How To Setup Woocommerce In Catalog Mode

How to Setup WooCommerce in Catalog Mode: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

WooCommerce is a powerful and versatile e-commerce platform, perfect for selling a wide range of products. However, there are situations where you might want to showcase your products without the immediate ability for customers to purchase them online. This is where catalog mode comes in handy. Catalog mode effectively turns your WooCommerce store into an online brochure, allowing you to display your products, their features, and pricing, but without the “Add to Cart” button or the checkout process. This article will guide you through the steps on how to easily set up WooCommerce in catalog mode.

Main Part: Setting Up WooCommerce in Catalog Mode

There are a few ways to achieve catalog mode in WooCommerce. You can use a plugin for simplicity, or you can implement a custom solution using Learn more about How-To-Load-Woocommerce-Scripts-And-Styles-Only-In-Shop code for greater control. Here’s a look at both approaches:

1. Using a WooCommerce Catalog Mode Plugin

This is the easiest and most recommended method for beginners. Several plugins are available that can quickly switch your store to catalog mode. Here are a few popular choices:

• YITH WooCommerce Catalog Mode: A popular and feature-rich plugin with both free and premium versions. The free version usually offers basic catalog mode functionality.
• WooCommerce Catalog Mode, Wholesale & Role Based Pricing: Another option with role-based pricing features, making it suitable if you also want to offer different pricing to wholesalers.
• Catalog Mode for WooCommerce: A simple and lightweight plugin focusing solely on catalog mode.

Here’s a general guide on how to use a plugin (illustrated with the hypothetical “Example Catalog Mode Plugin”):

1. Install and Learn more about How To Add A Normal Homepage To Woocommerce Site Activate the Plugin: Go to *Plugins > Add New* in your WordPress dashboard. Search for “Example Catalog Mode Plugin”, install it, and then activate it.

2. Configure the Plugin Settings: After activation, you’ll typically find the plugin settings under *WooCommerce > Settings* or under a separate menu item.

3. Enable Catalog Mode: Within the plugin settings, look for an option to enable catalog mode. This is usually a simple checkbox or toggle switch.

4. Customize the Catalog: Many plugins offer customization options, such as:

• Removing the “Add to Cart” button.
• Removing the checkout page entirely.
• Adding a “Request a Quote” or “Contact Us” button instead of “Add to Cart”.
• Disabling reviews.

Important Considerations: Read the plugin’s documentation carefully to understand all available settings and how they impact your store.

2. Implementing Catalog Mode with Code (Advanced)

For those comfortable with code, you can manually implement catalog mode using custom code snippets. This gives you fine-grained control over the changes.

Here’s a basic example of how to remove the “Add to Cart” button:

1. Access Your Theme’s `functions.php` File: This is usually located in your theme’s directory: `wp-content/themes/your-theme-name/functions.php`. Important: It’s highly recommended to use a child theme for any code modifications to prevent losing changes during theme updates.

2. Add the Following Code:

 <?php // Remove Add to Cart buttons on product listing pages remove_action( 'woocommerce_after_shop_loop_item', 'woocommerce_template_loop_add_to_cart', 10 ); 

// Remove Add to Cart buttons on single product pages

remove_action( ‘woocommerce_single_product_summary’, ‘woocommerce_template_single_add_to_cart’, 30 );

// Remove the checkout page link

add_filter( ‘woocommerce_is_purchasable’, ‘__return_false’);

// Optionally, redirect the cart page to another page (e.g., contact page)

add_action( ‘template_redirect’, ‘redirect_empty_cart’ );

function redirect_empty_cart() {

if ( is_cart() && ! WC()->cart->get_cart_contents_count() ) {

wp_safe_redirect( home_url( ‘/contact/’ ) ); // Replace ‘/contact/’ with your desired URL

exit;

}

}

?>

Explanation of the Code:

• `remove_action( ‘woocommerce_after_shop_loop_item’, ‘woocommerce_template_loop_add_to_cart’, 10 );` Removes the “Add to Cart” button from product listing pages (e.g., shop page, category pages).
• `remove_action( ‘woocommerce_single_product_summary’, ‘woocommerce_template_single_add_to_cart’, 30 );` Removes the “Add to Cart” button from single product pages.
• `add_filter( ‘woocommerce_is_purchasable’, ‘__return_false’);` Prevents items from being purchasable.
• `add_action( ‘template_redirect’, ‘redirect_empty_cart’ );` Redirects the cart page when it’s empty.

Important Notes When Using Code:

• Child Theme: ALWAYS use a child theme when modifying your theme’s `functions.php` file.
• Backup: Back up your website before making any code changes.
• Testing: Thoroughly test your website after implementing the code to ensure everything functions as expected.
• Specific Hooks and Filters: WooCommerce uses numerous hooks and filters. Consult the WooCommerce documentation for a complete list.
• Compatibility: Ensure that your custom code is compatible with your WooCommerce version and any other installed plugins.
• Request a Quote/Contact Form: Consider adding a “Request a Quote” button or linking to a contact form instead of the “Add to Cart” button. You’ll need to modify the code to achieve this.

Advantages of Using Code:

• Fine-grained Control: You have complete control over the appearance and functionality of your catalog mode.
• No Plugin Dependency: You don’t need to rely on a third-party plugin, which can improve website performance.

Disadvantages of Using Code:

• Requires Technical Expertise: You need Discover insights on How To Change All Product Description In Woocommerce to be comfortable with PHP and WordPress development.
• Maintenance: You are responsible for maintaining the code and ensuring it remains compatible with future WooCommerce updates.

Conclusion:

Setting up WooCommerce in catalog mode is a useful technique for showcasing your products without offering immediate online sales. Whether you choose a plugin for its ease of use or opt for a custom code solution for its flexibility, remember to thoroughly test your implementation. Consider your specific business needs and choose the method that best suits your technical skills and long-term goals. By effectively leveraging catalog mode, you can enhance your product presentation, generate leads, and ultimately drive more business. Remember to clearly communicate your catalog mode status to your visitors, perhaps by adding a prominent message explaining that purchases are not currently available online.