Programmatically Create Orders in WooCommerce Using WC_Create_Order

To programmatically create WooCommerce orders in WordPress, you can use the wc_create_order() function. This enables you to add products, fees, shipping, and even apply coupons. Here’s a comprehensive guide to walk you through the entire process.

Step 1: Install WordPress and WooCommerce

Make sure WordPress and the WooCommerce plugin are installed and activated on your site. You can install WooCommerce directly from the WordPress dashboard or download it from the plugin repository.

Step 2: Add Code in Custom Plugin or functions.php

It’s best practice to add your custom code in a custom plugin or your theme’s functions.php file. Either create a plugin or edit your functions.php file.

Step 3: Define the Order Creation Function

Define a custom function to handle the WooCommerce order creation process. Here’s how to get started:

// In your custom plugin or functions.php
function create_woocommerce_order() {
    // Add order creation code here
}

Step 4: Add Items to the Order

You can add products to the order by using the wc_create_order() function:

// In create_woocommerce_order() function
$order = wc_create_order();
$products = array(
    array( 'product_id' => 1, 'quantity' => 2 ),
    array( 'product_id' => 2, 'quantity' => 1 ),
);
foreach ($products as $product) {
    $product_id = $product['product_id'];
    $quantity = $product['quantity'];
    // Add each product to the order
}

Step 5: Add Fees

Add a fee to the order using the WC_Order_Item_Fee class:

// In create_woocommerce_order() function
$fee = new WC_Order_Item_Fee();
$fee->set_props(array(
    'name' => 'Extra Charge',
    'amount' => 12.00,
    'tax_class' => '',
));
$fee->save();
$order->add_item($fee);

Step 6: Add Shipping

For shipping, utilize the WC_Order_Item_Shipping class:

// In create_woocommerce_order() function
$shipping_item = new WC_Order_Item_Shipping();
$shipping_item->set_method_title('Standard Shipping');
$shipping_item->set_total(5.00); 
$shipping_item->save();
$order->add_item($shipping_item);

Step 7: Apply Coupons

If you wish to add discounts, use the apply_coupon() method:

// In create_woocommerce_order() function
$coupon_code = 'SPRING2023';
$coupon = new WC_Coupon($coupon_code);
$order->apply_coupon($coupon);

Step 8: Set Customer Billing & Shipping Details

Provide billing and shipping info for the customer:

// In create_woocommerce_order() function
$customer_data = array(
    'first_name' => 'Jane',
    'last_name'  => 'Smith',
    'email'      => 'jane.smith@example.com',
);
$order->set_customer_id(0); 
$order->set_address($customer_data, 'billing');
$order->set_address($customer_data, 'shipping');

Step 9: Set Payment Method

Choose the payment method for the order:

// In create_woocommerce_order() function
$payment_method = 'cod'; // Cash on Delivery
$order->set_payment_method($payment_method);

Step 10: Set Order Status

Define the order status with the set_status() method:

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

Step 11: Save the Order

Finally, save the order:

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

Step 12: Trigger the Order

Create a trigger for order creation:

// In your custom plugin or functions.php
function trigger_order_creation() {
    create_woocommerce_order();
    // Redirect or display success
}
add_action('init', 'trigger_order_creation');

Conclusion

By following this simple guide, you can create WooCommerce orders programmatically to streamline your process.

External Resources:

• WooCommerce Official Site
• WC_Create_Order Function Docs