WooCommerce: How to Add Shipping Phone and Shipping Email for Enhanced Delivery
Introduction:
In the realm of e-commerce, a smooth and efficient delivery process is paramount to customer satisfaction. While WooCommerce provides core shipping functionality, collecting additional customer contact information like shipping phone number and email address specifically for the shipping address can significantly improve the delivery experience. This allows couriers to contact customers directly for delivery updates, scheduling, or resolving any unexpected issues. This article will guide you through the process of adding these essential fields to your WooCommerce shipping address form, leading to happier customers and fewer delivery hiccups. We’ll cover various methods, from simple plugin solutions to custom code implementations.
Why Add Shipping Phone and Email?
Adding a dedicated shipping phone number and email address offers several key benefits:
- Improved Communication: Couriers can contact customers directly regarding delivery schedules, delays, or access instructions.
- Reduced Delivery Failures: Proactive communication can prevent failed deliveries due to incorrect addresses or missed delivery attempts.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Keeping customers informed every step of the way fosters trust and increases customer satisfaction.
- Streamlined Shipping Process: Provides shipping companies with the necessary information to manage deliveries efficiently.
- Choose the field type (e.g., “text” for phone number, “email” for email address).
- Set the field label (e.g., “Shipping Phone Number,” “Shipping Email”).
- Specify the field placement (e.g., “Shipping Address”).
- Mark the fields as required or optional.
Main Part:
Let’s explore the various methods to add the Learn more about How To Target Woocommerce Product Page Color shipping phone number and shipping email fields to your WooCommerce checkout page.
Method 1: Using a WooCommerce Plugin
This is often the easiest and most recommended method, especially for users less comfortable with coding. Several plugins are available that simplify the process. Here’s a general approach, though the specific steps may vary slightly depending on the plugin you choose:
1. Search for a suitable plugin: In your WordPress admin dashboard, go to “Plugins” -> “Add New.” Search for plugins like “WooCommerce Checkout Manager,” “Checkout Field Editor,” or similar terms. Read reviews and check compatibility with your WooCommerce version before installing.
2. Install and activate the plugin: Once you find a plugin, install and activate it.
3. Configure the plugin: Most plugins will have a dedicated settings page (usually under “WooCommerce” or a separate top-level menu item). Look for options to add or edit checkout fields.
4. Add the shipping phone and email fields: Within the plugin’s settings, you’ll typically be able to:
5. Save your changes: Once you’ve configured the fields, save the plugin settings.
6. Test the checkout process: Visit your checkout page and verify that the new fields are displayed correctly in the shipping address section. Fill out the form and place a test order to ensure the data is being captured and saved.
Method 2: Custom Code Implementation (Advanced)
For more control and customization, you can add the shipping phone and email fields using custom code. This requires some knowledge of PHP and WordPress development.
1. Locate your theme’s `functions.php` file: This file is located in your theme’s directory (e.g., `wp-content/themes/your-theme/functions.php`). Important: Before making any changes, it’s highly recommended to create a child theme to prevent your customizations from being overwritten during theme updates.
2. Add the following code snippet to your `functions.php` file:
<?php
/
* Add custom fields to the WooCommerce shipping address form
*/
add_filter( ‘woocommerce_shipping_fields’, ‘add_custom_shipping_fields’ );
function add_custom_shipping_fields( $fields ) {
$fields[‘shipping_phone’] = array(
‘label’ => __(‘Shipping Phone’, ‘woocommerce’),
‘required’ => true, // Make it required or false for optional
‘class’ => array(‘form-row-wide’),
‘priority’ => 30
);
$fields[‘shipping_email’] = array(
‘label’ => __(‘Shipping Email’, ‘woocommerce’),
‘required’ => true, // Make it required or false for optional
‘class’ => array(‘form-row-wide’),
‘validate’ => array( ’email’ ), // Validate the field as an email
‘priority’ => 31
);
return $fields;
}
/
* Display field value on the order edit page
*/
add_action( ‘woocommerce_admin_order_data_after_shipping_address’, ‘display_shipping_phone_email_on_admin_order’, 10, 1 );
function display_shipping_phone_email_on_admin_order( Explore this article on How To Customize Woocommerce Side Cart Plugin $order ){
echo ‘
Shipping Phone: ‘ . get_post_meta( $order->get_id(), ‘_shipping_phone’, true ) . ‘
‘;
echo ‘
Shipping Email: ‘ . get_post_meta( $order->get_id(), ‘_shipping_email’, true ) . ‘
‘;
}
/
* Save the extra checkout fields to the order
*/
add_action( ‘woocommerce_checkout_update_order_meta’, ‘save_shipping_phone_email_order_meta’ );
function save_shipping_phone_email_order_meta( $order_id ) {
if ( ! empty( $_POST[‘shipping_phone’] ) ) {
update_post_meta( $order_id, ‘_shipping_phone’, sanitize_text_field( $_POST[‘shipping_phone’] ) );
}
if ( ! empty( $_POST[‘shipping_email’] ) ) {
update_post_meta( $order_id, ‘_shipping_email’, sanitize_email( $_POST[‘shipping_email’] ) );
}
}
3. Explanation of the Code:
- `add_filter( ‘woocommerce_shipping_fields’, ‘add_custom_shipping_fields’ );`: This line hooks into the `woocommerce_shipping_fields` filter, allowing us to modify the shipping address fields.
- `add_custom_shipping_fields( $fields )`: This function defines the new fields, setting their labels, required status, CSS classes for styling, and priority (order) on the form. `validate` => array( ’email’ ) adds email validation.
- `add_action( ‘woocommerce_admin_order_data_after_shipping_address’, ‘display_shipping_phone_email_on_admin_order’, 10, 1 );`: Displays the added fields on the admin order edit page.
- `add_action( ‘woocommerce_checkout_update_order_meta’, ‘save_shipping_phone_email_order_meta’ );`: Saves the values entered by the customer during checkout to the order meta data. `sanitize_text_field` and `sanitize_email` are used for security.
4. Save your changes: Save the `functions.php` file.
5. Test the checkout process: As with the plugin method, thoroughly test the checkout process to ensure the fields are displayed correctly, validation works, and the data is being saved.
Method 3: Editing the Checkout Template Files (Not Recommended for Beginners)
This method is generally not recommended unless you have a strong understanding of WooCommerce template structure and PHP. It involves directly editing the WooCommerce checkout template files, which can be complex and prone to errors. Furthermore, directly modifying core WooCommerce templates can lead to conflicts with updates. If you absolutely need to follow this path, always override the template files in your child theme.
Conslusion:
Adding shipping phone number and email address fields to your WooCommerce checkout process is a valuable investment in improving customer communication and delivery efficiency. Whether you opt for the simplicity of a plugin or the flexibility of custom code, ensuring couriers have the necessary contact information can lead to smoother deliveries, fewer failed attempts, and happier customers. Remember to choose the method that best aligns with your technical skills and website requirements. By implementing these changes, you can elevate the customer experience and create a more reliable and efficient e-commerce operation. Before implementing the solution, always create backup and test the process in the staging environment.
