Students expect a seamless campus store experience when picking up course materials. Behind the scenes, college stores must prepare to manage a surge of online orders, especially during rush periods. To keep operations smooth and students satisfied, stores need to streamline their web order fulfillment processes. Here’s how:
1. Optimize Picking Lists
Start by customizing your picking list format to suit your store’s needs. Whether you’re separating textbooks from merchandise or including product images, a tailored pick list helps staff work more efficiently. Choose between individual order picking or batch picking based on your workflow and staffing.
2. Plan for Priority and Back Orders
Establish clear protocols for handling priority orders and back orders before rush hits. This ensures high-priority items are picked first and customers are promptly notified about delays — saving time and reducing confusion during peak periods.
3. Schedule Order Picking Strategically
Analyze your store’s daily traffic patterns. If the store is busy all day, consider having staff pick orders before opening. If there are slower periods, schedule picking during those windows. Aligning picking times with store traffic helps maintain a steady workflow without disrupting customer service.
4. Automate Customer Notifications
Once orders are packed, students need timely updates. Use automated email or SMS notifications to alert them when their order is ready. The MBS system allows stores to choose between automatic, delayed, or manual message releases — giving you flexibility to match your distribution strategy.
5. Offer Flexible Pickup Options
Enhance convenience by offering multiple pickup configurations. With MBS inSite, stores can enable curbside or in-store pickup, assign specific pickup hours, or let students schedule their own pickup times. These options not only improve the customer experience but also help manage store traffic more effectively.
6. Leverage Mobile Technology
Mobile tools can dramatically improve fulfillment efficiency. Staff can use handheld devices to create picking batches, scan items for accuracy, and finalize orders — all without printing pick lists. This real-time validation reduces errors and speeds up the entire process.
Empower Your Store with MBS Technology
MBS Store Technology Solutions provides the tools and flexibility college stores need to streamline web order fulfillment. From automated messaging to mobile scanning and customizable distribution options, MBS helps stores deliver a smooth, efficient experience for staff and students.
