Setting Up Location-Based Delivery Dates in WooCommerce

In a recent Business Bloomer Club Slack thread, a WooCommerce user asked for advice on configuring location-based delivery options.

The goal was to allow customers to select a delivery location and see available delivery dates specific to that location. This setup can streamline the user experience for stores with location-specific delivery schedules.

Here’s a recommended approach and plugin options to handle this configuration in WooCommerce.

1. Use a Delivery Slot Plugin with Location-Based Options

Plugins like WooCommerce Delivery Slots by IconicWP allow you to display delivery date options based on specific criteria, including location. This plugin is designed to offer flexible delivery schedules, with options to configure dates and time slots that align with the selected delivery area.

Steps to Configure:

1. Install and Configure the Plugin: Install WooCommerce Delivery Slots and go to the plugin’s settings to set up delivery options.
2. Define Locations: In the plugin settings, add each delivery location (e.g., City A and City B).
3. Set Location-Based Delivery Dates: Assign different delivery dates and time slots for each location, ensuring that customers will only see dates relevant to their selected location at checkout.

• Pros: Offers flexible scheduling options, including time slots; fully compatible with WooCommerce.
• Cons: Requires a premium plugin.

Link: WooCommerce Delivery Slots by IconicWP

2. Conditional Display of Delivery Options with Custom Code

If you prefer a custom solution, you can use conditional logic to display delivery dates based on location. This requires custom code to adjust the delivery options dynamically as users select their location.

Steps to Implement:

1. Add Location Dropdown: Use WooCommerce hooks to add a dropdown for location selection on the checkout page.
2. Use JavaScript to Update Delivery Dates: Create a JavaScript function that listens for changes in the location dropdown and updates the available delivery dates based on the selected location.
3. Save User Selection: Ensure the selected delivery location and date are stored in the order meta for reference.

• Pros: Full control over design and functionality without additional plugins.
• Cons: Requires custom coding, testing, and potential updates as WooCommerce evolves.

Conclusion

For a user-friendly setup with minimal coding, WooCommerce Delivery Slots by IconicWP is a recommended choice for location-based delivery dates. If you prefer a custom solution, creating a conditional display using WooCommerce hooks and JavaScript can be tailored to your exact requirements. Both approaches enable streamlined, location-specific delivery options, enhancing the user experience.