Start with one store, one small service area, and clear operating rules.
This guide is for a first real store conversation. It explains what the store controls, what Lighthouse organizes, and how to run a safe test before public launch.
Add hours, pickup instructions, five to fifty products, stock counts, substitutions, and supplier details.
Days 8–14Rehearse
Run customer, counter, picker, driver, and owner test orders with no payment collection.
Days 15–21Controlled orders
Use a limited delivery area and supervised drivers. Review delays, substitutions, and stock differences daily.
Days 22–30Decide next step
Review demand, fulfillment time, stock accuracy, and customer issues before opening wider.
Store controls
The store stays in charge of its own business.
Store ownsProducts, prices, people, and inventory.The store controls its catalog, substitutions, supplier choices, counter process, staff access, service hours, and payment account when it connects one.Lighthouse organizesOrder and handoff work.Lighthouse keeps the customer request, store prep status, driver offer, handoff, tracking, and proof clear.Not included at pilot startRestricted or regulated goods.Alcohol, tobacco, lottery, medicine, hazardous materials, and age-restricted products stay out until a separate compliant process exists.
Operating rules
Keep the first pilot simple.
Use only products that can be counted, picked, bagged, and handed to a driver safely.
Use the saved substitution rule for every unavailable item.
Confirm bag count, cold items, and handoff label before marking an order ready.
Use the shelf audit after a busy period or supplier delivery.
Use “Needs help” for a delay, unsafe request, missing item, or unclear handoff.
What needs a separate connection
These remain disabled until the store chooses them.
PaymentA store-owned merchant account.Card checkout, refunds, tax collection, tips, and payouts require the store to connect an approved processor.MessagesAn approved email or text service.Order notifications can be turned on only after the store chooses where messages should come from.Product lookupOptional barcode enrichment.Staff can choose an online barcode lookup, review the returned details, and decide whether to save them.