After connecting multiple locations to eCom to sync inventory to your online store, you can add shipping methods, local delivery, and in-store pickup options for customers buying online.

For more control over shipping and inventory, you can also add shipping rules that restrict shipping methods based on inventory levels:

• Allow customers to purchase items from all locations (default): Customers will be able to choose a delivery or pickup method associated with a location, even if items are out of stock in that location. You will have to transfer items between locations to fulfill the order.
• Restricting delivery and pickup methods based on inventory levels: Customers will see item availability by location and will be prompted to select another shipping option associated with the nearest location where items are in stock.
• Combination rules: You can restrict delivery or pickup methods in your online store while also providing shipping methods with no limitations. 

Setting up shipping rules can help prevent overselling and avoid the need to transfer items between locations.

Allowing customers to purchase items from all locations

By default, eCom allows customers to choose any delivery or pickup method at checkout if you have items in stock in at least one location associated with eCom. If an item is out of stock in all locations connected to eCom, customers won’t be able to add the item to their cart until you restock the items in your inventory.

This option works best for merchants who can quickly transfer items between locations for local fulfillment or those who primarily use carrier shipping to fulfill orders.

To allow customers to purchase items from all locations:

1. In Retail POS, select eCom (E-Series) from the dropdown menu.
2. At the bottom of the sidebar, click Shipping & Pickup.
3. Under Settings, click Outlets' availability for pickup, delivery, and shipping options. 
4. Select Always available.

   

5. Click Save.

Restricting delivery and pickup methods based on inventory levels

You can restrict pickup and delivery methods based on the inventory levels of locations associated with each shipping method to reduce the need to transfer items between locations. If a product is out of stock in certain locations, customers can purchase the item but won’t be able to select restricted shipping methods. 

In your online store, customers will be able to see availability at pickup locations on the product page.

In the cart, a warning message will prompt customers to remove the unavailable items from their cart or select another shipping method.  

This option works best for merchants who primarily use local delivery and pickup to fulfill orders. 

To restrict delivery and pickup methods based on inventory levels:

1. In Retail POS, select eCom (E-Series) from the dropdown menu.
2. At the bottom of the sidebar, click Shipping & Pickup.
3. Under Settings, click Outlets' availability for pickup, delivery, and shipping options. 
4. Select Available only if products are in stock.

   

5. Click Save.

Using combination shipping rules

To create combination shipping rules that allow you to restrict delivery or pickup methods while also providing shipping methods with no limitations, you’ll need to implement a general shipping rule restriction in your store, then create a shipping method that isn’t associated with any location. 

This option works best for merchants who want to offer pickup at locations for in-stock items only while also allowing carrier shipping that isn’t limited to stock availability per location.

To create a combination shipping rules for your online store:

1. In Retail POS, select eCom (E-Series) from the dropdown menu.
2. At the bottom of the sidebar, click Shipping & Pickup.
3. Under Settings, click Outlets' availability for pickup, delivery, and shipping options. 
4. Select Available only if products are in stock.

   

5. Click Save.
6. Scroll back up to add a new shipping method.

   

7. Follow the steps to set up the shipping method.
8. On the shipping method setup page, leave the Outlet associated with this shipping method field blank.
9. Click Save.

When customers place online orders, pickup will be available if the item is in stock at the selected location. Shipping methods not associated with a location will be available as long as the item is in stock in any location. 

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