How It Works for Operators
This page outlines a recommended workflow that many operators find useful—from the moment a customer submits their list to the final handoff of groceries.
These steps are best-practice suggestions, not required procedures. Co-Op Shopper provides tools and proven methods that help operators stay organized, reduce errors, and deliver a consistent, professional experience. You are free to adapt this workflow to your own style, preferences, and local market needs.
1. Customer Submits Their Grocery List
Customers begin by submitting a clean, organized grocery list through your branded shopping platform. The platform captures all required details, including store preferences, delivery location, pickup time, and any special instructions.
What you receive:
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Complete list of items
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Customer contact details
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Delivery or pickup window
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Any notes or special handling requests
The system is designed to reduce back-and-forth communication and ensure you have everything needed before you begin shopping.
Example of an order:
Operators receive structured orders directly through the platform dashboard. Orders include product images, SKUs, notes, and delivery details for clean fulfillment.
2. Operator Reviews and Confirms the Order
Before shopping begins, the operator reviews the request to ensure:
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The list is shoppable
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The items match store availability
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The requested delivery/pickup time is feasible
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If clarification is required, the operator contacts the customer directly.
This step prevents unnecessary returns or wasted groceries—especially important since certain stores (such as Costco) do not restock returned food items.
3. Pre-Shopping Coordination With the Customer
Before checking out, the operator confirms two things with the customer:
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They are available for delivery or are prepared for pickup.
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They can complete the final payment at the time of checkout.
This prevents stocked groceries from going to waste and ensures a smooth handoff.
4. The Shopping Process
Once the order is confirmed, the operator begins shopping.
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Shop with the customer’s list open
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Send substitution options when needed
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Maintain communication for approvals
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Separate items for pre-arrival staging or grouped orders when applicable
Operators using Costco benefit from multipack strategies that reduce customer cost while improving operator margins.
5. Checkout and Final Payment
At checkout, the customer completes their final payment using whichever payment structure the operator has set (such as deposit + remaining balance or full payment at checkout).
This ensures:
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Control over your pricing model
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Direct access to your customer base
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Ability to build a brand clients recognize
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A long-term business with real equity
This is the safest and smartest way to build a sustainable grocery delivery business.
6. Delivery or Pickup Preparation
After checkout, the operator prepares the order for its final destination.
For delivery orders, the operator:
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Organizes groceries for safe transport
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Packs items into Co-Op Shopper totes or insulated bags
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Ensures any split-multipack items follow labeling standards
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Confirms timing with the customer
For pre-arrival stocking, the operator stages items for:
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Refrigeration
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Freezer placement
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Pantry and countertop presentation
For pickup orders, items are staged at the operator’s designated pickup location in a clean, orderly format.
7. Delivery or Pickup Execution
Delivery and pickup are handled with professional standards:
For delivery:
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A final text is sent to confirm arrival window
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Groceries are delivered directly to the customer or stocked in the property (if pre-arrival service was selected)
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A completion photo may be taken for recordkeeping
For pickup:
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The order is staged at the operator’s pickup location
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The customer or courier retrieves the items
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Operator confirms handoff
Couriers may be used for certain service areas, and operators can follow Co-Op Shopper’s courier guidelines.
8. Order Completion and Follow-Up
After the order is completed, operators can:
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Send a courteous confirmation message
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Request feedback for service improvement
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Encourage repeat bookings
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Add the customer to a private group or community for recurring savings
This step supports long-term business growth and stronger customer relationships.
9. Operator Benefits Built Into the Workflow
This structured process gives operators:
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A clear, predictable workflow
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Lower operational errors
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Faster order turnaround
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Higher-quality customer experience
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Improved margins through multipack strategies
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A professional brand customers trust
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A scalable model that works for residential, STR, and hospitality clients
This is not a gig-app workflow. This is the foundation for building a real, long-term business.
