RETAIL GLOSSARY

Buy Online, Ship to Home (BOSH)

A retail service that enables customers to order products online and have them shipped directly to their home, offering convenience and a wider product selection.

What is Buy Online, Ship to Home (BOSH)?

Buy Online, Ship to Home (BOSH) is a retail model where customers purchase products online and have them shipped to their desired address. The retailer processes the order, prepares the items for shipment, and arranges for delivery with a carrier. Customers can track their package's progress and receive it at their doorstep. BOSH offers convenience, expanded reach for retailers, and access to a wide range of products. Considerations include shipping costs, delivery timeframes, and inventory management.

How BOSH works

Online Purchase: Customers browse and select products from the retailer's website or online store.

Order Processing: The retailer receives the order, verifies payment, and prepares the items for shipment.

Shipment Preparation: The retailer packages the products securely and labels them for shipping.

Carrier Coordination: The retailer arranges for a shipping carrier to pick up the packages from their location.

Delivery Tracking: Customers can track the progress of their shipment using tracking numbers provided by the retailer.

Delivery to Home: The shipping carrier delivers the package to the customer's specified address.

Customer Satisfaction: Customers receive their desired products conveniently at their doorstep.

This model offers benefits such as convenience, a wide product selection, and accessibility for customers. However, considerations include shipping costs, delivery timeframes, and potential issues with damaged or lost shipments.

Pros of BOSH

Convenience: BOSH allows customers to shop from the comfort of their homes and have their purchases delivered directly to their doorstep. This eliminates the need for customers to visit physical stores, saving them time and effort.
Wide Product Selection: BOSH provides access to a vast array of products that may not be available in local stores. Customers can explore a retailer's entire inventory online and choose from a wide range of options, including different sizes, colours, and variations.
Accessibility: BOSH enables customers to shop from anywhere, regardless of their geographical location. This is particularly beneficial for individuals residing in remote areas or those with limited access to physical stores. Online shopping and home delivery ensure that customers can enjoy a seamless shopping experience.

Cons of BOSH

Shipping Costs: BOSH often involves additional shipping costs, which can vary depending on the distance, weight, and size of the package. These costs can sometimes negate the potential savings or affordability of online shopping, especially for smaller or lower-priced items.
Delivery Time: BOSH typically requires shipping and transit time, which means customers may have to wait for their purchases to arrive. This can be a disadvantage for customers who need their items immediately or prefer the instant gratification of purchasing and taking home products from a physical store.
Product Returns and Exchanges: Returning or exchanging products purchased through BOSH can be more complicated compared to returning items bought in-store. Customers may need to go through the process of packaging the item, arranging for return shipping, and waiting for the retailer to process the return. This adds an extra layer of inconvenience and potential delays in resolving issues with the purchased products.

FAQ

Below you will find answers to common questions

How can we manage shipping costs effectively for BOSH orders?

To manage shipping costs effectively for BOSH orders, retailers can consider negotiating discounted shipping rates with shipping carriers based on their shipping volume. They can also optimise packaging to minimise dimensional weight charges and explore partnerships with fulfilment centers or third-party logistics providers to leverage their shipping capabilities and potentially reduce costs.

What measures can we take to ensure smooth order fulfillment and timely delivery for BOSH orders?

To ensure smooth order fulfilment and timely delivery for BOSH orders, retailers can invest in robust inventory management systems and order processing workflows. This includes maintaining accurate stock levels, implementing real-time inventory updates, and coordinating closely with shipping carriers to streamline the shipping process. Retailers can also consider offering expedited shipping options for customers who desire faster delivery.