How to Create WooCommerce Orders Automatically via Code

You can automate the creation of WooCommerce orders in WordPress by using the wc_create_order() function. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to programmatically add products, fees, shipping, and more.

Step 1: Install WooCommerce and WordPress

Ensure you have WooCommerce installed and activated on your WordPress website. WooCommerce is available in the WordPress plugin directory.

Step 2: Create a Plugin or Modify functions.php

It’s recommended to add custom code in a plugin or modify your theme’s functions.php file for easy management. Either option works for this tutorial.

Step 3: Create the Order Creation Function

Start by creating a custom function to programmatically create WooCommerce orders:

// In your custom plugin or functions.php
function create_order_programmatically() {
    // Add code to create the order
}

Step 4: Add Products to the Order

Use the wc_create_order() function to add products to the new order:

// In create_order_programmatically() function
$order = wc_create_order();
$items = array(
    array( 'product_id' => 3, 'quantity' => 1 ),
    array( 'product_id' => 4, 'quantity' => 2 ),
);
foreach ($items as $item) {
    $product_id = $item['product_id'];
    $quantity = $item['quantity'];
    // Add products to order
}

Step 5: Add Extra Fees

If you need to add extra fees, use the WC_Order_Item_Fee class:

// In create_order_programmatically() function
$fee = new WC_Order_Item_Fee();
$fee->set_props(array(
    'name' => 'Handling Fee',
    'amount' => 15.00,
    'tax_class' => '',
));
$fee->save();
$order->add_item($fee);

Step 6: Set Shipping

Add shipping charges with the WC_Order_Item_Shipping class:

// In create_order_programmatically() function
$shipping = new WC_Order_Item_Shipping();
$shipping->set_method_title('Express Shipping');
$shipping->set_total(8.00); 
$shipping->save();
$order->add_item($shipping);

Step 7: Apply Coupons for Discounts

Apply coupons for discounts using apply_coupon():

// In create_order_programmatically() function
$coupon_code = 'WINTER2023';
$coupon = new WC_Coupon($coupon_code);
$order->apply_coupon($coupon);

Step 8: Add Customer Information

Fill in the customer’s billing and shipping information:

// In create_order_programmatically() function
$customer_info = array(
    'first_name' => 'Alice',
    'last_name'  => 'Johnson',
    'email'      => 'alice.johnson@example.com',
);
$order->set_customer_id(0); 
$order->set_address($customer_info, 'billing');
$order->set_address($customer_info, 'shipping');

Step 9: Set the Payment Method

Choose the payment method you prefer:

// In create_order_programmatically() function
$payment_method = 'paypal'; // PayPal
$order->set_payment_method($payment_method);

Step 10: Set Order Status

Set the order’s status using the set_status() method:

// In create_order_programmatically() function
$order_status = 'completed';
$order->set_status($order_status);

Step 11: Save the Order

Save the order:

// In create_order_programmatically() function
$order->save();
return $order->get_id();

Step 12: Initiate the Order

Trigger the order creation when necessary:

// In your custom plugin or functions.php
function initiate_order_creation() {
    create_order_programmatically();
    // Handle redirection or show success message
}
add_action('init', 'initiate_order_creation');

Conclusion

By following this guide, you can automate WooCommerce order creation for your store.

External Resources:

• Official WooCommerce Site
• WC_Create_Order Function Docs