Implementing a WooCommerce Free Shipping Counter: A Developer’s Guide

WooCommerce, being a popular e-commerce platform for WordPress, offers a wide range of customization options. One such feature is the ability to provide free shipping to customers who reach a specific order value.

In this article, we will explore how to implement a free shipping counter in WooCommerce using PHP actions.

We will walk through the process step-by-step and provide code examples to make it easier for developers to follow along. So, let’s get started!

Prerequisites

Before diving into the implementation, ensure that you have a working WordPress installation with WooCommerce activated and a basic understanding of PHP and WordPress development.

Step 1: Creating a Custom Function

To implement the free shipping counter, we need to create a custom function that will count the total order value and update the shipping rates accordingly. We can achieve this by hooking into WooCommerce’s actions.

function my_custom_free_shipping_counter($rates, $package) {
    // Retrieve the order total
    $order_total = WC()->cart->subtotal;

    // Define the minimum order value for free shipping
    $free_shipping_threshold = 100;

    // Check if the order total is above the threshold
    if ($order_total >= $free_shipping_threshold) {
        // Loop through the shipping rates
        foreach ($rates as $rate_key => $rate) {
            // Set the cost of the free shipping rate to 0
            if ('free_shipping' === $rate->method_id) {
                $rates[$rate_key]->cost = 0;
                break;
            }
        }
    }

    return $rates;
}
add_filter('woocommerce_package_rates', 'my_custom_free_shipping_counter', 10, 2);

In the code above, we first retrieve the order total using WC()->cart->subtotal. Next, we define the minimum order value for free shipping. If the order total meets or exceeds the threshold, we update the cost of the free shipping rate to 0.

Step 2: Adding the Free Shipping Counter

To display the free shipping counter to the customer, we need to insert it into the appropriate location within the WooCommerce template files. Let’s add it to the cart page.

function my_custom_free_shipping_counter_message() {
    // Retrieve the order total
    $order_total = WC()->cart->subtotal;

    // Define the minimum order value for free shipping
    $free_shipping_threshold = 100;

    // Calculate the remaining amount for free shipping
    $remaining_amount = $free_shipping_threshold - $order_total;

    // Display the free shipping counter
    if ($remaining_amount > 0) {
        echo '<p>You are $' . number_format($remaining_amount, 2) . ' away from qualifying for free shipping!</p>';
    }
}
add_action('woocommerce_before_cart_totals', 'my_custom_free_shipping_counter_message');

In the code above, we retrieve the order total and calculate the remaining amount required for free shipping. Then, we display a message to the customer, indicating how much more they need to spend to qualify for free shipping.

Step 3: Testing the Implementation

Once you have added the custom function and the free shipping counter message, it’s time to test your implementation. Add items to your cart and check if the free shipping rate updates dynamically based on the order total. The counter should also display the remaining amount required for free shipping accurately.

Conclusion

Implementing a free shipping counter in WooCommerce is a valuable customization that can incentivize customers to spend more on your e-commerce platform.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create a developer-friendly solution using PHP actions. Remember to customize the minimum order value and the message according to your specific requirements.

Now, go ahead and enhance the shopping experience for your customers by offering enticing free shipping options!