Personal Pickup allows a customer to go to an Apple brick and mortar store and seamlessly pick up an item that was processed online.
Apple has just expanded the service to make it available in Canada and Australia. Apple's Personal Pickup service, which has been available in the U.S. since 2011, is an effective way to bypass the normal chaos that one encounters when making a purchase in an Apple retail location. With the holiday shopping season about to begin, the launch of the service to additional countries would definitely provide a better and worry-free shopping experience to Apple consumers.
"Personal Pickup is perfect for gift-giving, especially when your lucky recipient lives elsewhere," said Apple. "That's because you can place your order, and someone else can pick it up. So whether you're giving an iPod touch to your nephew across the country or a new Mac to your daughter in college, they can pick it up the same day you order it."
The system works by first processing one's order online, which would include entering one's billing details in Apple's online store or in the Apple Store app. Next, the customer goes to a physical Apple Store and tells the employees that he is there to pick up an order made online. Customers will then present a photo ID and a proof of their order before finally getting the item.
Customers are able to pick up an order as soon as they get a text or email notification from Apple, which simply states that their order is ready to be picked up. Those whose ordered items are out of stock are assured that the items would be shipped to a store for Personal Pickup.
"You'll receive an email when your product is ready - usually within an hour," noted Apple. "Just come to the Apple Retail Store and let us know you're here. We'll bring out your items and answer any questions. We'll even help get your new Apple product up and running with Personal Setup before you leave the store."
Apple's move to expand the service in Canada and Australia comes in conjunction with the launch of Apple Pay in the region through a collaboration with American Express. The company's tap-to-pay service is now available in Canada and will also be available in Australia on Thursday, Nov. 19.
Apple's Personal Pickup service is applicable to almost any in-stock products of the company. These include the new iPad Pro, Apple TV, iPhone handsets and several iPads and Macs.
