How to Remove the “Add to Basket” Button in WooCommerce: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction:
WooCommerce, the leading e-commerce platform for WordPress, typically focuses on selling physical products. The “Add to Basket” button is a cornerstone of this functionality, allowing customers to add items to their cart and proceed to checkout. However, there are scenarios where you might want to remove the “Add to Basket” button from your WooCommerce store. This could be because you:
- Are selling services rather than physical products.
- Want to use your WooCommerce store as a catalog.
- Are offering products for quote requests only.
- Intend to display products without direct purchasing options.
This article will guide you through several methods to remove the “Add to Basket” button in WooCommerce, allowing you to tailor your store to your specific needs. We’ll cover code-based solutions, plugin options, and even alternatives like converting products into “quote requests”.
Main Part: Removing the “Add to Basket” Button
There are several approaches to removing the “Add to Basket” button, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose the method that best suits your technical expertise and store requirements.
1. Using Code (Functions.php or a Code Snippet Plugin)
This method involves directly modifying your theme’s `functions.php` file or using a code snippet plugin. This is generally the most flexible approach but requires some basic PHP knowledge. Always back up your website before making changes to your `functions.php` file.
#### Removing the “Add to Basket” button on product pages:
remove_action( 'woocommerce_single_product_summary', 'woocommerce_template_single_add_to_cart', 30 );
- This code snippet unhooks the `woocommerce_template_single_add_to_cart` function from the `woocommerce_single_product_summary` action, effectively removing the button from individual product pages.
#### Removing the “Add to Basket” button from shop pages and product archives:
remove_action( 'woocommerce_after_shop_loop_item', 'woocommerce_template_loop_add_to_cart', 10 );
- Similarly, this code snippet removes the button from category pages, shop pages, and other archive pages.
#### Adding the Code
You can add these snippets to your theme’s `functions.php` file. However, it’s highly recommended to use a child theme to avoid losing your changes during theme updates. Alternatively, you can use a code snippet plugin like “Code Snippets” (available for free in the WordPress repository). This is often the safest and easiest option.
2. Using a Plugin
Several plugins are available to help you remove the “Add to Basket” button without writing code. These plugins often offer additional features and customization options.
- WooCommerce Catalog Mode: This type of plugin allows you to switch your entire store into “catalog mode,” effectively hiding the cart and checkout functionalities. This is suitable if you don’t want to sell directly through your website. Many plugins with this name are available in the WordPress repository; choose one with good ratings and reviews.
- Specific “Remove Add to Cart Button” Plugins: Some plugins are specifically designed to remove the “Add to Basket” button. Search the WordPress plugin repository using keywords like “remove add to cart” or “WooCommerce remove button” to find suitable options.
- Consider Paid Plugins: For more advanced control, you can explore premium plugins which offer conditional display options (e.g., removing the button only for specific products or user roles).
3. Converting Products to “Quote Requests”
Instead of removing the “Add to Basket” button entirely, you can convert your products into “quote requests.” This allows customers to express interest in a product and request a custom quote. This is particularly useful for products with variable pricing or custom specifications.
- Use a “Request a Quote” Plugin: Several WooCommerce quote request plugins are available. These plugins typically replace the “Add to Basket” button with a “Request a Quote” button or link.
- Custom Development: Alternatively, a developer can create a custom solution to integrate a quote request form into your product pages.
4. Using CSS (Less Recommended)
While technically possible, using CSS to hide the “Add to Basket” button is not recommended for a long-term solution. The button will still be present in the HTML code, which can affect SEO and performance. Search engines might penalize websites that hide content using CSS alone. It is better to use the more reliable methods as above.
Conclusion:
Removing the “Add to Basket” button from your WooCommerce store is a straightforward process that can be achieved through various methods. Consider your technical skills and the desired functionality when choosing the best approach. Remember to always back up your website before making changes and thoroughly test your modifications to ensure everything works as expected. By carefully implementing one of these methods, you can customize your WooCommerce store to perfectly match your business needs, whether it’s for catalog display, quote requests, or a transition to selling services instead of physical goods.
