Virtual Queue for Christmas Collection | Appointedd

Turn the Christmas queue into shopping time.

A virtual queue keeps the certainty of a booked collection slot, and gives customers time to browse, treat themselves and pick up that last-minute gift.

Watch the idea ▸ See how it works
The opportunity

Booked slots already make Christmas easier. Shoppers tend to pick the same few days, which makes collection a natural place to add something more.

Christmas food collection is a good practical example. A customer picks a time, plans their day around it and arrives knowing their order is on its way to being ready.

Because so many shoppers choose similar slots on the same few days before Christmas, collection points can get busy. Even with orders picked in advance, customers arriving at the same time can mean a short wait.

A virtual queue builds on the booked slot and makes the most of that time.

The Christmas Virtual Queue in 30 seconds

How it works

From arrival to collection.

Book a slot

The customer picks a collection time and plans their day around it.

Scan to check in

They scan the QR code in store to join the virtual queue and get a place in the line.

Browse while they wait

They explore the store, pick up a gift or choose a treat for themselves.

Called when it's nearly their turn

A notification brings them to the collection point as their order is ready.

Why it works

Waiting time becomes buying time.

The slot is already booked, so the customer's plans are certain. A virtual queue adds the freedom to enjoy the store while they wait to be called.

The slot stays

Customers keep the collection time they planned their day around.

Time to enjoy the store

Customers can browse at their own pace and head to the collection point when called.

More chances to add to basket

A last-minute gift or a treat for themselves is a few steps away while they wait to be called.

Booked collection slots

A great foundation

  • Customers pick a time and plan their day
  • Orders are picked in advance
  • The collection team knows who is expected
  • Customers arrive confident their order is on its way
Adding a virtual queue

More from every slot

  • Customers check in and get a place in line
  • Waiting time becomes browsing time
  • The team sees who has arrived, live
  • Shoppers collect with more in their basket
Ready for the Christmas rush

Live in hours, not days.

Virtual Queue works on its own. Keep the booking system you already use for collection slots, add Virtual Queue on top, and put up a QR code in store. That's all it takes to be ready for the busiest days before Christmas.

  • Live in hoursA focused set-up means Virtual Queue can be running within hours, in good time for the Christmas rush.
  • One QR code in storeCustomers scan a QR code displayed in store to check in. That is the only interface they need.
  • Just Virtual QueueSwitch it on without taking on the full Appointedd booking platform.
  • Keep your booked slotsCustomers book and plan their day exactly as they do now. The queue starts when they arrive.
For the retailer

Live visibility, in the moment.

A booked slot tells the collection team who is expected. A virtual queue shows who has actually arrived and is waiting.

  • Sequence orders as people arriveBring orders out in the order customers check in.
  • Move colleagues where they're neededAdd hands at the collection point as the queue grows, and return them to the shop floor as it clears.
  • More time in storeTime spent browsing may give shoppers more chances to add to their basket.

Collection queue ● Live (illustrative)

2Checked in · Order being brought outNearly ready
3Browsing the gift aisleWaiting
4Treating themselves in-storeWaiting
5Checked in just nowWaiting

Let's get your collection points ready for Christmas.

Tell us about your busiest collection days and we'll show you how a virtual queue fits.

Speak to the team