Comprehensive Guide to Curbside Pickup Software

Are you tired of watching customers circle your parking lot while your staff scrambles to find their orders? 

You’re not alone.

A survey by Incisiv Inc., commissioned by Manhattan Associates, stated that 85% of shoppers now prefer curbside pickup, and 79% say contactless store pickup is very important to them. 

The message is clear: convenience is no longer a luxury, it’s expected.

Retailers like Target are already ahead of the curve, expanding curbside offerings to include returns right from the car using their Drive Up feature. 

And while customer demand for curbside is surging, many businesses still struggle with execution, including staff scrambling, parking lot chaos, and inefficient handoffs.

The reality? 

Curbside pickup isn’t just about order-taking. 

It’s about orchestrating the entire fulfillment process, from order prep to last-yard delivery. 

And that means choosing a curbside pickup software that prioritizes speed, communication, and route optimization.

In this guide, we’ll break down how curbside pickup systems work, what features to look for, and how the right solution can transform frustrated shoppers into loyal customers while boosting your bottom line.

What is Curbside Pickup?

Curbside pickup is a retail fulfillment method where customers place orders online or by phone, then drive to your business location to receive their items without leaving their vehicle. 

Also known as BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In Store) or contactless pickup, this service model bridges the gap between online convenience and immediate gratification.

How does curbside pickup work?

1. Customer places order: Through your website, app, or phone
2. Order processing: Staff prepare items and update inventory
3. Customer notification: Automated alerts when the order is ready
4. Arrival communication: Customer notifies arrival via app or text
5. Staff dispatch: Employee brings the order to the customer’s vehicle
6. Payment processing: Contactless payment if not prepaid
7. Delivery confirmation: Order marked complete in the system

Here is Walmart’s curbside pickup delivery process. Check the entire video to get complete knowledge.

While curbside pickup sounds simple, it requires precise coordination to run smoothly. Businesses need to:

• Accurately track the customer’s estimated arrival time.
• Monitor how long the customer has been waiting at the pickup point.
• Ensure that the order is ready before the customer arrives.
• Quickly identify the customer’s vehicle to avoid delays.
• Ensure each customer receives the correct order.
• Efficiently manage multiple pickup points or stores without confusion.

Without the right systems and processes, managing these tasks can become overwhelming. 

However, businesses implementing curbside pickup solutions can automate and streamline many operations, allowing for efficient and error-free service.

Types of curbside pickup services:

1. Restaurant curbside: Hot food delivery to vehicles, often with specific parking spots and time windows
2. Retail curbside: Pre-selected merchandise brought to customer vehicles, common in electronics and clothing stores
3. Grocery curbside: Full shopping cart fulfillment, requiring complex inventory management and temperature control
4. Pharmacy curbside: Prescription delivery with identity verification and secure handling protocols

What are the Important Features of a Curbside Pickup App/Software

When selecting curbside fulfillment management software, it’s crucial to consider features that enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Here are the essential features businesses should look for:

1. Dynamic order management

Curbside pickup technology should provide real-time, dynamic order statuses. This allows businesses to track every stage of the order—from placement to customer arrival.

Key updates include:

• When the order is placed for curbside pickup.
• Estimated arrival time for the customer.
• How long has the customer been waiting at the pickup point?
• Confirmation of completed pickups.

Impact: Improves efficiency and ensures staff are ready for each pickup at the right time.

2. Customer tracking portal

A customer-facing tracking portal is essential for providing transparency and reducing support inquiries. 

Through this portal, customers can:

• View their order status & pickup time.
• Navigate to the pickup point using integrated GPS maps.
• View pickup point location details, operating hours, and the estimated drive time to the location.

Impact: Reduces customer uncertainty and improves the overall experience by providing real-time visibility into their pickup status.

3. QR code-based order confirmation

The software should support QR code-based confirmation to streamline the handoff process. 

Upon arrival, customers can present a unique QR code, which staff can scan to confirm the correct order automatically.

This minimizes errors and speeds up the pickup process.

Impact: Ensures fast and accurate order fulfillment while maintaining contactless service.

4. Contactless payment integration

Offering contactless payment options is a must in today’s curbside pickup environment. 

The software should allow customers to complete payments through the app or website, reducing the need for physical payment exchanges during the pickup.

Impact: Enhances customer safety and convenience while speeding up the pickup process.

5. Route optimization and multi-location management

Route optimization is key for businesses with multiple pickup points or those handling multi-stop deliveries. 

The software should calculate the most efficient routes, considering traffic, distances, and time-sensitive orders. 

It should also allow seamless management of multiple store locations from a centralized dashboard.

Impact: Saves time, fuel costs, and labor by handling pickups across multiple locations efficiently.

6. Real-time updates

Drivers should receive real-time updates about changes in customer pickup times or order status. 

This ensures that routes and pickup schedules can be adjusted on the go to avoid delays or unnecessary wait times.

Impact: Improves operational flexibility, ensuring businesses can adapt to last-minute changes and keep things running smoothly.

7. Customer communication tools

Curbside pickup software should automate communication with customers. Key notifications must include:

• Confirmation of order placement.
• Estimated pickup time and instructions.
• Alerts when the customer’s order is ready or when the customer arrives at the pickup location.

Impact: Keeps customers informed throughout the process, reducing confusion and increasing satisfaction.

8. Data analytics options

The curbside pickup technology offers detailed analytics and reporting features. Businesses can track key metrics such as average wait times, the number of pickups, customer satisfaction, and peak hours. 

These insights can help improve staffing, reduce wait times, and enhance service delivery.

Impact: Empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions and improve their curbside operations.

What are the Benefits and Challenges of a Curbside Pickup System for Businesses and Customers?

Now that we understand how curbside pickup software works, let’s explore the specific benefits it delivers to your customers and your business operations

1. Reduced Wait Times & Faster Service

One of the biggest advantages of a curbside pickup system is the ability to significantly cut down on customer wait times. 

With GPS tracking and real-time order status updates, customers can be notified the moment their order is ready, and staff can be alerted when the customer arrives. 

This ensures orders are handed off quickly, eliminating long lines or unnecessary delays. 

As a result, businesses see higher satisfaction rates, more repeat orders, and an increase in positive customer reviews.

2. Improved Order Accuracy

Curbside pickup solutions often integrate directly with a business’s POS and inventory management system. This creates a streamlined process where orders are automatically tracked and verified before they are handed off. 

By reducing the chance of human error, businesses can deliver the correct items with every order, lowering return rates and refund requests. 

This level of accuracy also builds stronger trust with customers, who are more likely to rely on a business that consistently gets their orders right.

3. Optimized Resource Allocation

Efficient scheduling and automation within curbside systems allow businesses to allocate resources more effectively. 

Instead of having employees manually coordinate pickups or constantly check for order readiness, the system takes over these repetitive tasks. 

This helps reduce employee strain during busy hours and ensures staff can focus on providing better customer service. In turn, businesses save on labor costs and improve overall productivity.

4. Seamless Multi-Location Management

For businesses that operate across multiple branches, curbside pickup software provides centralized management tools that make scaling easier. 

From a single dashboard, managers can monitor order activity, track performance, and ensure that every location follows consistent processes. 

This creates a uniform experience for customers regardless of where they pick up their orders, while also helping businesses expand operations without losing efficiency.

5. Enhanced Customer Communication

Automated notifications are another key benefit of curbside pickup systems. Customers receive instant updates at every stage of the process, from order confirmation to pickup readiness. 

This level of transparency reduces confusion, minimizes the number of customer inquiries, and reassures customers that their order is being handled properly. 

Better communication leads to stronger customer confidence and fewer service-related complaints.

6. Data-Driven Decision Making

Curbside systems often include analytics features that provide businesses with valuable insights into customer behavior and operational performance.

Data such as peak pickup times, average wait durations, and fulfillment accuracy rates allow managers to make informed decisions. 

Over time, these insights can be used to optimize staffing schedules, improve inventory planning, and enhance the overall customer experience.

7. Flexibility and Scalability

Finally, curbside pickup systems are built to adapt to demand. 

Whether a business is handling a small number of daily pickups or thousands during peak seasons, the software scales accordingly. 

This flexibility allows businesses to expand into new markets, handle seasonal spikes, or adopt hybrid fulfillment strategies like BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store) without compromising service quality.

Challenges:

1. Initial Setup Complexity

Setting up a curbside pickup system often requires integrating it with existing POS, CRM, and inventory systems. 

This process can be technically complex and may require third-party support or custom development. Without proper planning, businesses risk delays in implementation and potential disruptions to daily operations.

2. Staff Training and Adoption

For employees, adopting a curbside system introduces new workflows, mobile apps, or device-based check-ins. 

While the learning curve typically lasts one to two weeks, poor training can result in slow adoption, errors, or frustration among staff. 

To maximize benefits, businesses must invest in proper onboarding and support for their teams.

3. Inventory Sync Issues

One of the most critical challenges is ensuring real-time inventory synchronization. 

If systems are not updated accurately, customers may place orders for items that are out of stock, leading to cancellations and disappointment. 

Frequent mismatches not only harm customer trust but also increase the workload for employees who must handle refunds or substitutions.

4. Parking and Infrastructure Limitations

Not all business locations have the physical infrastructure to support curbside pickup. 

Limited parking spaces, lack of designated pickup zones, or unclear signage can confuse customers and cause delays. 

These challenges may require businesses to invest in additional space, better signage, or clearer instructions for customers to ensure smooth operations.

5. Cost of Implementation

Finally, cost is a major factor. While some SaaS-based curbside solutions are affordable, ranging from $10 to $500 per month per location, custom-built systems can require thousands of dollars in upfront investment. 

Businesses must carefully evaluate the return on investment, considering both the long-term savings from efficiency and the potential for increased sales.

Exploring Top Curbside Pickup Software Solutions

After analyzing dozens of platforms, here are the solutions that consistently deliver results. 

We’ve tested these personally and gathered feedback from business owners to give you the real story, not just marketing promises.

1. WeSupply

What makes it different: WeSupply is a full post-purchase experience platform that combines tracking, returns, and curbside pickup in one branded workflow.

Best for: Retailers needing a seamless solution across tracking, notifications, and pickup.

Pricing: $60/month

Setup difficulty: Moderate (depends on integration scope)

Key features:

• Branded SMS and email notifications
• Automated curbside pickup workflows
• Integration with Attentive SMS marketing
• Returns and order tracking tools

Pros:

• Great for branded post-purchase experiences
• Simplifies curbside with automation
• Integrates with major eCommerce tools

Cons:

• Maybe more than needed for smaller businesses

2. Swipeby

What makes it different: Swipeby offers affordable curbside with geo-triggered customer arrival alerts and custom promotions.

Best for: Small businesses looking to test curbside with built-in marketing tools

Pricing: $69 (usage based)

Setup difficulty: Easy (same-day setup)

Key features:

• Geofenced arrival notifications
• Order scheduling and tracking
• Custom coupon code distribution
• Analytics dashboard

Pros:

• Cost-effective for small teams
• Menu and promotion flexibility
• Option to find third-party drivers

Cons:

• App download required
• No inventory or POS integration

3. Infillion Curbside

What makes it different: Infillion Curbside prioritizes fast deployment for restaurants and stores using mobile/browser apps.

Best for: Brick-and-mortar businesses needing a simple, fast curbside tool

Pricing: Not disclosed

Setup difficulty: Very easy (1–2 days)

Key features:

• Browser-based and mobile app options
• Real-time GPS tracking
• Minimal setup requirements

Pros:

• Fast implementation
• Works on mobile without downloads
• Lightweight solution

Cons:

• No inventory sync or order integration
• Manual vehicle info entry

4. SimpleTexting

What makes it different: SimpleTexting is primarily an SMS marketing platform that supports basic curbside communication.

Best For: Businesses focusing on simple text notifications and customer engagement

Pricing: Starts at $39/month

Setup difficulty: Very easy

Key features:

• Automated SMS workflows
• Two-way messaging
• POS system integration

Pros:

• Affordable and intuitive
• Great for SMS marketing retention
• Easy to scale with contacts

Cons:

• No geo-fencing or app support
• Text-based only (no dashboard tracking)

5. Zapiet

What makes it different: Zapiet is deeply integrated with Shopify for managing local pickup and delivery.

Best for: Shopify-based stores managing multi-location inventory and orders

Pricing: Starts at $29.99/month

Setup difficulty: Moderate

Key features:

• Multi-location inventory syncing
• In-store pickup scheduling
• POS system compatibility

Pros:

• Built for Shopify users
• Reliable for complex fulfillment setups
• Integrates with fraud detection tools

Cons:

• Requires Shopify to use
• Some features depend on third-party plugins

6. FlyBuy

What makes it different: FlyBuy focuses on real-time customer tracking and optimized staff readiness.

Best for: Chains and enterprise businesses needing accurate wait-time reduction

Pricing: Custom (hardware fees may apply)

Setup Difficulty: Moderate (requires hardware for geolocation)

Key features:

• Real-time customer location tracking
• Automated staff notifications
• Third-party delivery platform integration

Pros:

• Extremely accurate arrival detection
• Integrates well with ops platforms
• Boosts team readiness

Cons:

• May require beacon hardware
• Higher cost than lighter solutions

7. Textedly

What makes it different: Textedly is a user-friendly SMS marketing platform that doubles as a curbside notification tool.

It allows businesses to instantly alert customers when orders are ready, all without requiring app downloads or complex setup.

Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses needing fast, scalable SMS-based curbside notifications without heavy tech infrastructure

Pricing: Starts at $29/month

Setup difficulty: Very easy (same-day setup)

Key Features:

• Mass and one-on-one texting
• Scheduled or triggered curbside notifications
• Custom keywords for check-ins
• API integration and Zapier support
• Opt-in tools for future marketing

Pros:

• No app needed for customers or staff
• Affordable for businesses with high SMS volume
• Easy to set up and scale
• Great for building an SMS marketing list post-pickup

Cons:

• No built-in geo-tracking or arrival detection
• Limited to text-based curbside interactions

How to Implement a Curbside Pickup Solution Successfully?

Based on analyzing hundreds of implementations, here’s the step-by-step process that actually works:

Phase 1

Week 1: Assessment and planning

1. Analyze your current operations: Identify bottlenecks and peak hours
2. Survey customer demand: Use email or social media polls
3. Evaluate parking and space: Designate specific curbside areas
4. Review technology infrastructure: Assess internet, POS, and device needs
5. Set success metrics: Define KPIs for wait times, order accuracy, and customer satisfaction

Week 2: Software selection and budgeting

1. Compare software options: Compare prices of different software and choose the one that fits your needs
2. Calculate ROI projections: Estimate revenue increase and cost savings
3. Plan staff training schedule: Allocate time for learning new systems
4. Design customer communication strategy: How you’ll announce and promote
5. Prepare backup plans: What to do if technology fails

Phase 2: 

Week 3: Technical setup

1. Install and configure chosen software
2. Integrate with existing POS and inventory systems
3. Set up customer notification systems
4. Create staff accounts and permissions
5. Test all integrations thoroughly

Week 4: Staff training and soft launch

1. Train all staff on new procedures
2. Practice with mock orders and scenarios
3. Soft launch with limited customers (friends, family, loyal customers)
4. Gather feedback and make adjustments
5. Refine processes based on real-world testing

Phase 3

Week 5: Public launch

1. Announce curbside pickup through all channels
2. Monitor performance closely during the first week
3. Address issues quickly as they arise
4. Collect customer feedback actively
5. Track all success metrics daily

Week 6: Optimization and scaling

1. Analyze performance data from the first week
2. Optimize staff schedules based on demand patterns
3. Adjust processes for efficiency improvements
4. Plan for scale-up during peak seasons
5. Document best practices for consistency

Upper: Your Curbside Pickup Assistant

Upper offers a robust solution for efficient curbside pickup operations. Its advanced features enable drivers to optimize their routes and minimize delivery times.

Features of Upper Route Planner

1. User-friendly interface: 

Upper provides an easy-to-use interface that provides instructions for new users to navigate through it and take the desired action. This helps make onboarding effortless, decreasing the steep learning curve.

2. Routing algorithm overview:

Upper provides sophisticated routing algorithms to optimize routes based on time, distance, customers’ preferences, and vehicle capacity specifics. 

It also helps ensure there is no crisscrossing or overlapping among routes. 

3. Curbside delivery preferences: 

Specify whether pickups should be made from the left, right, or either side of the street. This helps avoid unnecessary U-turns and reduces overall delivery time.

4. Pickup and delivery flexibility: 

Easily mark each stop as a pickup or delivery location. This adaptability ensures that drivers can seamlessly handle curbside pickups and regular deliveries.

By leveraging Upper’s curbside pickup functionalities, businesses can enhance delivery efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and reduce operational costs.

Pricing and ROI Analysis

Understanding the true cost of curbside pickup software goes beyond monthly subscription fees. Here’s the complete financial picture:

Comprehensive cost breakdown

Basic SMS solutions

• Monthly cost: $49–$200
• Setup fee: $0–$200
• Hardware needed: Tablet (~$300)
• Training time: 4–8 hours
• Total first-year cost: $700–$1,500
• Best for: Small businesses needing simple curbside texting with minimal tech

Mid-range platforms

• Monthly cost: $100–$300
• Setup fee: $500–$1,000
• Hardware needed: Tablet + curbside signage (~$500)
• Training time: 16–24 hours
• Total first-year cost: $2,500–$4,500
• Best for: Growing businesses that want scheduling, basic tracking, and branded alerts

Enterprise solutions

• Monthly cost: $500–$2,000
• Setup fee: $2,000–$10,000
• Hardware needed: Full setup (~$2,000 including sensors, signage, beacons)
• Training time: 40–80 hours
• Total first-year cost: $15,000–$35,000
• Best for: High-volume operations needing full curbside infrastructure and analytics

Upper Route Planner

• Monthly cost: $40–$60
• Setup fee: $0
• Hardware needed: Basic setup (~$200)
• Training time: 8–12 hours
• Total first-year cost: $500–$2,000
• Best for: Businesses with delivery or parking-lot handoff needs seeking optimized staff routing and customer ETA accuracy

Hidden costs to consider

Staff training and productivity loss

• Initial training: 8-40 hours depending on complexity
• Learning curve productivity drop: 10-20% for the first month
• Ongoing training for new employees: 2-4 hours each

Infrastructure requirements

• Dedicated parking signage: $200-500
• Weather protection equipment: $300-800
• Security cameras for curbside area: $400-1,200

Customer support and communication

• Additional customer service time: 15-30 minutes daily
• Marketing materials and promotion: $500-2,000
• Customer education resources: $200-1,000

ROI calculation framework

Use this formula to calculate your potential return on investment:

Monthly ROI = (Additional Revenue + Cost Savings – Total Monthly Costs) / Total Monthly Costs × 100

Example calculation for a small restaurant:

• Additional monthly revenue from curbside: $3,500
• Labor cost savings: $400
• Software and operational costs: $150
• Monthly ROI: ($3,500 + $400 – $150) / $150 = 2,500%

Break-even analysis by business size

Small business (Under $50K monthly revenue):

• Break-even point: 2-4 weeks
• Recommended budget: Under $200/month
• Best options: SimpleTexting, Textedly, Swipeby

Medium Business ($50K-500K monthly revenue):

• Break-even point: 4-8 weeks
• Recommended budget: $200-500/month
• Best options: Upper Route Planner, WeSupply, Zapiet

Large Business (Over $500K monthly revenue):

• Break-even point: 8-16 weeks
• Recommended budget: $500-2,000/month
• Best options: Upper Route Planner Enterprise, FlyBuy, WeSupply (Enterprise tier)

Conclusion: How to Choose Curbside Software for Your Business?

After analyzing dozens of curbside pickup software options and working with hundreds of businesses, here’s the bottom line: the best solution isn’t necessarily the one with the most features; it’s the one that solves your specific operational challenges while growing with your business.

When choosing a curbside software, here’s what you need to know beyond the features: 

1. Start with your pain points

Are you struggling with long wait times, staff inefficiency, or poor customer communication? Choose software that directly addresses your biggest bottleneck.

2. Match the tool to your size

Small teams need simplicity and speed; larger operations need scalability, automation, and analytics.

3. Focus on integration

Pick a solution that fits smoothly with your existing POS, inventory, and communication tools to avoid operational friction.

4. Test before you commit

Always use free trials or demos to test real-world performance before rolling out full-scale.