WooCommerce allows you to manage your online shop directly from your WordPress dashboard. Once the basics are understood, everyday tasks such as adding products, updating prices, managing orders, and setting shipping become simple and repeatable.
This manual explains the most common WooCommerce tasks step by step. Each section includes an official WooCommerce video so you can watch the process if you prefer learning visually.
Creating Products in WooCommerce
Products are the foundation of your online shop. All products are created and managed from the Products section in WordPress.
To create a product, go to Products and select Add New. Enter the product name and description, select the product type, set the price, upload images, and publish the product.
WooCommerce supports different product types, including simple products, variable products, and digital downloads. You can also manage stock levels, link related products, and use attributes for variations such as size or colour.
Categories, Tags and Attributes
Categories and tags help organise your products and make it easier for customers to browse your shop. Attributes are used for variations such as size, colour, or material.
Categories are usually broader groupings, while tags are more specific. Attributes can be reused across products and are essential for variable products.
Managing these correctly improves navigation and customer experience.
Changing Prices and Managing Inventory
Prices and stock levels can be updated at any time. This is useful for sales, promotions, or general price changes.
To change a price, open a product, scroll to the Product Data section, and update the regular or sale price. Inventory settings allow you to track stock, limit purchases, and mark items as out of stock automatically.
These settings help prevent overselling and keep your shop accurate.
This process is demonstrated in the product management video above.
Managing Orders in WooCommerce
All customer orders are managed from one central location.
To manage orders, go to WooCommerce and select Orders. From here you can view order details, update order statuses, add internal notes, and resend customer emails.
Keeping order statuses up to date helps customers understand where their order stands and keeps your records organised.
Refunding Orders
WooCommerce allows you to issue full or partial refunds directly from the order screen.
To refund an order, open the order, select Refund, enter the amount, and process the refund. If the order was paid online, the refund can be sent back to the original payment method.
Refunds are recorded automatically for tracking and reporting.
Shipping Zones and Shipping Methods
Shipping in WooCommerce is based on shipping zones. A shipping zone defines where you ship to, such as Ireland or specific regions.
Within each shipping zone, you can add different shipping methods such as flat rate or free shipping. This gives you full control over delivery costs based on location.
Flat Rate Shipping
Flat rate shipping allows you to charge a fixed delivery cost.
Once a shipping zone is created, you can add flat rate shipping, set the cost, and apply it to that zone. This is ideal for simple and predictable delivery pricing.
Free Shipping
Free shipping can be offered based on conditions such as minimum order value.
This is commonly used as an incentive to encourage larger orders. Free shipping rules are configured inside the relevant shipping zone.
Cash on Delivery
WooCommerce supports cash on delivery as a payment option, which is useful for local deliveries or businesses that accept payment when the order arrives.
Cash on delivery can be enabled from the WooCommerce payment settings. You can control when it is available and restrict it to specific shipping methods if needed.
This payment option is commonly used by local shops and businesses offering in-person or courier delivery where payment is taken at the door.
Creating Discount Coupons
Coupons allow you to offer discounts to customers.
You can create percentage discounts, fixed cart discounts, or product-specific coupons. Coupons can also include usage limits, expiry dates, and minimum spend requirements.
Coupons are useful for promotions, seasonal sales, or customer loyalty offers.
Managing Your Store on Mobile
WooCommerce also provides a mobile app that allows you to manage your store from your phone.
Using the app, you can view new orders, change order statuses, receive notifications, and monitor basic performance without logging into your computer.
Android app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.woocommerce.android&utm_medium=download
iPhone app
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/woocommerce-store-pos/id1389130815
Official WooCommerce Video Library
All videos included in this manual come from the official WooCommerce YouTube channel. This channel is regularly updated with tutorials, feature explanations, and best practices.
Official WooCommerce YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WooCommerce
How Simply Design Can Help
We help businesses set up and manage WooCommerce stores properly from the start. This includes product setup, pricing structure, shipping configuration, payment methods, mobile app setup, and clear training so you feel confident managing your own store.
If you need help setting up WooCommerce, improving how your store works, or training your team, Simply Design can guide you step by step and provide ongoing support when needed.