How to Add Custom Order Statuses to WooCommerce and Enhance Your Workflow
By Peter Wilkinson on 4th October, 2024
Managing your WooCommerce store effectively can sometimes require a little customization, especially when your business processes need specific order workflows. One of the best ways to optimize your order handling is by adding custom order statuses to your WooCommerce setup.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to add custom order statuses to WooCommerce—whether you want to track new steps like "Packaging" or have a unique stage for client approval. Custom order statuses not only make it easier to manage your backend workflow, but they also give you more clarity and control over your eCommerce operations. By personalizing your order process, you can create a better experience not just for yourself but also for your customers.
Plus, when combined with WP Order Alerts, you can get instant notifications for these custom statuses, ensuring you're always on top of what’s happening with your store, whether you’re in the office, at home, or even on vacation. No matter where you are, you'll be able to keep track of every order update, helping you make prompt decisions that improve customer satisfaction.

Step-by-Step: Adding a Custom Order Status
- Access the Child Theme: Start by logging in to your WordPress admin dashboard and accessing your child theme’s
functions.php
file. Using a child theme is important, as it ensures that custom changes won’t be lost during theme updates. If you're unfamiliar with creating or using a child theme, there are plenty of guides available online that can help you set one up quickly and efficiently. - Add the Custom Code: To add a custom order status, you'll need to insert a custom code snippet into
functions.php
. The code example below will help you create a status called "In Packaging":
// Add custom order status
function register_custom_order_status() {
register_post_status('wc-packaging', array(
'label' => 'Packaging',
'public' => true,
'exclude_from_search' => false,
'show_in_admin_all_list' => true,
'show_in_admin_status_list' => true,
'label_count' => _n_noop('Packaging (%s)', 'Packaging (%s)')
));
}
add_action('init', 'register_custom_order_status');
// Add the custom status to the order status list
function add_custom_order_status($order_statuses) {
$order_statuses['wc-packaging'] = 'Packaging';
return $order_statuses;
}
add_filter('wc_order_statuses', 'add_custom_order_status');
This snippet registers a new order status named "Packaging" and makes it available in the WooCommerce order status options. You can customize this code to create additional statuses as needed, which can be tailored to fit the specific requirements of your business. For example, you could add statuses like "Quality Check" or "Awaiting Courier Pickup" to make your order handling more detailed and informative.
- Use WP Order Alerts for Instant Updates: Once your custom order status is in place, the next step is enhancing your business management by linking it to WP Order Alerts. WP Order Alerts sends new order notifications to your mobile device, allowing you to stay updated whenever a new order is placed. You can also manage the order status directly in the WP Order Alerts app, ensuring you always have complete control over your store's operations without needing to log in to your WooCommerce dashboard. This kind of real-time communication ensures that no matter where you are, you are always informed and can act promptly to keep your operations running smoothly.
Key Features of WP Order Alerts
WP Order Alerts offers a wide range of features designed to streamline the management of your WooCommerce store, especially for store owners and managers on the go:
Multi-Store & Team Management
Effortlessly manage multiple WooCommerce stores from a single app, with a unified view for easy monitoring. Assign custom permissions to team members, enhancing collaboration and ensuring smooth, secure operations. This feature is perfect for agencies or businesses with multiple stakeholders involved in the order process.

Reporting
Stay informed and make data-driven decisions wherever you are. With WP Order Alerts, you can access comprehensive WooCommerce reports directly from your mobile device, without the need to log in to a cluttered WordPress dashboard. This helps you stay ahead of sales trends and manage your store effectively from anywhere.

Insights
Access key insights into your WooCommerce store’s performance and health instantly from your mobile device. Insights are clutter-free and provide actionable data, helping you streamline decision-making and enhance your store's operational efficiency.

Notification Builder
Take full control of your WooCommerce order notifications with the Notification Builder feature. Customize every detail of your alerts, from customer names to order totals, ensuring you receive only the most relevant information exactly when you need it. This level of customization helps you stay on top of your orders without unnecessary distractions.

Order Management
Manage your WooCommerce orders effortlessly from one centralized platform. Update statuses, print invoices, and share details instantly to ensure that you remain organized at all times. The flexibility offered by WP Order Alerts allows you to maintain control of your store operations no matter where you are.

Audit Log
The Audit Log feature helps you track every action taken, such as who viewed orders, changed statuses, and more. It is an ideal tool for monitoring team performance and maintaining accountability within your store’s operations.

Why WP Order Alerts is Ideal for On-the-Go Business Owners

Running a WooCommerce store often means juggling several roles—you might be packing orders, answering customer inquiries, or even managing marketing tasks. WP Order Alerts is a perfect companion for store owners who need the flexibility to manage their business on the go.
With real-time notifications for every new order, you can:
- Stay updated without needing to check your dashboard frequently.
- Manage the order journey, including updating statuses like "Awaiting Customer Approval" or "In Packaging," directly within the WP Order Alerts app.
- Enhance productivity and focus on the tasks that matter most.
- Improve response times, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Whether you own a small business or run multiple stores, WP Order Alerts can streamline your order process, allowing you to be more responsive and efficient. By staying updated at every stage, you can proactively handle any issues that arise and reduce the risk of delays or missed opportunities.
Conclusion
If you want a more comprehensive solution for adding a custom order status to your WooCommerce store, you can check out the advanced code snippet on Divi Engine.
Adding custom order statuses to WooCommerce is a powerful way to make your business processes more precise and personalized. Custom statuses allow you to tailor the order flow to suit your business needs, giving you better visibility and control. Pair that with WP Order Alerts, and you’ll be fully equipped to manage your store’s orders like a pro—anytime, anywhere. You can focus on growing your business while staying in the loop with every crucial update.
Learn more about WP Order Alerts and see how it can take your WooCommerce business to the next level. Start transforming the way you manage your store today, and ensure you never miss a beat when it comes to keeping your customers happy and your operations smooth.
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