Local Delivery Overview
Shopify's local delivery feature allows you to deliver orders directly to customers within a defined area. It's ideal for restaurants, florists, grocers, and any business serving a local customer base.
Unlike standard shipping, local delivery gives you complete control over the delivery experience, from timing to pricing to customer communication.
Benefits of Local Delivery
- •Faster delivery with same-day or next-day options
- •Lower costs compared to third-party couriers
- •Better customer experience with delivery scheduling
- •Full control over the last mile experience
Enabling Local Delivery
Local delivery is configured per location in Shopify. If you have multiple locations, you can enable it for some or all of them.
Setup Steps
- 1Access Location Settings
Go to Settings → Shipping and delivery → Local delivery. Click on the location you want to configure.
- 2Enable Local Delivery
Toggle on "This location offers local delivery" to activate the feature.
- 3Set Delivery Area
Define your delivery radius in miles or kilometres, or use specific postcodes for precise coverage.
- 4Configure Pricing
Set a flat delivery fee, conditional pricing based on order value, or free delivery above a threshold.
- 5Add Delivery Information
Enter delivery times, minimum order requirements, and any special instructions for customers.
Delivery Zones
Shopify offers two ways to define your delivery area: radius-based or postcode-based. Each has advantages depending on your delivery geography.
Radius-Based Zones
Define a circular area around your location. Simple to set up and understand. Works well for urban areas with consistent road layouts.
Example: Deliver within 5 miles of M1 1AA
Postcode-Based Zones
Specify exact postcodes or postcode prefixes. More precise control over delivery areas. Better for avoiding areas with difficult access or long travel times.
Example: Deliver to M1, M2, M3, M4 postcode areas
Pro Tip
You can create multiple zones with different pricing. For example, charge £3 for deliveries within 3 miles and £6 for 3-6 miles.
Pricing Options
Local delivery pricing should balance covering your costs while remaining attractive to customers. Here are common pricing strategies.
Pricing Strategies
- •Flat rate: Same fee regardless of order size. Simple and predictable for customers. Example: £4.99 delivery
- •Free over threshold: Free delivery above a minimum order value. Increases average order value. Example: Free delivery over £30
- •Distance-based: Higher fees for further deliveries. Reflects actual delivery costs. Example: £3 within 2 miles, £5 within 5 miles
- •Time-based: Premium pricing for express delivery. Creates urgency and revenue. Example: £8 for same-day, £4 for next-day
Delivery Scheduling
Shopify's native local delivery includes basic delivery time information, but for advanced scheduling with time slots, you'll need an app.
Native Options
- •Delivery information: Add text describing your delivery times (e.g., "Same day delivery if ordered before 2pm")
- •Minimum lead time: Set how much notice you need before delivering
- •Order notes: Allow customers to specify preferred delivery times in checkout notes
Scheduling Apps
Zapiet Store Pickup + Delivery
Full-featured scheduling with time slots, capacity limits, and blackout dates. Popular choice for food and flower businesses.
Local Delivery Date by Appikon
Date picker with delivery windows. Good for businesses needing basic scheduling without complexity.
Driver Management
Shopify Local Delivery app (free) helps you manage delivery drivers and optimise routes.
Shopify Local Delivery App Features
- •Route optimisation: Automatically orders deliveries for efficiency
- •Driver app: Mobile app for drivers with delivery details and navigation
- •Customer notifications: Automatic SMS/email when delivery starts and completes
- •Proof of delivery: Capture photos and signatures at delivery
Third-Party Delivery Services
Apps like Stuart, Gophr, or Uber Direct can handle deliveries if you don't have your own drivers. These integrate with Shopify and charge per delivery.
Best Practices
Successful local delivery operations require attention to detail and customer communication.
Local Delivery Tips
- •Clear communication: Tell customers exactly when to expect delivery at checkout
- •Real-time updates: Send notifications when the delivery is on its way
- •Delivery instructions: Collect specific instructions (gate code, safe place, etc.) at checkout
- •Capacity planning: Limit daily deliveries to what you can reliably fulfil
- •Track performance: Monitor delivery times and customer feedback to improve
