How to Replace “Out of Stock” with “Sold” in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
Seeing “Out of Stock” on your WooCommerce store can be a bummer, right? Especially when the product has been really popular and *completely sold out*. While “Out of Stock” is accurate, displaying “Sold” can provide a stronger sense of finality and scarcity, potentially driving up demand (or pre-orders!) for your next batch. This guide will walk you through how to replace “Out of Stock” with “Sold” in WooCommerce, even if you’re new to the platform.
Why Replace “Out of Stock” with “Sold”?
Think about it like this:
* Psychological Impact: “Sold” implies a desirable, popular product. It creates a sense of urgency and can make customers more eager to buy when the item is restocked. “Out of Stock” is more neutral, simply stating the fact of the product’s unavailability. Imagine seeing a limited-edition vinyl record labeled “Sold Out!” versus “Out of Stock.” Which one feels more impactful?
* Clarity and Finality: “Sold” clearly indicates that the product is unavailable because it has been purchased, leaving no ambiguity. “Out of Stock” *could* mean the item is temporarily unavailable due to supply chain issues, which might leave customers waiting indefinitely.
* Marketing Opportunity: “Sold” can be a perfect opportunity to redirect customers to similar products or encourage them to sign up for restock notifications.
Methods to Change “Out of Stock” to “Sold”
Here are a few methods you can use, ranging from the simplest to slightly more technical:
#### 1. Using a WooCommerce Plugin
This is the easiest and recommended approach for beginners. Several plugins can handle this for you. Here’s how to do it with one example:
* Install and Activate a Plugin: Search for “WooCommerce Sold Out Badge” or similar plugins in the WordPress plugin directory (Plugins -> Add New). For example, you could try “Sold Out Badge for WooCommerce” (but check the Learn more about How To Set Up Paypal Account In Woocommerce reviews and compatibility before installing *any* plugin).
* Configure the Plugin: After activating the plugin, go to its settings page (usually found under WooCommerce or a dedicated “Sold Out” section in your WordPress admin). You’ll typically find options to:
* Enable/Disable the feature.
* Customize the “Sold” text.
* Change the badge design (if applicable).
Example Real Life Scenario: A small artisan soap maker finds that their limited-edition Lavender Honey soap sells out quickly. By using a plugin to display “Sold Out!” instead of “Out of Stock,” they notice more customers signing up for email notifications when the soap is back in stock.
#### 2. Using Custom Code (Functions.php)
This method involves adding code to your theme’s `functions.php` file. Be very careful when editing this file, as errors can break your website. *Always* back up your website before making changes. A child theme is recommended.
Here’s the code you’ll need:
add_filter( 'woocommerce_get_availability', 'custom_wc_sold_out_message' ); function custom_wc_sold_out_message( $availability ) { global $product;
if ( !$product->is_in_stock() ) {
$availability[‘availability’] = __(‘Sold!’, ‘woocommerce’);
}
return $availability;
}
Explanation:
- `add_filter( ‘woocommerce_get_availability’, ‘custom_wc_sold_out_message’ Read more about How To Enable Free Shipping Woocommerce );`: This line hooks into WooCommerce’s filter that determines the availability message.
- `function custom_wc_sold_out_message( $availability )`: This defines the function that modifies the availability message.
- `global $product;`: This makes the `$product` object (containing product information) available inside the function.
- `if ( !$product->is_in_stock() )`: This checks if the product is out of stock.
- `$availability[‘availability’] = __(‘Sold!’, ‘woocommerce’);`: This replaces the “Out of Stock” message with “Sold!”. `__(‘Sold!’, ‘woocommerce’)` ensures the text is translatable.
- `return $availability;`: This returns the modified availability information.
How to Use:
1. Access your `functions.php` file: You can do this through your WordPress admin (Appearance -> Theme Editor), *but strongly recommend creating a child theme first!*.
2. Add the code: Paste the code at the end of the file.
3. Save the file: Click “Update File.”
4. Test: Check a product that is out of stock to confirm the change.
Important: Using a child theme is crucial. If you directly modify your parent theme’s `functions.php` file, your changes will be overwritten when the theme is updated.
Example Real Life Scenario: An online bookstore selling rare first editions uses this code snippet. They want to convey the exclusivity of their items by displaying “Sold!” prominently on already-sold copies, reinforcing the feeling of scarcity and collecting.
#### 3. Editing WooCommerce Templates (Advanced)
This method is the most complex and requires a deeper understanding of WooCommerce templating. You’ll need to override the appropriate template file to change the display. This is generally not recommended for beginners.
Reasoning: WooCommerce templates control how your products are displayed. Editing them directly can cause issues if not done carefully. If you’re not comfortable with PHP and template structures, stick to the plugin or `functions.php` methods.
Important Considerations
* Clear Communication is Key: Regardless of which method you choose, make sure your “Sold” message is clear and easily understood by your customers.
* Consider Restock Notifications: When a product is sold, offer an easy way for customers to sign up for email notifications when it’s back in stock. This can convert lost sales into future opportunities. WooCommerce extensions like “Waitlist” are perfect for this.
* Monitor Sales: After implementing the change, monitor your sales data and customer feedback. See if displaying “Sold” instead of “Out of Stock” has a positive impact on your business.
Conclusion
Replacing “Out of Stock” with “Sold” in WooCommerce can be a simple yet effective way to improve the customer experience, create a sense of urgency, and potentially boost sales. Choose the method that best suits your technical skills and website requirements. Remember to back up your website before making any changes to your theme files! Good luck!
