order. This keeps the process organized and helps staff prepare your items just in time.
If you arrive late, some stores may still accept your order if it’s before a certain cutoff, like 8 p.m. But if you miss this, you might need to reschedule or cancel.
Knowing these pickup windows helps me plan better and avoid cancellations. It saves time for both customers and the store. For more details, you can check Walmart’s rules on pickup and delivery changes.
Customers should double-check their order upon pickup to catch any mistakes early.
I always take a moment to review my order when I pick it up curbside. It’s a simple step that helps me spot any missing or incorrect items right away.
Catching mistakes early means I can ask for fixes before I leave. This saves me from headaches later on and keeps things smooth for both me and the store.
Checking my order also helps me feel confident that what I paid for matches what I’m taking home. It’s an easy habit that makes curbside pickup better for everyone involved.
For tips on improving curbside pickup experiences, I look at ideas like those shared on best curbside pickup practices.
Contactless payment is often required to minimize physical contact.
I’ve noticed that many curbside pickup services now ask for contactless payment. It helps reduce the need to exchange cash or cards, which feels safer for everyone.
Using mobile wallets or tap-to-pay cards makes the process faster and smoother. I like how it speeds things up and keeps interactions brief.
This method also helps businesses keep checkout hygienic. It’s a simple step that makes me feel more comfortable picking up orders in person.
For more about securing these payments, check out best practices for securing mobile and contactless payments.
Always park in clearly marked curbside pickup spots to avoid fines or delays
I always make sure to park only in the designated curbside pickup spots. These spots are clearly marked and usually located near the front of the store for quick service.
Parking somewhere else can confuse the employees and delay my order. Plus, some places may issue fines if you park in a reserved spot without using the service.
Following the parking instructions in the app helps me find the right spot and ensures a smooth pickup experience every time. It’s a small step that saves a lot of hassle.
For more details on the importance of parking in curbside spots, check this guide on Target’s curbside pickup.
Orders sometimes take a few hours to prepare; rush requests aren’t always possible
I’ve learned that some orders need a few hours to get ready, especially when they involve fresh or customized items. It can be tempting to ask for a rush, but it’s not always doable without affecting quality.
When I request curbside pickup, I try to plan ahead. This helps avoid last-minute stress for both me and the store. Sometimes, they just can’t speed things up, no matter how much they want to help. Understanding this makes the whole experience smoother for everyone.
If I do need something quickly, I make sure to ask if rush options are available before placing my order. That way, I avoid surprises at pickup time. For tips on managing rush orders, see how experts handle last-minute requests efficiently.
Large or bulky items may require extra time or special arrangements
I’ve noticed that when it comes to large or bulky items, curbside pickup can take a bit longer than usual. These items often need special handling or extra preparation, so stores might have to schedule more time for loading.
Sometimes, you might need to make special arrangements, like reserving a bigger vehicle space or having staff assist with heavy lifting. It’s helpful to check with the store ahead of time to know what to expect and avoid surprises.
Handling these items carefully ensures they arrive safely, even if it means a little extra wait. For more details on shipping big and bulky items, you can see this guide on big and bulky delivery.
