I think there's no problem with that.

There's nothing legally wrong with it. It's how you wish to sell. But why would you sell like that?

I would guess it is legal to require local purchasers to visit a local store, but why limit those who live near a store to only purchasing in person? Perhaps they are too busy to drive to the store, are home-bound, work odd hours, have a long commute, or have another issue that makes it difficult for them to visit a store. If the consumer is comfortable paying the additional cost for shipping, it shouldn't matter where they live. The issue is customer service - does the retailer want to make the opportunity to purchase from them as user friendly as possible, or does she/he want to create barriers to purchasing. If barriers are created, customers will seek out competing businesses, who may be happy to meet the customer's needs regardless of where the customer lives.

There is nothing illegal about doing what you are suggesting, but like others before me have asked, why would you do that? Check with your local government to find out just what the laws are in your area. They differ from each area.

I can't think why it would be illegal, as long as you have the right licenses and pay taxes

Did you get your question answered to your satisfaction? I would like to know how you felt about all of these replies to your post.

It's pretty common line for businesses to have different shipping rates to different places. I've often seen sites offer 'free pickup' as an option, and charge all the other customers. The only situation I can think of where you would want to force your customers who are nearby to actually come pick it up is if you're offering free shipping. But even then, one of the reasons customers go online in the first place is because they don't want to have to visit a brick and mortar store. For example, they just want to order and receive it in the mail and not have to worry about it. I think you're doing yourself and your clients a disservice by forcing them to pick up at your physical location. Consider offering a different incentive (e.g. a small discount or a free 'gift' if they come pick up at your store). That way, you'll encourage many customers to come pick up but still allow those who absolutely don't want to to still be customers without forcing them to visit the store. This is the same advice that I gave to a company called Parallax. (we designed a flash-integrated web site for them, but also did some other consulting). Please let me know if you have any other questions. ---This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices.

I think it would be legal, there are no issues. I know some sites which are charging online and provides the option of picking items from local store or pay the shipping costs.

Yeah that sounds absolutely legal to me, but I'm with team extension - I don't understand the premise behind it.

I don't see why it wouldn't be legal. I also don't see why you'd want to do that. It's good business to offer 'local merchandise pickup' so your customer can avoid shipping charges if it's convenient for them to pick it up. Walmart, Sears and Best Buy do it all the time - you set up the transaction on line, but under shipping, one of the options is to 'pick up at local store.' I would DEFINITELY still handle the money exchange on-line. You've got someone on your website ready to make the purchase - do what they want and take their money. What benefit could you possibly have telling them to keep their money in their wallet and drive down to your store? They could have second thoughts, change their mind, or pass a competitor on the way to your store. There's a greater chance you'd lose the sale than if you just took the money while your customer is willing and wanting to give it to you.