20 WooCommerce Hooks and Filters Every Developer Should Know

Are you looking for the best WooCommerce hooks and filters every developer should know? If you are, keep reading this article. We will show you the top 20 options you should know.

When handling a WooCommerce store and needing to enhance its features, you might want to use custom plugins or code. Tweaking the store according to your preference will give you a unique look among customers.

Since we work with coding, you might have extensive coding knowledge or need to rely on someone skilled at it.

This article will show you the top 20 WooCommerce hooks and filters every developer should know to help you customize your WooCommerce store.

But first, let’s see what are WooCommerce hooks and filters.

What Are WooCommerce Hooks and Filters

WooCommerce, the popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress, employs hooks and filters to enhance its functionality and customization capabilities. Hooks are essentially predefined points in the WooCommerce code where you can ‘hook’ into the system with your custom code.

There are two main types of hooks: actions and filters. Actions allow you to execute custom code at specific points during the execution of WooCommerce, like adding custom content or performing actions when certain events occur, such as order creation or payment processing.

Conversely, filters modify data before it’s used or displayed. They allow you to alter how information is presented or processed.

For instance, you might use a filter to change the price display format, modify product descriptions, or manipulate shipping costs before they are shown to the customer.

Filters take the existing data, allow you to adjust it, and then return it to the flow of WooCommerce’s operations.

Together, hooks and filters provide a robust framework for developers to tailor WooCommerce to meet specific business needs without altering the plugin’s core files.

Next, let’s see the top 20 WooCommerce hooks and filters.

Best 20 WooCommerce Hooks You Should Know

Below, we will show you the top 10 hooks and filters each.

Hooks

• woocommerce_before_main_content

Use Case: Imagine you’re running a seasonal sale. You could use this hook to insert a custom banner above the product listings, highlighting the sale with eye-catching graphics or animations. This could increase the visibility of the promotion, potentially boosting sales.

• woocommerce_after_main_content

Use Case: After displaying all products, you might want to encourage users to subscribe to a newsletter for exclusive deals. This hook lets you add a subscription form or a newsletter sign-up box right after the product list.

• woocommerce_before_single_product

Use Case: You might want to display a gallery of previous customer projects or testimonials for high-end products. This hook can add this content right before the product details, enhancing the product’s credibility and appeal.

• woocommerce_after_single_product

Use Case: If you sell products that require accessories or add-ons, you could use this hook to suggest complementary products or services right after the main product details.

• woocommerce_checkout_update_order_review

Use Case: For dynamic pricing or promotions based on cart contents, this hook can be used to update prices or add messages in real time without requiring the user to refresh the page.

• woocommerce_thankyou

Use Case: Post-purchase, you want to encourage repeat business or customer engagement.

This hook can be used to display a thank you message alongside an offer for a discount on their next purchase or to invite them to review the product they’ve just bought, which can be beneficial for SEO and customer feedback.

• woocommerce_email_before_order_table

Use Case: Personalize your order confirmation emails by adding a welcome message or a personal note from the store owner before the order details.

This could be like thanking the customer for choosing your store or providing a link to customer service. It helps in building a personal connection with the buyer.

• woocommerce_email_after_order_table

Use Case: After the order details, you might want to include information about what happens next, like shipping time estimates, return policies, or links to track the order. This can decrease customer service inquiries and improve the overall post-purchase experience.

• woocommerce_review_order_before_payment

Use Case: If your products come with warranties or special conditions for payment, this hook is perfect for placing reminders or notices before the customer selects their payment method.

For instance, you could note that certain payment methods offer extended warranties or that specific products require a deposit.

• woocommerce_review_order_after_payment

Use Case: After listing payment options, you might want to reassure customers about security or provide additional trust elements like security badges or certifications. This can help in reducing cart abandonment due to security concerns.

Filters

• woocommerce_get_price_html

Use Case: To entice customers during a sale, you want to show both the original price and the sale price side by side, with the original price crossed out for visual impact. This allows customers to instantly recognize the discount, encouraging purchases.

• woocommerce_cart_item_price

Use Case: If you have a loyalty program where customers earn points for purchases, you can modify the cart item price display to show how many points each product will earn. This can encourage more spending as customers see the value of their points accumulating.

• woocommerce_checkout_fields

Use Case: Your business model requires collecting specific customer data at checkout, like their preferred contact method for order updates. Adding this custom field can streamline post-purchase communication, ensuring you use the customer’s preferred contact method, and enhancing customer service.

• woocommerce_email_order_meta_keys

Use Case: You might want to include this information in the order confirmation emails for products requiring installation or custom specifications. By filtering which meta keys are displayed, you can ensure that relevant custom data is communicated to the customer and your fulfillment team.

• woocommerce_currency_symbol

Use Case: If you’re selling to a niche market where a cryptocurrency is commonly used or doing business in a region with a unique currency symbol, you can customize the symbol shown on your site. This caters to your audience and can be part of your branding.

• woocommerce_variable_price_html

Use Case: Standard price range displays might confuse customers for products with variable pricing based on attributes (like size or color). You can modify how these prices are shown to provide clarity by specifying what each price corresponds to or offering price options in a more user-friendly format.

• woocommerce_product_get_stock_status

Use Case: For products that aren’t in stock but can be pre-ordered, you can change the stock status from “out of stock” to “pre-order” or “coming soon.” This encourages customers to order in advance, helping with inventory planning and cash flow.

• woocommerce_shipping_packages

Use Case: If you offer bundled shipping where buying certain products together reduces the shipping cost or changes the package dimensions, this filter allows you to dynamically adjust package details before shipping rates are calculated, potentially saving on shipping costs or providing a better customer experience by offering bundled shipping options.

• woocommerce_available_payment_gateways

Use Case: You might want to limit payment methods based on the order’s characteristics. For example, for high-value orders or products with specific warranty conditions, you might only allow payment methods that offer buyer protection or that your business prefers for such transactions.

• woocommerce_cart_item_name

Use Case: To help customers quickly identify products in the cart, especially in stores with large inventories or similar-looking items, you can modify how product names appear. Adding SKU, size, color, or other identifying details can reduce confusion during checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now, let’s see some frequently asked questions regarding the topic.

Conclusion

Understanding and utilizing WooCommerce hooks and filters is essential for any developer looking to customize an online store beyond what the basic plugin offers.

The possibilities are vast, from enhancing user experience with dynamic content placement to customizing payment processes or email communications.

The hooks and filters we’ve explored provide a powerful foundation for tailoring your WooCommerce store to match your business’s unique requirements, customer expectations, and marketing strategies.

By mastering these hooks and filters, you’re not just building a store; you’re crafting an experience.

Keep experimenting, learning, and, most importantly, engaging with your community to understand how your customizations can further enhance their shopping journey.

We encourage you to dive in, play around, and see how these powerful tools can transform your WooCommerce store into something uniquely yours.

Should we mention any other hooks and filters in this article?

Let us know in the comments.