WooCommerce: Stop International Orders and Focus on Your Target Market
Introduction:
Running an online store can be exciting, but sometimes you need to narrow your focus. Perhaps you’re just starting out and can only manage domestic shipping, or maybe international regulations are proving too complex. Whatever the reason, learning how to prevent international orders in WooCommerce is a crucial skill. This article provides clear and concise methods to achieve this, allowing you to concentrate on your primary market and streamline your operations. We’ll cover various techniques, from simple settings adjustments to using plugins and even some code snippets. Let’s dive in!
Main Part: Methods to Disable International Orders in WooCommerce
There are several ways to block international orders on your WooCommerce store. Choosing the best method depends on your technical skills, the complexity of your needs, and whether you want a temporary or permanent solution.
1. Restricting Shipping Zones
This is the most common and straightforward method. You simply define shipping zones that only include your target countries (e.g., just the United States). Here’s how:
1. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping > Shipping Zones.
2. Edit your existing zone if it includes international countries, or create a new one by clicking “Add shipping zone”.
3. Give your zone a descriptive name (e.g., “Domestic Shipping Zone”).
4. In the “Zone regions” field, select only the countries you want to ship to.
5. Add shipping methods (e.g., Flat Rate, Free Shipping) for Read more about How To Put Product Description First In Woocommerce this zone.
By *not* including international countries in any shipping zones, customers from those countries won’t be able to proceed with their orders, as they won’t have any available shipping options.
2. Using a Plugin for Country Restrictions
Several plugins can help you manage country restrictions more effectively. These plugins often offer more granular control and flexibility. Here are a few popular options:
- WooCommerce Country Based Restrictions: This plugin allows you to restrict access to your entire store or specific products based on the customer’s country.
- Geolocation Based Restrictions: This plugin uses geolocation to automatically detect the customer’s location and restrict access if necessary.
Using a plugin simplifies the process and often provides additional features like displaying custom messages to blocked users. To use a plugin:
1. Install and activate your chosen plugin.
2. Configure the plugin settings to restrict access based on country. This typically involves selecting the allowed or disallowed countries.
3. Customize the error message displayed to customers from blocked countries.
3. Code Snippet (for Advanced Users)
For users comfortable with code, you can use a code snippet to filter available shipping countries. This method provides precise control but requires caution. Back up your website before making any code changes.
add_filter( 'woocommerce_countries', 'filter_woocommerce_countries' );
function filter_woocommerce_countries( $countries ) {
$allowed_countries = array(
‘US’ => ‘United States’, // Replace with your desired country codes
‘CA’ => ‘Canada’,
);
return $allowed_countries;
}
add_filter( ‘woocommerce_allowed_countries’, ‘filter_woocommerce_allowed_countries’ );
function filter_woocommerce_allowed_countries( $allowed_countries ) {
$allowed_countries = array(
‘US’ => ‘United States’, // Replace with your desired country codes
‘CA’ => ‘Canada’,
);
return $allowed_countries;
}
add_filter( ‘woocommerce_default_address_fields’, ‘filter_woocommerce_default_address_fields’ );
function filter_woocommerce_default_address_fields( $fields ) {
$fields[‘country’][‘default’] = ‘US’; //set default country to US
unset($fields[‘country’][‘priority’]);
return $fields;
}
Important Considerations when using the code:
- Replace `’US’ => ‘United States’, ‘CA’ => ‘Canada’` with the appropriate country codes and names for the countries you *do* want to ship to. Use the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country codes (e.g., “GB” for the United Kingdom).
- Add this code to your theme’s `functions.php` file or use a code snippets plugin. Directly editing the `functions.php` file is generally discouraged due to potential update issues.
- Thoroughly test the code to ensure it works as expected.
This code snippet effectively filters the available countries in the checkout process, preventing users from selecting countries outside your allowed list. It also sets a default country.
4. Restricting Payment Gateways by Country (Less Common, but Possible)
Some payment gateways allow you to restrict which countries can use them. This method is less direct but can be helpful in specific situations. Check your payment gateway’s documentation for details on country restrictions. It is important to note that customers may still attempt to order and find other methods to pay, rendering this less effective as your primary restriction.
Conclusion:
Preventing international orders in WooCommerce is a crucial step for many businesses focusing on specific markets. By leveraging shipping zone restrictions, plugins, or custom code, you can effectively block unwanted orders and streamline your operations. Remember to carefully choose the method that best suits your needs and technical expertise. Before implementing any changes, consider testing thoroughly to avoid any disruptions to your legitimate customers. Prioritize clear communication with your customers by displaying clear shipping information on your website, including the countries you ship to. By implementing these strategies, you can focus on your target market and build a thriving online store.
