How to Change Order Status to “Shipped” in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’ve got a WooCommerce store humming along, and you’ve just fulfilled an order. The next crucial step? Marking that order as shipped. This not only keeps your customers informed but also updates your inventory and accounting. Sounds important, right? It is! This guide shows you how to do it, from the simple click-and-go methods to more advanced options.
Method 1: The Quick & Easy Way (Using the WooCommerce Dashboard)
This is the simplest method and ideal for most users. It involves just a few clicks within your WooCommerce dashboard.
1. Log into your WooCommerce dashboard: Head to your website’s admin area (usually `yourwebsite.com/wp-admin`).
2. Navigate to Orders: Find the “Orders” menu item usually under the WooCommerce section.
3. Find the order you want to update: Locate the specific order you’ve just shipped by using the order number, customer name, or date.
4. Change the order status: Click on the order to open it. You’ll see a section showing the order status. Look for a dropdown menu (it might say “Status” or something similar). Select “Processing” from the dropdown.
5. Add Tracking Information (Optional but Recommended): In the same order details page, there is usually a field to add the tracking number and the shipping carrier. This is crucial for customer satisfaction and managing potential shipping issues. Adding this information automatically updates the order status to “Shipped”
6. Save Changes: WooCommerce usually automatically saves the changes as you make them. However, it’s always good practice to double-check the status has changed to “Shipped”.
Real-Life Example: Imagine you’re selling handmade jewelry. You’ve finished crafting a necklace and packed it for shipping via USPS. After getting your tracking number, you’d log into WooCommerce, find the order, select the “Shipped” status, paste the USPS tracking number, and you’re done!
Method 2: Using WooCommerce Plugins (For Added Functionality)
While the dashboard method works well, some plugins can streamline the process or add extra features. For instance, some plugins automate order status changes based on shipping carrier integrations. These plugins are particularly useful for businesses with high order volumes.
- Example: A plugin might automatically change the order status to “Shipped” once it receives a shipping update from a connected carrier like UPS or FedEx. This eliminates manual intervention and reduces the chance of errors.
Choosing the right plugin: Be sure to research plugins carefully, checking reviews and ensuring compatibility with your WooCommerce version. Look for plugins that integrate with your preferred shipping carriers.
Method 3: Advanced Method (Using PHP Code – For Developers Only!)
This is the most complex method and only suitable for users comfortable with coding. Do not attempt this unless you are confident in your PHP skills. Incorrectly modifying core WooCommerce files can severely damage your website.
This method involves directly modifying the WooCommerce database or using a custom function within your theme’s `functions.php` file. Proceed with extreme caution.
// Example (NOT recommended without expert knowledge):
function change_order_status_to_shipped( $order_id ) {
$order = wc_get_order( $order_id );
$order->update_status( 'completed' ); // Or 'shipped' depending on your setup
$order->save();
}
This code snippet is just an illustration; you’ll need to adapt it to your specific needs and context. Always back up your website before making any code changes.
Conclusion
Changing the order status to “Shipped” in WooCommerce is essential for maintaining a smooth operation. For most users, the straightforward dashboard method is perfect. However, plugins and advanced coding options exist for businesses with more complex requirements. Remember to always prioritize customer satisfaction by providing accurate tracking information.
