How To Disable Checkout In Woocommerce

How to Disable Checkout in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide

WooCommerce is a fantastic platform for selling online, but sometimes you might want to disable the checkout process altogether. Maybe you’re:

• Running a catalog website: Showcasing products without direct sales.
• Offering quote-based orders: Customers request a quote instead of buying directly.
• Building a membership site: Restricting purchases to members only.
• Temporarily halting sales: While performing maintenance or restocking.

Whatever the reason, disabling the checkout is a straightforward process. This article will walk you through the steps, making it easy even if you’re a complete WooCommerce newbie.

Why Disable Checkout Instead of Deactivating WooCommerce?

Good question! Deactivating WooCommerce completely removes your online store. Disabling the checkout, on the other hand, allows you to keep your product catalog visible while preventing actual purchases. Think of it like a “Coming Soon” sign for your online store’s buying functionality.

For example, imagine you’re a local artisan who wants to showcase your handmade jewelry online, but you prefer handling orders through personal consultations. Disabling the checkout allows potential customers to browse your collection and then contact you directly for custom orders.

Methods to Disable Checkout in WooCommerce

There are several ways to achieve this. We’ll cover the most common and newbie-friendly options:

1. Using a Plugin (Recommended for Beginners)

This is the easiest and safest method, especially if you’re not comfortable editing code. Several free plugins can disable the checkout with just a few clicks.

• Example Plugin: “Disable Cart & Redirect to Product”

This plugin is simple and effective. After installing and activating it, you can configure it to:

• Remove the “Add to Cart” button: Replaces it with a custom button (like “Request a Quote” or “Contact Us”).
• Redirect to a specific page: Sends users to a contact form or a general information page when they try to add a product to the cart.

How it works in practice: Let’s say you sell custom-built computers. You want customers to contact you to discuss their specific needs before placing an order. Using this plugin, you can replace the “Add to Cart” button with a “Request a Custom Build” button that redirects them to a contact form where they can outline their requirements.

• Other Plugin Options: Search the WordPress plugin repository for terms like “Disable Cart,” “WooCommerce Catalog Mode,” or “WooCommerce Request a Quote.” Read the plugin reviews and choose one with good ratings and recent updates.

2. Using Code Snippets (Advanced)

This method involves adding code directly to your theme’s `functions.php` file or using a code snippets plugin. Be extremely careful when editing code, as mistakes can break your website. Always back up your website before making any code changes.

• Removing the Add to Cart Button and Cart Page:

Add the following code snippet:

add_filter( 'woocommerce_is_purchasable', '__return_false' );

add_filter( ‘woocommerce_cart_needs_payment’, ‘__return_false’ );

add_filter( ‘woocommerce_checkout_enabled’, ‘__return_false’ );

Explanation:

• `woocommerce_is_purchasable`: This filter prevents products from being added to the cart by setting them as “not purchasable.”
• `woocommerce_cart_needs_payment`: This filter disables the need for payment in the cart.
• `woocommerce_checkout_enabled`: This filter completely disables the checkout page.

Important Considerations:

• Using a Code Snippets Plugin: For beginners, a plugin like “Code Snippets” is highly recommended. It allows you to add and manage code without directly editing your theme files.
• Backups: Always back up your website before editing any code.

3. Redirecting the Cart and Checkout Pages (Advanced)

You can redirect users away from the cart and checkout pages to a different page, such as your contact page.

• Code Snippet for Redirecting:

add_action( 'template_redirect', 'redirect_to_custom_page' );
function redirect_to_custom_page() {
if ( is_cart() || is_checkout() ) {
wp_redirect( home_url( '/contact-us/' ) ); // Replace '/contact-us/' with your desired page slug
exit;
}
}

Explanation:

• `template_redirect`: This action runs before the template is displayed.
• `is_cart() || is_checkout()`: This checks if the user is on the cart or checkout page.
• `wp_redirect()`: This function redirects the user to the specified URL. Replace `/contact-us/` with the actual URL of the page you want to redirect to.
• `exit;`: This ensures that the rest of the page is not loaded after the redirect.

What to Do After Disabling Checkout

Once you’ve disabled the checkout, it’s crucial to:

• Inform your customers: Add a clear message on your website explaining why the checkout is disabled and how they can contact you for orders or inquiries. For instance, you could say: “We are currently accepting custom orders only. Please contact us through the form below to discuss your specific needs.”
• Customize the “Add to Cart” button (if using a plugin): Replace it with a relevant call to action, such as “Request a Quote,” “Contact Us,” or “Learn More.”
• Test thoroughly: Make sure the checkout is indeed disabled and that users are redirected to the correct page if applicable.

Conclusion

Disabling the checkout in WooCommerce is a versatile technique with several applications. Whether you’re running a catalog website, offering custom quotes, or temporarily halting sales, these methods provide the flexibility you need. Remember to choose the method that best suits your technical comfort level and always back up your website before making any changes. Start with the plugin method if you’re new to WooCommerce – it’s the safest and easiest way to achieve your desired outcome. Good luck!