How To Change In Stock Text In Woocommerce

How to Change “In Stock” Text in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide

WooCommerce is a powerful e-commerce platform, but sometimes the default settings just don’t quite fit your brand or the way you want to present your products. One common customization is changing the “In Stock” text. Whether you want to add a sense of urgency, reflect your specific fulfillment process, or simply match your brand voice, this guide will walk you through how to easily change the “In Stock” text in WooCommerce.

Think of it like this: Imagine you’re selling handmade candles. Instead of the generic “In Stock,” you might want to say “Ready to Ship!” or “Hand-Poured and Available Now!” It adds a personal touch and can be more engaging for your customers.

Why Change the “In Stock” Text?

The default “In Stock” text is functional, but it’s not always the most compelling. Here are a few reasons why you might want to customize it:

• Brand Voice: Align the text with your brand’s personality. Are you playful and fun? Or serious and professional?
• Specificity: Provide more accurate information about availability. For example, “Limited Stock Available” creates urgency.
• Marketing: Use the text to highlight special features. “Ready for Next Day Delivery!” can be a big selling point.
• Clarity: If you have a unique fulfillment process, like made-to-order items, you might want to say “Currently Being Crafted.”
• Localization: Translate the text to a different language if you’re selling to an international audience.

Method 1: Using a Code Snippet (Recommended for Most Users)

This method involves adding a small piece of code to your theme’s `functions.php` file or using a code snippets plugin. It’s the most flexible and recommended method as it avoids directly modifying WooCommerce core files, which can cause problems during updates.

Important: Before making any changes to your theme files, always create a backup of your website. This way, if anything goes wrong, you can easily restore it.

1. Access Your `functions.php` File:

• You can access this file through your WordPress dashboard by navigating to Appearance > Theme Editor (or Theme File Editor, depending on your theme). Important: Be very careful in the Theme Editor. If you are not comfortable, use the plugin mentioned below.
• Look for `functions.php` in the list of theme files on the right side of the screen.

2. Alternatively, Use a Code Snippets Plugin:

• A plugin like “Code Snippets” is a safer and easier way to add code without directly editing your theme files. Install and activate the plugin. Then, go to Snippets > Add New.

3. Add the Code Snippet:

• Paste the following code snippet into your `functions.php` file (at the very bottom, before the closing `?>` tag if it exists) or the Code Snippets plugin:

add_filter( 'woocommerce_get_availability_text', 'custom_stock_message', 10, 2 );
function custom_stock_message( $text, $product ) {
if ( $product->is_in_stock() ) {
$text = __( 'Ready to Ship!', 'woocommerce' ); // Change this text
} else {
$text = __( 'Out of Stock', 'woocommerce' ); // Change this text
}
return $text;
}

4. Customize the Text:

• Replace `’Ready to Ship!’` with your desired “In Stock” text. For example, you could use `’Available Now!’`, `’Limited Stock
• Order Today!’`, or `’Handmade with Love!’`.
• Replace `’Out of Stock’` with your desired “Out of Stock” text.

5. Save Your Changes:

• Click “Update File” in the Theme Editor or “Save Changes and Activate” in the Code Snippets plugin.

6. Check Your Website:

• Visit a product page on your website to see the updated “In Stock” text.

Explanation of the Code:

• `add_filter( ‘woocommerce_get_availability_text’, ‘custom_stock_message’, 10, 2 );` This line tells WordPress to use our custom function `custom_stock_message` to filter the default “In Stock” text.
• `function custom_stock_message( $text, $product ) { … }` This defines our custom function. It takes the original text and the product object as input.
• `if ( $product->is_in_stock() ) { … }` This checks if the product is in stock.
• `$text = __( ‘Ready to Ship!’, ‘woocommerce’ );` This sets the new “In Stock” text. The `__( ‘text’, ‘woocommerce’ )` function makes the text translatable.
• `return $text;` This returns the modified text.

Method 2: Using a Plugin (For Non-Coders)

If you’re not comfortable working with code, you can use a plugin to change the “In Stock” text. There are several plugins available that offer this functionality. Here’s a general approach:

1. Search for a Plugin:

• Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
• Search for plugins like “WooCommerce Stock Manager,” “WooCommerce Custom Stock Status,” or similar.

2. Install and Activate the Plugin:

• Install the plugin and then activate it.

3. Configure the Plugin:

• Most plugins will have a settings page where you can customize the “In Stock” text. Look for options related to stock status, availability, or text customization.
• Follow the plugin’s documentation for specific instructions. The interface and options will vary depending on the plugin you choose.

4. Save Your Changes:

• Save the plugin settings.

5. Check Your Website:

• Visit a product page to see the updated “In Stock” text.

Example Plugin: “YITH WooCommerce Catalog Mode” (Beyond just changing text)

While not *solely* for stock text, YITH WooCommerce Catalog Mode, for example, often provides options to customize stock messages when in catalog mode (where you might not be selling directly). This shows how some plugins can offer this functionality within a broader set of features.

Method 3: Overriding WooCommerce Templates (Advanced)

This method is more advanced and not recommended for beginners. It involves copying the WooCommerce template file responsible for displaying the “In Stock” text to your theme’s directory and modifying it. This can be problematic during WooCommerce updates as your custom template might become outdated.

Why it’s not recommended:

• Complex: Requires a deeper understanding of WooCommerce templates.
• Maintenance: You’ll need to manually update your custom template whenever WooCommerce updates.
• Easier Alternatives: The code snippet method is much simpler and safer.

In Conclusion:

Changing the “In Stock” text in WooCommerce is a simple way to enhance your customer’s experience and align your online store with your brand. The code snippet method (Method 1) is generally the best option for most users, offering flexibility and maintainability. If you’re not comfortable with code, a plugin (Method 2) can provide a user-friendly alternative. Avoid overriding templates (Method 3) unless you have advanced WooCommerce development experience. By customizing this small piece of text, you can make a big impact on your store’s overall appeal and conversion rates. Remember to always back up your website before making any changes!