Curbside Pickup and Delivery: Complete Guide 2025

The adoption of curbside pickup, especially in the post-COVID era, has been impressive.

At the beginning of 2019, only 8.9% of the top 1000 companies offered curbside pickup. By 2022, this number jumped to 52.5% offering curbside pickup/drive-up services for orders purchased online.

Click-and-collect sales are set to reach $666.28 billion by 2028, showing it isn’t just a temporary trend but the future of retail fulfillment.

Historical Context: From 1921 to Today

When did curbside pickup start?

Curbside pickup began in 1921, when The Pig Stand in Dallas, Texas, became the first drive-in restaurant that served food directly to customers in their cars.

This “carhop” service laid the foundation of today’s curbside pickup, where the staff delivers goods to customers in their cars. This concept evolved over decades and became increasingly popular with digital online ordering during COVID-19.

In the following years, the curbside evolved to become what it is today.

1940s-50s: Drive-in restaurants become popular across America.

2013: Walmart pilots free grocery pickup service in Denver.

2018: Target launches Drive Up service nationwide.

2020: COVID-19 accelerates adoption from 6% to 50.7% of retailers.

2025: Integration with AI-powered route optimization systems.

Thus, modern curbside pickup builds on a 100-year-old tradition of convenience.

International variations

International curbside pickup varies by country based on local preferences.

UK: “Click and Collect” emphasis on store integration

Canada: Focuses on weather-resistant pickup areas

Australia: Drive-through pharmacy services expansion.

Germany: Integration with public transportation hubs.

What is Curbside Pickup: Definition & Types

Curbside pickup meaning: Curbside pickup is a retail fulfillment method where customers place orders online or via a mobile app, drive to the store’s location, and the staff delivers the order directly to their vehicle. Customers stay in their cars throughout the entire pickup process.

Curbside delivery meaning: Curbside delivery is when a driver brings packages to the curb at the end of a customer’s driveway, enabling contactless delivery without requiring the customer to be present.

Key terms related to curbside pickup:

BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In Store): BOPIS is a broader category that includes curbside pickup, in-store pickup counters, and locker systems.

Click & collect: “Click and collect” is an European term for the same curbside pickup service, which emphasizes online ordering and physical collection.

Last-mile delivery: The final leg of the delivery process, where curbside pickup serves as an alternative to home delivery.

Omnichannel retail: Omnichannel retail integrates online and offline shopping experiences, with curbside as a key bridging service.

Contactless delivery: Contactless delivery is a health-focused delivery method that minimizes human interaction.

Carside vs Curbside: What’s the Difference?

Carside pickup: Carside pickup is when customers never leave their vehicles. The staff locate the car and place items directly in the trunk or backseat.

Curbside pickup: Unlike carside pickup, curbside pickup may require customers to come out briefly to meet the staff or walk to a pickup station.

The distinction between carside pickup and curbside pickup is crucial for route optimization and staff efficiency. True carside service requires precise location technology and clear vehicle identification systems.

Types of curbside services:

• Retail curbside: Includes general merchandise, clothing, and electronics.
• Grocery curbside: Includes fresh foods, pantry items, and household goods.
• Restaurant curbside: Includes prepared meals, beverages, and catering orders.
• Pharmacy curbside: Includes prescriptions, health products, and consultations.
• Drive-through enhanced: Includes Traditional drive-through with expanded product options.

How Does Curbside Pickup Work?

• Online ordering: Customers browse products online on a retailer’s website or app and add items to their cart. They then select the curbside option and a convenient time slot for pickup and complete the payment.
• Order processing: The retailer receives the order, processes it, and confirms the inventory location.
• Order confirmation, preparation, and notification: The store staff pick and pack the order and notify the customer once it’s ready, including relevant pickup instructions.
• Customer arrival: The customer arrives at the store, parks in the designated space, and informs the store about their arrival via text or call as instructed.
• Staff delivery: A staff member brings the packaged order to the customer waiting in their vehicle.
• Order Completion: The customer verifies the contents of the order, receives it, and drives away.

Behind-the-scenes curbside pickup operations

• Inventory integration: Real-time stock checking prevents overselling and pickup delays.
• Order fulfillment: Staff pick items from store inventory, often using dedicated shopping carts or containers.
• Staging area: Completed orders await pickup in temperature-controlled holding areas.
• Communication systems: Apps, SMS, or phone calls coordinate customer arrival with staff availability.
• Quality control: Final verification ensures order accuracy before customer handoff.

Curbside service technology requirements

• Mobile app integration: Customer notification and arrival management
• POS system connectivity: Real-time inventory and payment processing
• Location services: GPS tracking for customer arrival detection
• Communication systems: Text messaging or push notification systems
• Route optimization software: For businesses managing multiple delivery locations

Curbside vs Other Delivery Methods

Curbside pickup vs in-store pickup

• Customer effort: Curbside pickup lets customers stay in the car, while in-store pickup requires the customer to walk in.
• Wait time: Curbside pickup takes 5–15 minutes for an order to complete, while in-store is slightly quicker at 2–10 minutes.
• Weather impact: The effect of weather is minimal with curbside, while it’s none for in-store pickup, as customers are indoors.
• Additional purchases: Curbside pickup doesn’t encourage impulsive purchases, while in-store pickup increases the chances of upselling.
• Staff requirements: Curbside pickup needs outdoor staff, while in-store pickup depends on counter associates.
• Contact level: Curbside pickup involves minimal physical interaction, while in-store pickup requires moderate contact.

Curbside pickup vs home delivery

• Speed: Curbside pickup is mostly same-day, while home delivery typically takes 1-3 days
• Cost to customer: Curbside pickup is free, while delivery often includes an additional fee of $5-$15.
• Delivery window: Curbside pickup allows the customer to pick up the order at their convenience, while home delivery provides specific time windows of 2-4 hours.
• Failed delivery risk: There is no risk of a missed or failed delivery with curbside pickup, while home delivery may need redelivery for reasons like customer unavailability or lack of access to the address.
• Product inspection: Customers can check items immediately for any issues in curbside pickup, but not in the case of a home delivery.
• Environmental impact: Curbside pickup involves less fuel consumption compared to home delivery, boosting greener operations.

Curbside pickup vs drive-through

• Order complexity: Curbside involves pre-ordering, while drive-through allows for ordering and payment at the point of pickup.
• Service point: Curbside pickup involves delivery to the parked car, while drive-through requires a customer to reach the window.
• Accessibility: Curbside pickup can be more accessible for those with mobility issues, while drive-through is more convenient for those with time constraints.
• Speed of order fulfillment: Curbside pickup can be faster as orders are often prepared, while fulfillment time in drive-through may depend on traffic flow and staffing.
• Payment options: Curbside pickup often offers only the online payment option, while drive-through is flexible and allows for payments via cash or card as well.
• Staff efficiency: Curbside retail service facilitates batch fulfillment, while drive-through can handle only one order at a time.
• Infrastructure cost: Curbside requires moderate setup, such as a waiting area or designated parking space, while drive-through requires costlier specialized lane infrastructure.

Route Optimization for Curbside Delivery

The delivery logistics challenge

How curbside affects delivery routes: Traditional home delivery follows optimized routes visiting multiple addresses. Curbside pickup centralizes collection points, but creates new challenges for businesses managing multiple pickup locations.

Multi-stop optimization for curbside operations

Driver efficiency considerations in curbside service

• Pickup density: Clustering multiple curbside stops in geographic areas.
• Time windows: Coordinating customer arrival times across multiple locations.
• Vehicle capacity: Managing larger orders that might exceed car storage.
• Return logistics: Handling items that customers don’t collect.

Route planning for curbside networks:

• Hub-and-spoke model: Central distribution to multiple pickup points
• Zone-based delivery: Assigning drivers to specific geographic areas
• Dynamic routing: Real-time adjustments based on pickup demand
• Load balancing: Distributing orders across available pickup locations

Operational efficiency metrics

• Time optimization: Reduce average pickup time from 15 minutes to 5 minutes through better route planning and staff coordination.
• Fuel cost savings: Optimize delivery routes to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40% compared to individual home deliveries.
• Customer satisfaction: Improve on-time pickup rates to 95%+ through accurate route planning and realistic time estimates.

Power Up Your Curbside Logistics

Streamline pickups across locations, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction, all with one intelligent platform.

Benefits of curbside pickup for businesses and customers

Business advantages

• Cost-effective operations: Curbside pickup eliminates per-delivery costs while maintaining customer satisfaction. It helps businesses save on fuel, delivery vehicle maintenance, and driver time.
• Increased sales volume: The convenience of pickup drives a higher order frequency. Retailers report 60.4% growth in click-and-collect sales, with individual order values often exceeding in-store purchases.
• Inventory efficiency: Centralized pickup reduces the complexity of managing inventory across multiple delivery routes while providing better stock control.
• Staff optimization: Employees can process multiple orders simultaneously, improving labor efficiency compared to individual deliveries.
• Reduced return rates: Customers can inspect orders immediately, reducing product returns and associated logistics costs.

Customer benefits

• Time savings: Curbside pickup eliminates shopping time while providing same-day product access. Average pickup takes 5-10 minutes versus 30-60 minutes for in-store shopping.
• Reduced costs: With curbside pickup service, customers can avoid delivery fees ranging from $5 to 15 per order. Annual savings for frequent shoppers can exceed $200.
• Increased convenience: Customers can choose pickup times that suit their schedules, preventing missed delivery windows or failed deliveries.
• Product assurance: Customers can immediately verify the order upon receiving it in curbside pickup, preventing issues of damaged or incorrect items.
• Safety benefits: Curbside pickup reduced exposure to crowded stores while ensuring access to full product catalogs for customers.

Environmental benefits

• Reduced carbon footprint: One curbside trip can replace multiple individual deliveries, reducing overall vehicle emissions by up to 60%.
• Packaging Reduction: Less protective packaging needed compared to shipping, reducing waste.
• Fuel efficiency: Customers combine curbside pickup with other errands, optimizing personal travel routes.

Accessibility advantages

• Mobility support: Curbside pickup service assists customers with physical limitations who find store navigation challenging.
• Elderly accommodation: Curbside pickup provides shopping independence for seniors who prefer not to enter crowded stores.
• Family convenience: Parents with young children can avoid the complexity of in-store shopping with kids.

Curbside Pickup Implementation Requirements

Technical infrastructure

• Inventory tracking system: Real-time stock management prevents overselling and ensures pickup availability. Integration with existing POS systems is essential for accuracy.
• Mobile app or website integration: You need a customer-facing ordering platform with pickup scheduling, arrival notification, and order tracking capabilities.
• Communication platform: SMS, push notifications, or phone systems for customer-staff coordination.
• Payment processing: Secure online payment systems with options for pre-payment or payment upon pickup.

Staff training and operations

• Customer service protocols: Train your staff on efficient order handoff procedures, vehicle identification, and problem resolution.
• Safety procedures: Establish protocols for staff working in parking areas, including visibility gear and weather considerations.
• Order management: Develop systems to organize, store, and retrieve customer orders quickly and accurately.
• Technology training: Ensure staff competency with mobile apps, communication systems, and inventory management tools.

Physical infrastructure

• Designated pickup areas: Clearly marked parking spaces with appropriate signage and lighting for customer safety.
• Storage solutions: Climate-controlled areas for holding orders, with organization systems for quick retrieval.
• Weather protection: Covered areas or procedures protecting both staff and products from weather conditions.
• Security measures: Cameras, lighting, and protocols to protect staff, customers, and merchandise.

Legal and Compliance Considerations

• Local regulations: Verify parking ordinances, business permits, and any restrictions on curbside operations.
• Insurance requirements: Ensure coverage for staff working in parking areas and customer interactions outside the store.
• Health and safety Compliance: Follow local health department guidelines, especially for food and pharmacy services.
• Accessibility compliance: Ensure pickup areas meet ADA requirements for customers with disabilities.

Success Stories and Case Studies

Major retailer performance

Target offers free pickup and charges $9.99 for delivery. Its 500% growth came from early curbside adoption in 2018.

Walmart provides free pickup, with variable delivery fees. Over 60% of its online orders now use pickup—driven by a strong grocery focus.

Costco includes free pickup and free delivery on orders over $75. It expanded across multiple states by integrating with Instacart.

Amazon Fresh gives free pickup and delivery for Prime members. It operates in 2000+ cities and attracts customers with 1-hour pickup windows.

H-E-B offers free pickup and $5 delivery. Its regional success is fueled by personalized staff-to-car service.

Target’s drive-up success

• Implementation: Target introduced curbside pickup in 2018, before COVID-19 made it essential. Their “Drive Up” service grew 500% compared to other fulfillment methods.
• Key features: Mobile app integration, dedicated parking spaces, and staff with handheld devices for order identification
• Results: Increased customer loyalty, higher average order values, and improved inventory turnover.

Walmart’s grocery expansion

• Evolution: Walmart started with grocery-only curbside and expanded to general merchandise during COVID-19.
• Technology integration: Advanced pickup towers, automated dispensing systems, and route optimization for restocking
• Impact: Curbside pickup now represents the majority of Walmart’s online order fulfillment.

Route optimization success stories

Regional grocery chain case study:

• Challenge: Managing 15 store locations with inconsistent pickup demand
• Solution: Implemented Upper Route Planner for delivery coordination.
• Results: 40% reduction in delivery costs, 25% improvement in on-time pickup rates.
• Key insight: Route optimization between stores improved overall network efficiency.

Pharmacy chain implementation:

• Challenge: Prescription delivery to multiple pickup points.
• Solution: Integrated route planning with prescription preparation timing.
• Results: Reduced fuel costs by 35%, improved customer satisfaction scores.
• Innovation: Coordinated prescription filling with optimal delivery routes.

Quick-service restaurant network:

• Implementation: 200+ locations with coordinated curbside service
• Technology: Geofencing for automatic arrival detection
• Results: Average pickup time reduced from 12 minutes to 6 minutes
• Route Optimization: Coordinated supply deliveries with customer pickup demand

Future Curbside Pickup Trends and Predictions

Post-pandemic evolution

• Permanent adoption: Research indicates 88% of consumers prefer retailers offering both physical stores and a robust online presence. Curbside pickup bridges this gap permanently, not just during health crises.
• Consumer behavior shifts: Younger demographics expect multiple fulfillment options, with curbside pickup becoming a standard service rather than a premium offering.
• Business model integration: Retailers are redesigning store layouts and staffing models to accommodate curbside as a core service, not an add-on convenience.

Technology advancement impact

• AI-powered optimization: Machine learning algorithms will predict pickup demand, optimize staff scheduling, and improve route efficiency for multi-location operations.
• Autonomous integration: Self-driving vehicles may enable autonomous curbside delivery, where robotic systems load customer vehicles without human staff interaction.
• IoT implementation: Smart parking sensors, automated vehicle identification, and inventory tracking will streamline the entire pickup process.
• Augmented reality: AR apps may guide customers to exact parking locations and help staff identify correct vehicles more efficiently.

Market growth projections

• Industry forecasts: Curbside management market size is projected to grow from $2.6 bn in 2023 to $4.12 bn by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.4% during the forecast period 2024-2031. This growth is driven by convenience preferences and operational efficiency.
• Revenue impact: Click-and-collect sales will surpass $100 billion by the end of 2025.
• Geographic expansion: International adoption is increasing fast, particularly in urban areas where parking is premium and delivery costs are high.

Integration with emerging services

• Subscription models: Monthly or annual curbside pickup subscriptions offer priority service and exclusive time slots.
• Social commerce: Integration with social media platforms allows direct ordering from social posts with curbside fulfillment.
• B2B applications: Consider business-to-business curbside services for office supplies, equipment, and bulk orders.

Environmental and social impact

• Sustainability focus: Carbon footprint reduction through optimized pickup routes and reduced individual deliveries will drive adoption among environmentally conscious consumers.
• Urban planning integration: City planners incorporate dedicated curbside pickup zones into new retail developments and transportation hubs.
• Accessibility enhancement: Includes advanced accommodations for customers with disabilities, including specialized vehicle loading equipment and priority service lanes.