> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.zentrixcloud.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Store Pickup: Click and Collect From Your Branches

> Let customers order online and collect in store. Zentrix Cloud routes each pickup order to the correct branch, reserves stock, and notifies the customer.

Store pickup lets your customers buy online and collect their order at whichever branch suits them — no manual handovers or phone calls required. Zentrix Cloud handles the routing automatically, reserves the stock as soon as the order is placed, notifies your staff at the right location, and keeps the customer informed at every step of the way.

## Enabling store pickup

Before customers can choose pickup at checkout, you need to turn it on and configure your available branches:

1. Go to **Online Store > Shipping > Store Pickup** and toggle the feature on.
2. Select which branches are available for pickup. You can enable all locations or limit pickup to specific branches.
3. Set a preparation time for each branch — for example, "Ready in 2 hours" — so customers see a realistic collection window at checkout.

Once enabled, the store pickup option appears on your checkout page alongside your standard delivery methods.

## How inventory reservation works

The moment a customer places a pickup order, Zentrix Cloud reserves the exact quantity ordered against the selected branch's stock. This reservation prevents the same units from being sold at the POS counter or fulfilled through another online order before the customer arrives to collect. The reservation is held until the order is either completed or cancelled — if the customer cancels, the reserved stock is released back to the branch's available quantity automatically.

## Pickup order workflow

Every pickup order moves through a clear, trackable sequence so nothing gets missed:

1. The customer selects a branch and places their order online.
2. The order appears automatically in the POS counter for the selected branch, clearly labelled as a pickup order.
3. Staff at that branch prepare the order and mark it as **Ready** in the POS.
4. The customer receives an automatic notification — by email or SMS — letting them know their order is ready to collect.
5. When the customer arrives, staff confirm collection at the counter and mark the order as **Completed** to close it.

## Customer notifications

Zentrix Cloud sends automatic notifications at two points in the pickup flow:

| Trigger            | Message sent to customer                                                                   |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Order placed       | Confirmation with the branch address, your set preparation time, and the order reference.  |
| Order marked Ready | A "your order is ready to collect" notification with the branch address and opening hours. |

Notifications are sent by email by default. If you have Zensios messaging enabled and the customer has opted in, the ready notification can also be sent via SMS or WhatsApp. Configure notification preferences under **Settings > Notifications**.

<Note>
  Inventory is reserved for the pickup branch as soon as the order is placed. This prevents the same stock from being sold at the counter or through another online order before the customer collects.
</Note>

<Tip>
  In busy stores, consider setting up a dedicated counter specifically for pickup orders. This keeps the regular sales queue moving and gives customers collecting online orders a faster, smoother experience.
</Tip>