# How to Change “Out of Stock” to “Sold Out” in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
WooCommerce is a fantastic platform, but sometimes its default settings don’t quite match your needs. One common issue is displaying products as “Out of Stock” when you’d prefer to show them as “Sold Out.” While seemingly minor, this change can significantly impact your store’s branding and customer perception. This article will guide you through changing “Out of Stock” to “Sold Out” in your WooCommerce store, offering both simple solutions and more advanced options for complete control.
Why “Sold Out” is Better Than “Out of Stock” (Sometimes)
The difference might seem subtle, but the messaging is key. “Out of Stock” implies a temporary situation; the product *might* be available again soon. “Sold Out,” on the other hand, suggests a different story – high demand, popularity, a limited-edition item, potentially creating a sense of urgency. Think about it:
- Out of Stock: Suggests a lack of planning or potential disappointment.
- Sold Out: Implies popularity and desirability. It can even drive sales in the future by creating anticipation.
For example, imagine a limited-edition t-shirt. Saying “Sold Out” highlights its exclusivity, whereas “Out of Stock” might make it seem like a regular shirt that just happens to be unavailable.
Easy Methods: Using WooCommerce’s Built-in Features
The easiest approach involves leveraging existing WooCommerce settings and product variations. No coding required!
Method 1: Managing Inventory Individually
This is the most straightforward solution. Simply navigate to your Products section in your WooCommerce dashboard. Find the out-of-stock product and edit it. In the Inventory tab, ensure the Stock quantity is set to 0. WooCommerce will automatically display the product as “Out of Stock.” You can then use the product description to add text like, “Sold Out – Check back later for restock updates!”
Method 2: Utilizing Product Variations (for variations that are sold out)
If you have variations (like different sizes or colors), only some may be sold out. Instead of marking the entire product as sold out, manage the stock for each variation individually. Set the stock quantity for sold-out variations to 0. This keeps the main product listing visible and clearly shows which Read more about How To Send Tracking Info In Woocommerce variations are unavailable.
Advanced Methods: Customizing WooCommerce’s Output (For Developers)
For more fine-grained control, you Discover insights on How To Add Payment Method To Woocommerce can customize WooCommerce’s output using code. This requires some familiarity with PHP and WooCommerce’s template structure.
Method 3: Customizing the Stock Status Text (via a child theme)
This method allows you to globally change the “Out of Stock” text to “Sold Out.” It’s crucial to work within a child theme to avoid losing your customizations during updates.
First, locate the `woocommerce_get_availability` function in your theme’s `functions.php` file (or create one in your child theme). Then, modify it as follows:
add_filter( 'woocommerce_get_availability', 'custom_woocommerce_get_availability', 10, 2 ); function custom_woocommerce_get_availability( $availability, $product ) { if ( $product->get_stock_quantity() == 0 ) { $availability['availability'] = 'Sold Out'; } return $availability; }
This code checks the stock quantity. If it’s 0, it replaces “Out of Stock” with “Sold Out” in the product display. Remember to activate your child theme!
Method 4: Creating a Custom Status (Most Advanced)
For advanced users, creating Learn more about How To Use Woocommerce In WordPress Theme a custom stock status is the most flexible option. This involves creating a new stock status and associating it with specific products. This is considerably more complex and generally involves plugin development or extensive theme customization. It’s best suited for developers with strong WooCommerce experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the right method depends on your technical skills and the level of control you need. For simple changes, managing inventory or using product variations is perfect. For a completely customized experience, utilizing a child theme and modifying the `woocommerce_get_availability` function is the way to go. Remember to always back up your website before making any code changes. If you’re unsure, seek the help of a WooCommerce expert.
