Ever ordered something online, only to find out after clicking “buy” that it’s actually going to take weeks to arrive? As e-commerce store owners, we know that kind of surprise results in frustrated customers and potentially, lost sales. Transparency is key, and that’s where product lead times come in.

For WooCommerce store owners, effectively communicating when a product will ship or be ready is crucial for managing customer expectations. While WooCommerce handles basic “in stock” or “out of stock” messages, what if you offer made-to-order products, items with varying shipping times, or products that aren’t immediately available?

That’s where a fantastic plugin called Lead Times for WooCommerce from Yoohoo Plugins steps in. This powerful, yet incredibly easy-to-use plugin allows you to clearly display lead times on your product pages, carts, and even checkout, ensuring your customers are always in the know.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up and utilize the Lead Times for WooCommerce plugin to add accurate and helpful lead time information to your products.

Why You Need Product Lead Times

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s quickly recap why adding lead times is a game-changer for your WooCommerce store:

• Improved Customer Satisfaction: No more guessing games! Customers appreciate knowing exactly when to expect their purchase.
• Reduced Support Inquiries: Fewer “where’s my order?” emails and calls free up your time.
• Increased Conversions: Clear communication builds trust, which can lead to more sales.
• Better Inventory Management: Helps you visualize and manage your shipping pipeline.
• Professionalism: Shows your customers you’re organized and transparent.

Introducing: Lead Times for WooCommerce by Yoohoo Plugins

We’ve scoured the WordPress plugin repository and tried various solutions, and for sheer ease of use and robust features, Lead Times for WooCommerce truly stands out. It’s a premium plugin (and well worth the investment!), designed specifically to integrate seamlessly with your WooCommerce store.

You can find the plugin and more details here: Lead Times for WooCommerce

Now, let’s get down to setting it up!

Your Step-by-Step Guide: Adding Lead Times to Your WooCommerce Products

Step 1: Purchase, Download, and Install the Plugin

1. Purchase: Head over to the Lead Times for WooCommerce product page on the Yoohoo Plugins website and complete your purchase.
2. Download: Once purchased, you’ll receive a download link for the plugin’s .zip file. Save this to your computer.
3. Install:
   • Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
   • Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
   • Click on the “Upload Plugin” button at the top of the page.
   • Click “Choose File”, select the lead-times-for-woocommerce.zip file you just downloaded, and click “Install Now”.
   • Once installed, click “Activate Plugin”.

Step 2: Configure Your Plugin Settings

After activation, you’ll want to set up the global options for your lead times.

1. Navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Lead Times
2. Here, you’ll find a range of general settings to customize how lead times are displayed:
   • Enable Lead Times: Make sure this is checked to activate the feature.
   • Default Lead Time: Set a global lead time that will apply to all products unless overridden at the product level. This is super handy for a general lead time across your store.
   • Lead Time Display Text: Customize the text that appears before your lead time (e.g., “Ships in:”, “Available in:”, “Delivery takes approximately:”).
   • Display Locations: Choose where you want the lead time to appear (e.g., product page, shop page, cart, checkout, order details).
   • Hide for In Stock: You can opt to hide lead times for products that are immediately in stock, keeping your messaging clean.
   • Styling Options: The plugin offers basic styling options to match your theme’s aesthetics.
   Spend a few minutes going through these settings and tailor them to your store’s needs. Don’t forget to “Save changes”!

Step 3: Setting Lead Times for Individual Products

This is where the magic happens! You can set specific lead times for individual products, overriding the global default.

1. Go to Products > All Products in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Edit the product you want to add a lead time to.
3. Scroll down to the “Product data” meta box (usually below the main product description).
4. Click on the “Inventory” tab on the left-hand side within the Product data box.
5. You’ll now see a new option: “Lead Time”.
6. You have a few options here:
   • Use global lead time: This will apply the default lead time you set in the plugin’s main settings.
   • Custom lead time: Select this to enter a unique lead time for this specific product. You can input a number and select the unit (days, weeks, business days, etc.). This is perfect for products that have unique fulfillment schedules.
   • No lead time: If you don’t want any lead time to show for this specific product.
7. Once you’ve set your desired lead time for the product, click “Update” (or “Publish” if it’s a new product).

Step 4: Setting Lead Times for Product Variations (for Variable Products)

If you sell variable products (e.g., different sizes or colors), the Lead Times for WooCommerce plugin allows you to set lead times per variation!

1. When editing a variable product, go to the “Variations” tab within the “Product data” meta box.
2. Expand each variation by clicking on it.
3. You’ll see a “Lead Time” field for each variation, similar to the simple product settings.
4. Set the lead time for each variation as needed.
5. Save changes for the product.

Step 5: Test and Refine!

Once you’ve set up your lead times, it’s crucial to test them.

1. Visit your product pages, shop pages, cart, and checkout on the front end of your website.
2. Ensure the lead times are displaying correctly and clearly.
3. Add products with different lead times to your cart to see how they behave.
4. Make any necessary adjustments in the plugin settings or individual product settings.

Beyond the Basics: Tips for Maximizing Your Lead Times

• Be Specific: Instead of just “3-5 days,” consider “Ships in 3-5 business days” for clarity.
• Manage Expectations: If a product has an exceptionally long lead time, consider adding a small note in the product description explaining why (e.g., “Handmade to order”).
• Communicate Delays: If a lead time changes due to unforeseen circumstances, proactively inform your customers.
• Combine with Shipping Info: Ensure your lead times complement your overall shipping policy.

Final Thoughts

The Lead Times for WooCommerce plugin by Yoohoo Plugins is an indispensable tool for any serious WooCommerce store owner looking to enhance transparency and improve customer satisfaction. Its intuitive interface and powerful features make adding clear product lead times a breeze.

By investing a little time in setting this up, you’ll not only reduce customer support headaches but also build a more trustworthy and professional online store. Happy selling!