Optional but Recommended for Products with Local or In-Store Pickup Options
The pickup_method attribute defines how a customer can obtain a product via local or in-store pickup.
It ensures ChatGPT and Google can correctly display offers that support click-and-collect, reserve-in-store, or no pickup options.
When combined with pickup_sla, it provides users with both where and when the product is available.
When to use
Use this field when you want to enable in-store pickup options for your offers, or explicitly indicate that pickup isn’t supported.
This improves visibility for users searching for nearby pickup availability in both ChatGPT and Google Shopping contexts.
[pickup_method]should:- Match one of the supported enum values (see below).
- Be provided whenever a product can be picked up locally.
- Be used together with
pickup_slafor clear pickup expectations. - Be submitted in lowercase English values.
ChatGPT Accepted Values
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
in_store | Product is available for in-store pickup. |
reserve | Product can be reserved online and collected in-store. |
not_supported | Pickup is not available for this product. |
✅ ChatGPT supports the same semantic meaning as Google’s
pickup_methodbut simplifies the accepted values for consistency across merchants.
Google Supported Values
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
buy | Entire transaction occurs online; pickup available immediately (pickup today). |
reserve | Product is reserved online and purchased in-store. |
ship to store | Product is shipped to a local store for pickup. |
not supported | Product isn’t available for pickup. |
ℹ️ From September 1, 2024, Google made
pickup_methodoptional to enable store pickup.
For detailed Merchant Center requirements, see the official documentation.
Format
- Type: Enum (text string)
- Accepted values (ChatGPT):
in_store,reserve,not_supported - Accepted values (Google):
buy,reserve,ship to store,not supported - Case: Lowercase only
- Repeated field: No
- Schema.org property:
Offer.availableDeliveryMethod
Examples:
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| Text feed | pickup_method: in_store |
| XML feed | <pickup_method>in_store</pickup_method> |
| Google XML feed | <g:pickup_method>buy</g:pickup_method> |
Relationship with pickup_sla
The pickup_method field works alongside pickup_sla to describe both the type and timing of local pickup options.
| Attribute | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
pickup_method | Defines how pickup is handled | in_store |
pickup_sla | Defines when pickup is ready | 1 day |
⚠️ Always include
pickup_methodwhenpickup_slais present to ensure data consistency and prevent misinterpretation.
Minimum requirements
Note: Incorrect or missing values can lead to product disapproval in Google Merchant Center and incomplete pickup display in ChatGPT.
- Use only lowercase text values.
- Ensure pickup availability matches your actual store capabilities.
- Combine with
pickup_slafor time-based accuracy. - Don’t mix ChatGPT and Google value sets in the same feed.
- Don’t leave the field blank if pickup is available.
SEO / AI Tip
Providing pickup_method helps ChatGPT and Google highlight local fulfillment options, improving engagement for nearby users.
It enhances visibility in “Pickup Today” or “Available In-Store” experiences and supports hybrid shopping journeys that combine online search and local inventory.
Official Sources:
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