Autocomplete For Woo Orders
Automatically complete WooCommerce orders based on intelligent rules and conditions. Save time, reduce manual work, and improve your store's workflow efficiency.
What Does This Plugin Do?
Autocomplete For Woo Orders intelligently monitors your WooCommerce orders and automatically changes their status to "Completed" when specific conditions are met. This eliminates the need for manual order completion, saving you valuable time and ensuring customers receive their order completion notifications promptly.
Automatic Order Completion
Orders are automatically marked as completed based on your configured rules and conditions.
Smart Filtering
Filter by product types, payment methods, user roles, and specific products for precise control.
Email Notifications
Send custom email notifications to admins and customers when orders are auto-completed.
Detailed Reporting
Track all auto-completed orders with a comprehensive admin table capabilities.
Key Benefits
- Time Savings: Eliminate manual order processing for eligible orders
- Improved Customer Experience: Faster order completion means happier customers
- Reduced Errors: Automated processing reduces human error
- Flexible Configuration: Extensive settings to match your business needs
- Complete Control: Enable/disable features as needed
- Detailed Tracking: Monitor all automated actions with comprehensive logs
Perfect For
Ideal Store Types
- Digital Product Stores: Software, ebooks, courses, downloads
- Service-Based Businesses: Consultations, subscriptions, memberships
- Virtual Product Sellers: Gift cards, licenses, access codes
- Dropshipping Stores: Products fulfilled by third parties
- Any Store: Looking to automate routine order processing
Installation Guide
Get Autocomplete For Woo Orders up and running in minutes with this step-by-step installation guide.
Method 1: WordPress Admin Dashboard (Recommended)
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
- Navigate to Plugins → Add New
- Click Upload Plugin button
- Choose the plugin ZIP file you downloaded
- Click Install Now
- After installation, click Activate Plugin
Method 2: FTP Upload
- Extract the plugin ZIP file to your computer
- Upload the
autocomplete-for-woo-orders
folder to/wp-content/plugins/
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
- Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins
- Find "Autocomplete For Woo Orders" and click Activate
Post-Installation Steps
Verification Checklist
- Verify WooCommerce is active and functioning
- Check that the plugin appears in your plugins list
- Look for the "Smart Autocomplete" menu under WooCommerce
- Access the settings page to confirm everything is working
- Review the default settings before enabling the plugin
Database Tables (premium)
Upon activation, the plugin automatically creates a custom database table to track auto-completed orders:
This table stores detailed information about each auto-completed order for reporting and tracking purposes.
System Requirements
Ensure your server meets these requirements for optimal performance.
🌐 WordPress
🛒 WooCommerce
🐘 PHP
🗄️ Database
🔧 Compatibility Features
Quick Start Guide
Get your plugin configured and working in under 5 minutes with this quick setup guide.
Step 1: Access Plugin Settings
- In your WordPress admin, go to WooCommerce → Smart Autocomplete
- You'll see the plugin's main settings page with multiple tabs
#Smart Autocomplete Settings Page - Main Interface

Step 2: Enable the Plugin
- Click on the General tab (should be active by default)
- Toggle "Enable Smart Autocomplete" to ON
- Click Save Settings
Step 3: Configure Basic Conditions
Choose what types of orders should be auto-completed:
Recommended Settings for Beginners
- Go to the Conditions tab
- Enable "Virtual product orders" if you sell digital products
- Enable "Simple product orders" for basic products
- Leave other options disabled for now
- Click Save Settings
Step 4: Test the Setup
- Create a test order with a virtual or simple product
- Complete the payment (use a test payment method)
- Check if the order status automatically changes to "Completed"
- Verify the order appears in WooCommerce → Auto-Completed Orders (if admin table is enabled in advanced settings tab)
Step 5: Fine-tune Your Settings
Once basic functionality is working, explore these additional features:
Email Notifications
Set up email alerts for admins and customers in the Advanced tab.
Payment Methods
Restrict auto-completion to specific payment methods in the Payments tab.
User Roles
Control which user roles can trigger auto-completion in Advanced settings.
General Settings
The General Settings tab contains the master controls for your Smart Autocomplete plugin. This is where you enable or disable the entire plugin functionality.

Available Settings
When to Use:
- Enable: When you're ready to start auto-completing orders
- Disable: For testing, maintenance, or temporary suspension
Frontend Impact:
When enabled, customers will see their eligible orders automatically marked as "Completed" shortly after payment, triggering WooCommerce's standard completion emails and any custom notifications you've configured.
Best Practices
Configuration Tips
- Test First: Configure all your conditions before enabling the plugin
- Start Small: Begin with restrictive conditions and gradually expand
- Monitor Results: Check the admin table regularly to ensure expected behavior
- Backup Settings: Note your configuration before making major changes
Troubleshooting
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Plugin enabled but orders not auto-completing | No conditions configured | Configure at least one condition in the Conditions tab |
Settings not saving | Permission issues | Check user capabilities and WordPress permissions |
Toggle not responding | JavaScript conflicts | Check browser console for errors, disable other plugins temporarily |
Condition Settings
Condition Settings determine which types of products and orders should trigger automatic completion. These are the core rules that govern when the plugin takes action.

Available Product Type Conditions
Examples of Simple Products:
- Physical items with fixed pricing (books, clothing, accessories)
- Digital downloads (PDFs, software, music files)
- Services with standard pricing (consultations, memberships)
- Gift cards with fixed values
When to Enable:
- Your store primarily sells straightforward products
- You want to auto-complete most of your orders
- You sell digital products that don't require shipping
Examples of Variable Products:
- Clothing with size/color options
- Software with different license types
- Services with different duration options
- Digital products with multiple formats
How It Works:
The plugin checks both the parent variable product and the specific variation purchased. If either matches your conditions, the order qualifies for auto-completion.
Best Use Cases:
- Digital products with multiple options
- Services with different tiers
- Virtual products with variations
Examples of Grouped Products:
- Product bundles (starter pack, premium bundle)
- Related items sold as a set
- Course collections with multiple modules
- Software suites with multiple applications
Technical Note:
Grouped products themselves don't have a price - customers purchase the individual products within the group. The plugin checks if any products in the order are part of a grouped product.
Examples of Virtual Products:
- Digital services (web design, consulting)
- Online courses and training
- Software licenses
- Memberships and subscriptions
- Virtual gift cards
Why This Is Popular:
Virtual products are perfect for auto-completion because they don't require physical fulfillment. Once payment is confirmed, the service or access can be provided immediately.
Technical Requirements:
Products must be marked as "Virtual" in their WooCommerce product settings. This also requires "Simple Products" to be enabled since virtual is a property of simple products.
Examples of Virtual + Downloadable Products:
- Software downloads
- Digital music, videos, or images
- E-books and PDFs
- Digital templates and designs
- Online course materials
Perfect For:
- Digital product stores
- Content creators selling downloads
- Software vendors
- Educational platforms
Setup Requirements:
Products must be configured in WooCommerce with both "Virtual" and "Downloadable" checkboxes enabled, and must have downloadable files attached.
How Conditions Work Together
Logic Rules
- OR Logic: Orders qualify if they match ANY enabled condition
- Product Level: Each product in the order is checked individually
- Order Level: If any product matches, the entire order qualifies
- Priority: More specific conditions (Virtual + Downloadable) are checked first
Common Configuration Examples
Store Type | Recommended Settings | Reasoning |
---|---|---|
Digital Downloads Only | Virtual + Downloadable Products | Most specific condition for digital products |
Service-Based Business | Virtual Products + Simple Products | Covers services and consultations |
Mixed Physical/Digital | Virtual Products Only | Auto-complete only digital items |
Dropshipping Store | Simple Products | All products fulfilled by suppliers |
Payment Method Settings
Control which payment methods should trigger automatic order completion. This gives you granular control over when orders are auto-completed based on how customers pay.

All WooCommerce Supported Third-Party Payment Methods

Payment Method Selection
Default Behavior:
If no payment methods are selected, ALL payment methods will be allowed to trigger auto-completion.
Available Payment Methods:
The dropdown shows all payment gateways currently active in your WooCommerce store, including:
- PayPal Standard: Traditional PayPal payments
- Stripe: Credit card processing via Stripe
- Bank Transfer (BACS): Direct bank transfers (Unpaid method Not Supported)
- Check Payments: Offline check payments (Unpaid method Not Supported)
- Cash on Delivery: Pay when receiving (Unpaid method Not Supported)
- Custom Gateways: Any third-party payment plugins you've installed
Common Use Cases
Instant Payment Methods
Auto-complete orders paid with PayPal, Stripe, or other instant payment methods where funds are immediately confirmed.
Manual Payment Methods
Exclude bank transfers or check payments that require manual verification before completion.
Trusted Gateways Only
Only auto-complete orders from payment methods you fully trust and that provide instant confirmation.
Configuration Examples
Recommended Configurations
Conservative Approach (Recommended for Beginners):
- Select only: PayPal Standard, Stripe
- Reasoning: These provide instant payment confirmation
- Risk: Low - payments are verified before completion
Moderate Approach:
- Select: PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Reasoning: All major instant payment methods
Aggressive Approach (Advanced Users):
- Select: All payment methods except Bank Transfer and Check
- Reasoning: Auto-complete everything except manual verification methods
All Methods Except WooCommerce Core:
- Select: Nothing (leave empty)
- Reasoning: Allow all payment methods to trigger auto-completion
Payment Method Details
Payment Method | Verification Speed | Auto-Complete Safety | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|
PayPal Standard | Instant | High | ✅ Recommended |
Stripe (Credit Cards) | Instant | High | ✅ Recommended |
Apple Pay / Google Pay | Instant | High | ✅ Recommended |
Bank Transfer (BACS) | Manual | Low | ❌ Not auto-completed (Handled by WooCommerce) |
Check Payments | Manual | Low | ❌ Not auto-completed (Handled by WooCommerce) |
Cash on Delivery (COD) | On Delivery | Low | ❌ Not auto-completed (Handled by WooCommerce) |
Advanced Considerations
- Test First: Always test with small orders before enabling for all payment methods
- Monitor Refunds: Track if certain payment methods lead to more refunds
- Regional Differences: Some payment methods may behave differently in different countries
- Gateway Updates: Payment gateway updates might change behavior - monitor after updates
Troubleshooting Payment Issues
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Payment method not in dropdown | Gateway not active | Enable the payment gateway in WooCommerce settings |
Orders not auto-completing despite payment | Payment method not selected | Add the payment method to your selection or leave empty for all |
Manual payment methods auto-completing | All methods allowed | Specifically select only instant payment methods |
New payment gateway not working | Plugin needs settings update | Save settings again after adding new payment gateways |
Product Selection Settings
Choose specific products that should trigger automatic order completion. This gives you the most granular control over which exact products qualify for auto-completion.

All Products Types Supported (Exclude affiliate)

Product Selector
How to Use:
- Click in the search box
- Start typing a product name
- Select products from the dropdown results
- Repeat to add multiple products
- Remove products by clicking the 'X' next to their name
Search Features:
- Real-time Search: Results appear as you type
- Product Details: Shows product name, ID, and type
- Multiple Selection: Select as many products as needed
- Variation Support: Includes both simple products and variations
Product Information Display:
Each product in the search results shows:
- Product Name: The full product title
- Product ID: Unique identifier in parentheses
- Product Type: Simple, Variable, Grouped, etc.
Use Cases for Product Selection
Specific Digital Products
Select only your digital downloads, software licenses, or online courses for auto-completion.
High-Volume Products
Auto-complete your best-selling products that you fulfill quickly and reliably.
Premium Services
Select high-value services or memberships that should be activated immediately upon payment.
Instant Delivery Items
Choose products that can be delivered or accessed immediately without manual processing.
Configuration Strategies
Recommended Approaches
1. Conservative Approach (Recommended for Beginners):
- Strategy: Select only 3-5 of your most reliable products
- Benefits: Low risk, easy to monitor and troubleshoot
- Best for: Testing the plugin or stores with complex fulfillment
2. Category-Based Approach:
- Strategy: Select all products from specific categories (e.g., all digital products)
- Benefits: Organized, easy to manage as you add new products
- Best for: Stores with clear product categories and consistent fulfillment processes
3. Exclusion Approach:
- Strategy: Leave this field empty and use other conditions to filter
- Benefits: Automatically includes new products that meet conditions
- Best for: Stores where most products can be auto-completed
4. Hybrid Approach (Advanced):
- Strategy: Combine specific product selection with condition filters
- Benefits: Maximum control and flexibility
- Best for: Complex stores with varied fulfillment requirements
Working with Product Variations
Product Type | How Selection Works | Example |
---|---|---|
Simple Products | Select the product directly | "Premium Course" appears in search |
Variable Products | Can select parent product or specific variations | "T-Shirt" (parent) or "T-Shirt - Large - Blue" (variation) |
Grouped Products | Select individual products within the group | Select "Course Module 1" from "Complete Course Bundle" |
Best Practices
Product Selection Tips
- Start Small: Begin with a few products and expand gradually
- Document Selections: Keep a list of selected products for reference
- Regular Reviews: Periodically review and update your product selections
- Test New Products: Always test new products before adding them to auto-completion
- Monitor Performance: Track which products work well with auto-completion
- Consider Seasonality: Some products may need temporary removal during busy periods
Troubleshooting Product Selection
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Product not appearing in search | Product is draft or private | Ensure product is published and visible |
Search not working | JavaScript conflicts | Check browser console, disable conflicting plugins |
Selected products not saving | Form validation issues | Check that products still exist and are published |
Orders with selected products not auto-completing | Other conditions not met | Verify product type conditions and payment method settings |
Too many search results | Large product catalog | Use more specific search terms |
Performance Considerations
- Large Selections: Selecting hundreds of products may slow down order processing
- Database Impact: Each selected product adds to database queries
- Recommendation: Use condition filters for broad selections, specific products for exceptions
Advanced Settings
Configure advanced features including email notifications, custom messages, user role restrictions, and admin table display options. These settings provide fine-tuned control over the plugin's behavior.

Email Notification Settings
Email Details:
- Recipient: Site admin email (from WordPress General Settings)
- Timing: Sent instant with default woocommerce order mail to admin after order completion
- Format: Professional HTML email with order details
- Subject: "[Site Name] Order #123 Auto-Completed"
Email Content Includes:
- Order number and customer information
- Payment method and order total
- List of products purchased
- Direct link to edit the order in admin
- Professional branding and styling
- Monitor auto-completion activity
- Quick notification for high-value orders
- Audit trail for automated actions
- Integration with email management systems
Technical Details:
- Delivery Method: WordPress wp_mail() function
- Retry Logic: Automatic retry after 30 seconds if delivery fails
- Duplicate Prevention: Each order only triggers one admin email
- HPOS Compatible: Works with WooCommerce High-Performance Order Storage
Email Details:
- Recipient: Customer's billing email address
- Timing: Sent instant with default woocommerce order mail to customer after order completion
- Format: Professional HTML email with personalized content
- Subject: "[Site Name] Order #123 Auto-Completed"
Email Content Includes:
- Personalized greeting with customer's first name
- Order number and completion confirmation
- Thank you message
- Order number and customer information
- Payment method and order total
- List of products purchased
- Direct link to view the order in /my-account
Best Practices:
- Digital Products: Great for immediate access notifications
- Services: Useful for confirming service activation
- Physical Products: Consider if additional email adds value
- Testing: Always test with your own email first
Display and Interface Settings
Admin Table Features:
- Location: WooCommerce → Auto-Completed Orders
- Columns: Order ID, Customer, Products,Product Types Payment Method, Total, Status, Date
- Search: Search across all columns
- Sorting: Sort by any column
- Pagination: Handle large numbers of orders efficiently
- Bulk Actions: Delete multiple records
Table Information Includes:
- Complete order details and customer information
- Product names and types
- Payment method used
- Auto-completion status and custom messages
- User role information
- Timestamp of auto-completion
- Monitor plugin performance and activity
- Audit trail for automated actions
- Quick access to auto-completed order details
Performance Impact:
The admin table stores data in a separate database table, so it doesn't impact your main WooCommerce orders table. However, it does add a small amount of processing time to each auto-completed order.
Message Display:
- Location: WooCommerce thank you page
- Styling: Success notice styling (green background)
- Visibility: Only shown for auto-completed orders
- Timing: Appears immediately when customer reaches thank you page
Message Content:
Uses the custom message defined in the "Thank You Page Message" field below, or a default message if none is specified.
Use Cases:
- Digital Products: Confirm immediate access
- Services: Explain next steps
- Memberships: Provide login information
- Courses: Direct to course platform
Custom Message Settings
Available Placeholders:
- {site_name} - Your website name
- {customer_name} - Customer's full name
- {order_number} - Order number
- {order_total} - Formatted order total
- {order_status} - Current order status
- {payment_method} - Payment method used
Default Message:
Example Custom Messages:
- Keep messages concise and action-oriented
- Include next steps for customers
- Use emojis sparingly for visual appeal
- Test messages with different order types
Message Styling:
The message appears in a green success notice box with proper spacing and typography. HTML formatting is supported for links and basic styling.
User Role Management
Available User Roles:
The dropdown includes all WordPress user roles defined in your system:
- Administrator: Site administrators
- Editor: Content editors
- Author: Content authors
- Contributor: Content contributors
- Subscriber: Basic registered users
- Customer: WooCommerce customers (if using WooCommerce)
- Guest: Non-logged-in users (special handling)
- Custom Roles: Any custom roles added by plugins
Default Behavior:
If no roles are selected, ALL user roles (including guests) can trigger auto-completion.
Common Use Cases:
- Members Only: Select "Subscriber" and "Customer" to exclude guests
- Premium Users: Create custom roles for premium customers
- Staff Orders: Include "Administrator" and "Editor" for internal orders
- All Customers: Leave empty to allow all user types
Technical Implementation:
- For logged-in users: Checks user's assigned roles
- For guest users: Uses special "guest" identifier
- Multiple roles: User qualifies if they have ANY selected role
- Role changes: Takes effect immediately for new orders
Configuration Examples
Common Advanced Configurations
Digital Product Store:
- ✅ Send admin email
- ✅ Send customer email
- ✅ Show admin table
- ✅ Show thank you message
- User roles: All (leave empty)
- Message: "🎉 Your digital products are ready for download!"
Service-Based Business:
- ✅ Send admin email
- ✅ Send customer email
- ✅ Show admin table
- ✅ Show thank you message
- User roles: Customer, Subscriber
- Message: "✅ Your service has been activated. Check your email for details."
High-Volume Store:
- ✅ Send admin email
- ✅ Send customer email
- ✅ Show admin table (for monitoring)
- ✅ Show thank you message
- User roles: All
Premium/VIP Store:
- ✅ Send admin email
- ✅ Send customer email
- ✅ Show admin table
- ✅ Show thank you message
- User roles: Premium_Customer (custom role)
- Message: "🌟 Thank you for your premium purchase, {customer_name}!"
Performance and Security Considerations
- Email Volume: High-volume stores should carefully consider admin email notifications
- Database Growth: Admin table will grow over time - consider periodic cleanup
- User Role Security: Ensure custom roles have appropriate permissions
- Message Content: Avoid including sensitive information in thank you messages
Import/Export Settings
Backup, restore, and transfer your plugin configuration with comprehensive JSON import/export functionality. Migrate settings between sites, create configuration templates, or maintain version control of your setup.

Export Settings
Export Process:
- Click the "Export Settings" button
- A JSON file will be automatically downloaded to your computer
- File name format:
smart-autocomplete-settings-sitename-YYYY-MM-DD.json
- Store the file in a secure location for future use
What Gets Exported:
- General Settings: Master enable/disable toggle
- Condition Settings: All product type conditions and rules
- Payment Settings: Selected payment methods and restrictions
- Product Settings: Specific product selections and IDs
- Advanced Settings: Email notifications, messages, user roles
- Metadata: Export timestamp, plugin version, site URL
File Structure Example:
Validation Features:
- Checksum Verification: MD5 hash to verify file integrity
- Version Compatibility: Plugin version requirements
- Dependency Check: Required WordPress/WooCommerce versions
- Product Validation: Verification that selected products exist
Enhanced Export Data:
- Configuration validation rules
- Compatibility matrix
- Import safety checks
- Rollback information
Import Settings
Import Process:
- Click "Choose File" button
- Select your JSON configuration file
- File is automatically validated for compatibility
- Preview shows what will be changed
- Click "Import Settings" to confirm
- Settings are applied and page refreshes
Import Validation:
- File Format: Validates JSON structure and required fields
- Version Check: Ensures compatibility with current plugin version
- Product Verification: Checks if selected products exist on current site
- Payment Gateway Check: Verifies payment methods are available
- User Role Validation: Confirms user roles exist on current site
Selective Import Sections:
- General Settings: Import only the master enable/disable setting
- Conditions Only: Import product type conditions without other changes
- Payment Methods: Import payment method restrictions only
- Product Selection: Import specific product selections
- Advanced Features: Import email and display settings
- Custom Messages: Import only thank you page messages
Merge Strategies:
- Replace: Completely replace selected sections
- Merge: Combine with existing settings where possible
- Append: Add to existing selections (for products, payment methods)
Common Use Cases
Import/Export Scenarios
1. Site Migration:
- Scenario: Moving from staging to production
- Process: Export from staging, import to production
- Benefits: Identical configuration across environments
- Considerations: Verify product IDs match between sites
2. Multi-Site Management:
- Scenario: Managing multiple WooCommerce stores
- Process: Create master configuration, distribute to all sites
- Benefits: Consistent settings across all stores
- Considerations: Adapt payment methods and products per site
3. Configuration Backup:
- Scenario: Before making major changes
- Process: Export current settings as backup
- Benefits: Quick rollback if changes cause issues
- Considerations: Regular backup schedule recommended
5. Client Delivery:
- Scenario: Delivering configured plugin to clients
- Process: Export optimized configuration
- Benefits: Consistent client experience
- Considerations: Document any site-specific requirements
File Management and Organization
Recommended Naming Patterns:
- Date-based:
smart-autocomplete-2024-01-15.json
- Version-based:
smart-autocomplete-v1.2-config.json
- Environment-based:
smart-autocomplete-production.json
- Store-based:
smart-autocomplete-digital-store.json
- Feature-based:
smart-autocomplete-email-enabled.json
File Organization Structure:
Metadata Documentation:
Keep a simple log of your configuration files:
Security and Validation
Security Considerations
File Security:
- No Sensitive Data: Configuration files contain only settings, no passwords or API keys
- Access Control: Store files in secure locations with appropriate permissions
- Version Control: Use private repositories if storing in version control systems
- Transmission Security: Use secure channels when transferring files between sites
Validation Checks:
- File Integrity: JSON structure validation and checksum verification
- Version Compatibility: Plugin version requirements and compatibility matrix
- Data Validation: Product IDs, payment methods, and user roles verification
- Conflict Detection: Identification of potential configuration conflicts
Import Safety:
- Validation Warnings: Clear warnings about potential issues
Best Practices
Configuration Management Best Practices
Regular Backup Strategy:
- Before Changes: Always export before modifying settings
- Version Naming: Use consistent, descriptive file names
- Multiple Locations: Store backups in multiple secure locations
Testing and Validation:
- Staging First: Test imports on staging environment
- Validation Checks: Always review import preview before applying
- Functionality Testing: Test auto-completion after importing
Documentation:
- Change Log: Document what each configuration file contains
- Environment Notes: Record environment-specific requirements
Troubleshooting Import/Export
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Export file not downloading | Browser popup blocker, server permissions | Allow popups, check server write permissions |
Import file rejected | Invalid JSON format, corrupted file | Verify file integrity, re-export if needed |
Settings not importing correctly | Version incompatibility, missing dependencies | Check plugin version, verify required plugins active |
Products not found after import | Product IDs don't exist on target site | Create products first or use selective import |
Payment methods not working | Payment gateways not active on target site | Activate required payment gateways before import |
User roles not recognized | Custom roles don't exist on target site | Create custom roles or modify import file |
Large file upload fails | Server upload limits, timeout issues | Increase PHP upload limits or use selective import |
Configuration partially imported | Import process interrupted | Re-import complete file or restore from backup |
Technical Specifications
File Format and Compatibility
JSON Schema:
- Format: UTF-8 encoded JSON
- Structure: Hierarchical configuration object
- Validation: JSON Schema v7 compliance
- Size Limit: Maximum 10MB per file
Performance Considerations:
- Export Speed: ~1-2 seconds for typical configurations
- Import Speed: ~2-5 seconds including validation
- Memory Usage: Minimal impact on server resources
- File Size: Typical files 5-50KB depending on complexity
Email Notifications
Comprehensive guide to the email notification system, including setup, customization, troubleshooting, and best practices for admin and customer notifications.

Admin Email Notification Template Overview

Customer Email Notification Template Overview

How Email Notifications Work
Email Flow Process
- Order Completion: Plugin automatically completes an eligible order
- Email Scheduling: Emails are scheduled with strategic delays
- Admin Email: Sent 2 seconds after completion (if enabled)
- Customer Email: Sent 2 seconds after completion (if enabled)
- Delivery Tracking: Plugin tracks successful delivery
- Retry Logic: Failed emails are retried once after 30 seconds
Admin Email Notifications
Email Content and Design
Admin emails feature a professional design with comprehensive order information:
Order Details
Complete order information including number, customer, payment method, and total amount.
Product Information
Detailed list of all products in the order with quantities and product types.
Direct Admin Link
One-click link to edit the order in WordPress admin (HPOS compatible).
Professional Design
Modern HTML email template with your site branding and responsive design.
Admin Email Template Structure
Customer Email Notifications
Customer Email Features
- Personalized Greeting: Uses customer's first name
- Order Confirmation: Clear confirmation of auto-completion
- Professional Design: Matches your site's branding
- Order Access: Link to view order details (for registered customers)
- Mobile Responsive: Looks great on all devices
Customer Email Template Structure
Email Timing and Delivery
Email Type | Delay After Completion | Purpose of Delay | Retry Policy |
---|---|---|---|
Admin Email | 2 seconds | Allow WooCommerce emails to send first | 1 retry after 30 seconds |
Customer Email | 2 seconds | Ensure admin email sends first | 1 retry after 30 seconds |
Database Recording | 5 seconds | Wait for email confirmations | 3 retries, 30 seconds apart |
Email Customization Options
Built-in Customization
- Site Branding: Automatically uses your site name and colors
- From Address: Uses your WordPress admin email
- Responsive Design: Works on desktop and mobile devices
- Professional Styling: Modern gradient headers and clean typography
Advanced Customization (Developer)
Developers can customize email templates by modifying the plugin's email template functions:
Troubleshooting Email Issues
Issue | Possible Causes | Solutions |
---|---|---|
Emails not sending | WordPress mail configuration, hosting restrictions | Test WordPress mail function, check hosting email limits, install SMTP plugin |
Emails going to spam | Poor sender reputation, missing SPF/DKIM | Configure proper email authentication, use transactional email service |
Emails delayed significantly | WordPress cron issues, server performance | Check WordPress cron functionality, optimize server performance |
HTML not rendering properly | Email client compatibility | Test with multiple email clients, use email testing tools |
Missing order information | Order data corruption, plugin conflicts | Check order data integrity, test with minimal plugins |
Email Best Practices
Optimization Tips
For High-Volume Stores:
- Admin Emails: Consider disabling for very high-volume stores
- Batching: Monitor email sending rates to avoid hitting limits
- SMTP Service: Use dedicated email service for reliability
- Monitoring: Set up email delivery monitoring
For Customer Experience:
- Clear Subject Lines: Make purpose immediately obvious
- Mobile Optimization: Ensure emails look good on phones
- Action Items: Include clear next steps for customers
- Branding Consistency: Match your site's visual identity
For Deliverability:
- Authentication: Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records
- Reputation: Monitor sender reputation scores
- Content: Avoid spam trigger words and excessive links
- Testing: Regularly test email delivery to different providers
Email Monitoring and Analytics
Built-in Tracking
The plugin includes basic email tracking:
- Delivery Confirmation: Tracks successful wp_mail() calls
- Error Logging: Records failed email attempts
- Retry Tracking: Monitors retry attempts and outcomes
- Admin Table Integration: Shows email status in order records
Advanced Monitoring (Recommended)
For production stores, consider implementing:
- SMTP Plugins: WP Mail SMTP, Easy WP SMTP
- Email Services: SendGrid, Mailgun, Amazon SES
- Monitoring Tools: Email delivery monitoring services
- Analytics: Track open rates and click-through rates
Admin Order Table (Premium feature)
Monitor and manage all automatically completed orders with a comprehensive admin interface. Track performance, analyze patterns, and maintain detailed records of all plugin activity.


Table Features and Functionality
Available Columns:
- Order ID: WooCommerce order number with direct link to edit order
- Customer: Customer name and email address
- Products: List of products in the order with quantities
- Product Types: Types of products (Simple, Variable, Virtual, etc.)
- Payment Method: Payment gateway used for the order
- Order Total: Formatted total amount with currency
- User Role: Customer's WordPress user role at time of purchase
- Status: Current order status and auto-completion status
- Date Completed: Timestamp when order was auto-completed
Interactive Elements:
- Clickable Order IDs: Direct links to WooCommerce order edit page
- Product Links: Direct links to product edit pages
- Sortable Columns: Click column headers to sort data
- Responsive Design: Optimized for desktop and mobile viewing
Search Capabilities:
- Global Search: Search across all columns simultaneously
- Order ID Search: Find specific orders by number
- Customer Search: Search by customer name or email
- Product Search: Find orders containing specific products
- Payment Method Filter: Filter by payment gateway
- Date Range Filter: Search within specific time periods
- User Role Filter: Filter by customer user roles
Advanced Filtering Options:
- Product Type Filters: Show only orders with specific product types
- Order Total Ranges: Filter by order value ranges
- Status Filters: Filter by completion status
- Custom Message Filter: Find orders with specific thank you messages
Search Examples:
Available Bulk Actions:
- Delete Records: Remove multiple table entries (does not affect WooCommerce orders)
- Export Records: Export all records to CSV format
- Update Status: Batch update completion status
Data Management Tools:
- Pagination Controls: Navigate through large datasets efficiently
- Items Per Page: Customize how many records to display
Maintenance Features:
- Archive Old Records: Move old entries to archive for performance
- Database Cleanup: Remove orphaned or invalid entries
- Data Validation: Check for data integrity issues
- Performance Optimization: Optimize table indexes for faster queries
Export Functionality:
- CSV Export: Standard comma-separated values format
- Excel Export: Native .xlsx format with formatting
- JSON Export: Structured data format for developers
- PDF Reports: Formatted reports for presentations
Export Options:
- All Records: Export complete database
- Filtered Results: Export only search/filter results
- Selected Records: Export only checked items
- Date Range Export: Export specific time periods
- Custom Column Selection: Choose which fields to include
Import Functionality:
- CSV Import: Import from spreadsheet applications
- JSON Import: Import structured data from other systems
- Backup Restore: Restore from previous exports
- Migration Import: Import data from other plugins
Import Features:
- Data Validation: Verify data integrity before import
- Duplicate Detection: Prevent duplicate entries
- Field Mapping: Map import columns to database fields
- Preview Mode: Preview import before execution
- Error Reporting: Detailed logs of import issues
- Regular data backups for disaster recovery
- Migrating between WordPress installations
- Creating reports for business analysis
- Integrating with external analytics tools
- Archiving historical data
Advanced Export Features:
- Scheduled Exports: Automatic daily/weekly/monthly exports
- Email Delivery: Send exports to specified email addresses
- Cloud Storage: Direct upload to Google Drive, Dropbox
- FTP Upload: Automatic upload to FTP servers
- Compression: ZIP compression for large datasets
Security and Privacy:
- Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive customer data in exports
- Access Control: Restrict export/import to authorized users
- Audit Logging: Track all import/export activities
- GDPR Compliance: Options to exclude personal data
Performance Analytics and Insights
Order Statistics
View total auto-completed orders, success rates, and completion trends over time.
Revenue Tracking
Monitor total revenue from auto-completed orders and average order values.
Product Performance
Identify which products are most frequently auto-completed and their success rates.
Payment Analysis
Analyze which payment methods work best with auto-completion features.
Dashboard Widgets and Quick Stats
Quick Statistics Panel
- Today's Auto-Completions: Number of orders completed today
- This Week's Total: Weekly auto-completion count
- Monthly Revenue: Total revenue from auto-completed orders this month
- Success Rate: Percentage of eligible orders successfully auto-completed
- Top Product: Most frequently auto-completed product
- Popular Payment Method: Most used payment gateway
- Average Order Value: Mean value of auto-completed orders
- Customer Satisfaction: Based on completion speed and feedback
Reporting and Analytics
Available Reports:
- Daily Activity Report: Day-by-day breakdown of auto-completions
- Product Performance Report: Which products auto-complete most successfully
- Payment Method Analysis: Success rates by payment gateway
- Customer Behavior Report: User role and purchasing pattern analysis
- Revenue Impact Report: Financial impact of auto-completion
- Error and Failure Report: Orders that failed to auto-complete
- Seasonal Trends Report: Monthly and seasonal patterns
Report Features:
- Interactive Charts: Visual graphs and charts for easy analysis
- Date Range Selection: Custom time periods for analysis
- Export Options: Save reports as PDF, CSV, or images
- Scheduled Reports: Automatic report generation and delivery
- Comparison Tools: Compare different time periods
Integration and API Access
External Integrations
- Google Analytics: Track auto-completion events in GA
- Google Sheets: Sync data with Google Sheets for analysis
- Zapier Integration: Connect with 3000+ apps via Zapier
- Webhook Support: Send data to external systems in real-time
- REST API: Programmatic access to order data
- Email Marketing: Sync with Mailchimp, ConvertKit, etc.
- CRM Integration: Connect with Salesforce, HubSpot
- Accounting Software: Sync with QuickBooks, Xero
Customization and Display Options
Display Customization:
- Column Management: Show/hide specific columns
- Column Ordering: Drag and drop to reorder columns
- Column Width: Resize columns to fit your screen
- Row Height: Compact or expanded row display
- Color Coding: Custom colors for different order types
- Font Size: Adjust text size for better readability
Functional Customization:
- Default Sort Order: Set preferred column sorting
- Items Per Page: Customize pagination size
- Auto-Refresh: Set automatic table refresh intervals
- Quick Filters: Create custom filter buttons
- Saved Views: Save and recall custom table configurations
Troubleshooting Admin Table Issues
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Table not appearing in menu | Feature disabled in Advanced Settings | Enable "Show custom admin table" in Advanced Settings |
No data showing in table | No orders have been auto-completed yet | Create test orders or check plugin conditions |
Table loading slowly | Large number of records | Increase pagination size or archive old records |
Search not working | JavaScript conflicts | Check browser console, disable conflicting plugins |
Export failing | Server memory limits | Reduce export size or increase PHP memory limit |
Import errors | Invalid file format | Verify file format and column mapping |
Missing order data | Database synchronization issues | Run data validation and repair tools |
Permission errors | Insufficient user capabilities | Ensure user has manage_woocommerce capability |
Best Practices for Admin Table Management
Optimization Tips
- Regular Maintenance: Archive old records monthly to maintain performance
- Backup Data: Export data regularly for backup purposes
- Monitor Trends: Use reports to identify patterns and optimize settings
- Clean Invalid Data: Run validation tools to remove corrupted entries
- Optimize Queries: Use filters instead of searching large datasets
- User Training: Train team members on effective table usage
- Security: Restrict access to sensitive order data
- Performance Monitoring: Watch for slow queries and optimize as needed
Advanced Features and Future Enhancements
AI-Powered Insights
Machine learning algorithms to predict optimal auto-completion settings and identify anomalies.
Mobile App
Dedicated mobile app for monitoring auto-completions and receiving push notifications.
Smart Alerts
Intelligent notification system for unusual patterns, errors, or performance issues.
Real-time Dashboard
Live dashboard with real-time updates, charts, and key performance indicators.
Thank You Messages
Customize the customer experience with personalized thank you messages that appear on the order received page when orders are automatically completed.

How Thank You Messages Work
Message Flow
- Order Completion: Plugin automatically completes an order
- Customer Redirect: Customer is redirected to the thank you page
- Message Check: Plugin checks if the order was auto-completed
- Message Display: Custom message appears if enabled
- Styling Applied: Message is styled as a success notice
Message Configuration
When Enabled:
- Messages appear only for orders that were auto-completed
- Messages use your custom text or the default message
- Styling matches WooCommerce success notices
- Messages are responsive and mobile-friendly
When Disabled:
- No custom messages appear
- Customers see only standard WooCommerce content
- Auto-completion happens silently from customer perspective
Default Message:
Available Placeholders:
- {site_name} - Your website name from WordPress settings
- {customer_name} - Customer's full name (first + last)
- {order_number} - The WooCommerce order number
- {order_total} - Formatted order total with currency
- {order_status} - Current order status
- {payment_method} - Payment method used for the order
Message Examples and Templates
Celebration Style
Professional Style
Action-Oriented
Premium Feel
Industry-Specific Message Examples
Tailored Messages by Business Type
Digital Product Store:
Online Course Platform:
Software/SaaS:
Membership Site:
Service Business:
Digital Agency:
Message Styling and Appearance
Visual Design
- Background Color: Light green (#d4edda) for success indication
- Border: Subtle green border (#c3e6cb)
- Text Color: Dark green (#155724) for readability
- Padding: 15px for comfortable spacing
- Border Radius: 4px for modern appearance
- Margin: 20px top/bottom for proper separation
Typography
- Font: Inherits from WooCommerce theme
- Line Height: Optimized for readability
- Responsive: Scales appropriately on mobile devices
- Accessibility: High contrast for screen readers
Advanced Customization
HTML Support
The message field supports basic HTML formatting:
CSS Customization
Developers can customize the message appearance using CSS:
WordPress Hooks
Developers can modify messages programmatically:
Best Practices for Thank You Messages
Message Optimization Tips
Content Guidelines:
- Keep it Concise: 1-2 sentences maximum
- Be Specific: Mention what happens next
- Add Value: Include helpful information or links
- Match Your Brand: Use your brand's tone and voice
- Include Action Items: Tell customers what to do next
Technical Considerations:
- Mobile Friendly: Test on mobile devices
- Load Time: Keep messages lightweight
- Accessibility: Use clear, simple language
- Internationalization: Consider multi-language sites
Testing Recommendations:
- A/B Testing: Try different messages to see what works
- Customer Feedback: Ask customers about their experience
- Analytics: Monitor bounce rates on thank you pages
- Regular Updates: Refresh messages periodically
Troubleshooting Message Issues
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Message not appearing | Feature disabled or order not auto-completed | Check Advanced Settings and verify order was auto-completed |
Placeholders not replacing | Incorrect placeholder syntax | Ensure placeholders use exact syntax: {placeholder_name} |
Message appearing for all orders | Theme or plugin conflict | Check for conflicts, ensure message only shows for auto-completed orders |
Styling looks wrong | Theme CSS conflicts | Add custom CSS to override theme styles |
HTML not rendering | Content filtering or security plugins | Check security plugin settings, ensure HTML is allowed |
Integration with Other Features
Email Coordination
Thank you messages work alongside email notifications:
- Immediate Feedback: Message appears instantly on page load
- Email Backup: Emails provide permanent record
- Consistent Messaging: Coordinate message tone across channels
- Redundancy: Multiple touchpoints ensure customer awareness
Admin Table Integration
Messages are recorded in the admin table for tracking:
- Message Tracking: See which messages were displayed
- Performance Analysis: Analyze message effectiveness
- Troubleshooting: Verify messages are working correctly
User Role Management
Control which user roles can place orders that trigger automatic completion. This feature provides granular access control based on customer type, membership level, or user permissions.

How User Role Filtering Works
Role-Based Processing
- Order Placement: Customer places an order
- User Identification: Plugin identifies the customer's user role
- Role Verification: Checks if the role is allowed for auto-completion
- Condition Check: If role is allowed, other conditions are evaluated
- Auto-Completion: Order is completed if all conditions are met
- Role Logging: User role is recorded in the admin table
Understanding WordPress User Roles
Role | Description | Typical Use Case | Auto-Complete Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|
Administrator | Full site access and permissions | Site owners, developers | ✅ Usually safe to include |
Editor | Can publish and manage posts/pages | Content managers, staff | ✅ Generally trustworthy |
Author | Can publish and edit own posts | Content creators, bloggers | ⚠️ Depends on your business |
Contributor | Can write posts but not publish | Guest writers, reviewers | ⚠️ Use with caution |
Subscriber | Can only read content and manage profile | Newsletter subscribers, basic members | ✅ Good for member-only auto-completion |
Customer | WooCommerce customer role | Registered customers | ✅ Primary target for most stores |
Guest | Non-registered users (special handling) | One-time buyers, anonymous customers | ⚠️ Depends on your trust level |
Configuration Options
Selection Behavior:
- No Selection (Empty): ALL user roles can trigger auto-completion
- Specific Roles: Only selected roles can trigger auto-completion
- Multiple Roles: Users with ANY of the selected roles qualify
- Guest Handling: Select "Guest" to include non-registered customers
Role Detection Logic:
- Logged-in Users: Plugin checks the user's assigned WordPress roles
- Guest Users: Identified as "guest" regardless of whether they create an account during checkout
- Multiple Roles: If user has multiple roles, they qualify if ANY role is selected
- Role Changes: Changes take effect immediately for new orders
Common Configuration Scenarios
Open Access
Selection: Leave
empty
Result: All customers can trigger auto-completion
Best
for: General stores, public products
Registered Users Only
Selection: Customer,
Subscriber
Result: Only registered users get
auto-completion
Best for: Member benefits, account-required products
Premium Members
Selection: Premium_Member (custom
role)
Result: Only premium members get instant
completion
Best for: Tiered service levels
Staff Only
Selection: Administrator,
Editor
Result: Only staff orders are auto-completed
Best
for: Internal orders, testing
Working with Custom User Roles
Popular Membership Plugins
Many membership and user role plugins create custom roles that will appear in the dropdown:
Plugin | Common Custom Roles | Integration Notes |
---|---|---|
MemberPress | mp_member, mp_premium, mp_vip | Automatically detected and available |
Restrict Content Pro | rcp_member, rcp_premium | Works seamlessly with auto-completion |
WooCommerce Memberships | wc_member, wc_premium_member | Perfect for tiered auto-completion |
Ultimate Member | um_member, um_premium | Integrates with user profiles |
User Role Editor | Custom roles you create | Full flexibility for custom setups |
Creating Custom Roles for Auto-Completion
You can create specific roles just for auto-completion control:
Advanced Use Cases
Strategic Implementations
Membership Tiers:
- Basic Members: Manual order processing
- Premium Members: Auto-completion for digital products
- VIP Members: Auto-completion for all products
Business Models:
- B2B Store: Auto-complete only for verified business customers
- Educational Platform: Auto-complete for enrolled students only
- SaaS Platform: Auto-complete for active subscribers
- Digital Agency: Auto-complete for recurring clients
Risk Management:
- New Customers: Require manual review initially
- Trusted Customers: Automatic processing after relationship established
- High-Value Orders: Different rules based on customer tier
Guest User Handling
Understanding Guest Customers
Guest customers present unique considerations:
Guest User Scenarios:
- True Guests: Checkout without creating any account
- Account Creation During Checkout: Create account but weren't logged in when order was placed
- Existing Users Not Logged In: Have an account but weren't logged in during purchase
Security Considerations for Guests:
- Lower Trust Level: No established relationship
- Fraud Risk: Harder to verify identity
- Payment Verification: Rely more heavily on payment gateway confirmation
- Product Type Matters: Digital products generally safer than physical
Monitoring and Analytics
Admin Table Integration
The admin table shows user role information for each auto-completed order:
- Role Column: Displays the user role at time of order
- Guest Identification: Shows "Guest" for non-logged-in users
- Multiple Roles: Shows primary role if user has multiple
- Role Changes: Historical record even if user role changes later
Performance Analysis
Use role data to analyze auto-completion effectiveness:
- Role Distribution: Which roles use auto-completion most
- Success Rates: Compare completion success by role
- Order Values: Average order value by user role
- Refund Rates: Track refunds by user role to identify issues
Troubleshooting Role Issues
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Orders not auto-completing for selected roles | Role not properly assigned or detected | Verify user roles in WordPress admin, check role assignment |
Guest orders not working | "Guest" not selected in role settings | Add "Guest" to allowed roles or leave selection empty |
Custom roles not appearing | Role plugin not active or roles not properly registered | Ensure role plugin is active, check role registration |
Role showing incorrectly in admin table | User role changed after order placement | This is normal - table shows role at time of order |
Multiple roles causing confusion | User has multiple roles, unclear which applies | Plugin uses first qualifying role - this is expected behavior |
Best Practices for Role Management
Implementation Guidelines
Security Best Practices:
- Start Restrictive: Begin with trusted roles only
- Monitor Performance: Track success rates by role
- Regular Review: Periodically review role effectiveness
- Document Decisions: Keep records of why certain roles are included/excluded
User Experience Considerations:
- Clear Communication: Let users know about auto-completion benefits
- Consistent Experience: Ensure role-based features work reliably
- Upgrade Paths: Provide clear paths to roles with better benefits
- Support Documentation: Help users understand role-based features
Business Strategy:
- Incentivize Registration: Use auto-completion as a membership benefit
- Tier Benefits: Create clear value propositions for different roles
- Customer Retention: Use role-based benefits to encourage loyalty
- Revenue Optimization: Align auto-completion with business goals
Troubleshooting Guide
Comprehensive solutions for common issues, diagnostic steps, and advanced troubleshooting techniques to keep your Smart Autocomplete plugin running smoothly.
Common Issues and Solutions
Diagnostic Checklist:
- Plugin Enabled: Check General Settings → "Enable Smart Autocomplete" is ON
- Conditions Set: Verify at least one condition is enabled in Conditions tab
- Product Match: Ensure order contains products matching your conditions
- Payment Method: Check if payment method is allowed (or leave empty for all)
- User Role: Verify customer's role is allowed (or leave empty for all)
- Order Status: Confirm order reached "Processing" status first
Step-by-Step Diagnosis:
Common Causes:
- No Conditions Enabled: Plugin is on but no product types selected
- Product Mismatch: Order contains products that don't match conditions
- Payment Method Restriction: Payment method not in allowed list
- User Role Restriction: Customer role not allowed
- Order Status Issues: Order never reached "Processing" status
Possible Causes:
- User Permissions: Current user lacks capability to manage WooCommerce settings
- Nonce Verification: Security token expired or invalid
- Database Issues: Database connection problems or table corruption
- Plugin Conflicts: Another plugin interfering with settings
- Server Limits: PHP memory or execution time limits
Solutions:
- Check User Role: Ensure you're logged in as Administrator
- Refresh Page: Reload the settings page and try again
- Clear Cache: Clear any caching plugins or server cache
- Deactivate Plugins: Temporarily deactivate other plugins to test
- Check Error Logs: Look for PHP errors in your server logs
- Database Check: Verify database connectivity and table integrity
WordPress Email Testing:
Common Email Issues:
- Server Configuration: Hosting provider blocks outgoing emails
- Spam Filters: Emails going to spam/junk folders
- WordPress Mail: wp_mail() function not working properly
- SMTP Issues: Server SMTP configuration problems
- Plugin Conflicts: Other email plugins interfering
Solutions:
- Check Spam Folders: Look in spam/junk folders first
- Test WordPress Email: Use a plugin like "Check Email" to test wp_mail()
- Install SMTP Plugin: Use "WP Mail SMTP" or similar for reliable delivery
- Contact Hosting: Ask your host about email sending limitations
- Use Email Service: Consider SendGrid, Mailgun, or similar services
Checklist:
- Feature Enabled: Advanced Settings → "Show custom admin table" is checked
- Menu Location: Look under WooCommerce → Smart Autocomplete
- User Permissions: Current user can manage WooCommerce
- Data Exists: At least one order has been auto-completed
- Database Table: Plugin database table exists and has data
No Data Showing:
- No Auto-Completions Yet: Plugin hasn't completed any orders
- Database Issues: Table not created or data not being inserted
- Date Range: Data exists but outside current view
- Search Filters: Active search hiding results
Solutions:
- Verify Settings: Ensure admin table is enabled in Advanced Settings
- Test Auto-Completion: Create a test order to generate data
- Check Database: Verify wp_smart_autocomplete_orders table exists
- Clear Filters: Remove any search terms or filters
- Refresh Page: Hard refresh the admin page
Requirements Check:
- Feature Enabled: Advanced Settings → "Show message on thank you page" is checked
- Order Auto-Completed: The specific order was actually auto-completed
- Correct Page: Viewing the WooCommerce order received page
- Theme Compatibility: Theme properly implements WooCommerce hooks
Common Issues:
- Theme Problems: Custom theme doesn't support WooCommerce properly
- Plugin Conflicts: Another plugin modifying the thank you page
- Caching: Page caching preventing dynamic content
- JavaScript Errors: JS errors preventing message display
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Switch Theme: Temporarily switch to a default WooCommerce theme
- Disable Plugins: Deactivate other plugins to test
- Clear Cache: Clear all caching (plugin, server, CDN)
- Check Console: Look for JavaScript errors in browser console
- Test Different Order: Try with a fresh test order
Advanced Troubleshooting
Debug Mode and Logging
Enable WordPress debug mode to get detailed error information:
Database Diagnostics
Check if the plugin's database table exists and has data:
Plugin Conflict Testing
Systematic approach to identify plugin conflicts:
- Backup Site: Always backup before testing
- Deactivate All: Deactivate all plugins except WooCommerce and Smart Autocomplete
- Test Functionality: Check if auto-completion works
- Reactivate Gradually: Activate plugins one by one
- Test After Each: Test functionality after each activation
- Identify Conflict: Note which plugin causes the issue
Performance Issues
Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Slow order processing | Large product catalog, complex conditions | Optimize conditions, use specific product selection |
Admin table loads slowly | Large number of records | Archive old records, increase pagination |
Email delays | Server email limits, queue backlog | Use SMTP service, optimize email frequency |
Settings page slow | Large product list for selection | Use search instead of loading all products |
Error Messages and Meanings
Common Error Messages
"Plugin requires WooCommerce to be active"
- Cause: WooCommerce plugin is not installed or activated
- Solution: Install and activate WooCommerce before using this plugin
"Unable to save settings"
- Cause: Database connection issues or permission problems
- Solution: Check database connectivity and user permissions
"Email delivery failed"
- Cause: WordPress mail function not working
- Solution: Configure SMTP or contact hosting provider
"Order not found"
- Cause: Order was deleted or ID is invalid
- Solution: Check order exists in WooCommerce orders
Getting Help
Information to Gather Before Seeking Support
- WordPress Version: Current WordPress version
- WooCommerce Version: Current WooCommerce version
- Plugin Version: Smart Autocomplete plugin version
- PHP Version: Server PHP version
- Active Plugins: List of all active plugins
- Theme: Current theme name and version
- Error Messages: Exact error messages or symptoms
- Steps to Reproduce: Detailed steps that cause the issue
Diagnostic Information
Gather this technical information for support requests:
Prevention and Maintenance
Preventive Measures
Regular Maintenance:
- Monitor Admin Table: Check for unusual patterns or errors
- Test Functionality: Periodically test with sample orders
- Review Settings: Verify settings after WordPress/WooCommerce updates
- Check Email Delivery: Monitor email notifications regularly
- Database Cleanup: Archive old records if table grows large
Update Best Practices:
- Backup First: Always backup before updating
- Test Environment: Test updates on staging site first
- Check Compatibility: Verify compatibility with WordPress/WooCommerce versions
- Monitor After Updates: Watch for issues after updating
Performance Optimization:
- Optimize Conditions: Use specific conditions rather than broad ones
- Limit Email Volume: Consider email frequency for high-volume stores
- Database Maintenance: Keep admin table size manageable
- Caching Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with caching plugins
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about Smart Autocomplete WooCommerce Orders. Find solutions to typical concerns and learn best practices.
Safety Features:
- Condition Validation: Orders must meet ALL configured conditions
- Payment Verification: Only processes orders with confirmed payments
- Status Checks: Only acts on orders in "Processing" status
- Audit Trail: Complete logging of all actions in admin table
- Reversible Actions: Order status can be manually changed if needed
Recommended Safety Practices:
- Start Conservative: Begin with restrictive conditions
- Test Thoroughly: Use test orders before going live
- Monitor Regularly: Check the admin table for unexpected behavior
- Backup Settings: Document your configuration
Supported Payment Gateways:
- PayPal: Standard, Express, Pro
- Stripe: Credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Square: All Square payment methods
- Authorize.Net: Credit card processing
- Custom Gateways: Any WooCommerce-compatible gateway
Not Supported Payment Gateways Due to Security Reasons:
- Bank Transfer: BACS, wire transfers
- Check Payments: Offline payments
- Cash on Delivery: COD payments
How It Works:
- Customer completes payment through your gateway
- Payment gateway notifies WooCommerce
- WooCommerce changes order status to "Processing"
- Plugin detects status change and evaluates conditions
- If conditions are met, order is completed
Exclusion Methods:
- Specific Product Selection: Only select products you want to auto-complete
- Product Type Filtering: Enable only certain product types
- Payment Method Restrictions: Limit to specific payment methods
- User Role Restrictions: Limit to specific customer types
Best Exclusion Strategy:
- Use Product Selection: Select only products you want to auto-complete
- Leave Others Out: Products not selected won't trigger auto-completion
- Combine with Conditions: Use product types + specific products for fine control
Example Scenarios:
- Mixed Store: Select only digital products, exclude physical items
- High-Value Items: Exclude expensive products that need manual review
- Complex Products: Exclude products requiring custom configuration
- Seasonal Items: Temporarily exclude products during busy periods
Refund Process:
- Customer Requests Refund: Through normal channels
- Admin Reviews: You review the refund request as usual
- Process Refund: Use WooCommerce's standard refund process
- Status Changes: Order status changes to "Refunded"
- Plugin Records: Admin table maintains historical record
Important Notes:
- No Interference: Plugin doesn't block or modify refunds
- Historical Record: Admin table keeps record of original auto-completion
- Standard Process: Follow your normal refund policies
- Payment Gateway: Refunds processed through original payment method
Refund Best Practices:
- Clear Policies: Have clear refund policies for auto-completed orders
- Quick Response: Respond to refund requests promptly
- Track Patterns: Monitor refund rates by product type
- Adjust Settings: Modify auto-completion rules if refund rates are high
Subscription Compatibility:
- WooCommerce Subscriptions: Full compatibility
- YITH Subscriptions: Works with subscription orders
- Subscriptio: Compatible with subscription products
- Custom Subscription Plugins: Works if they use standard WooCommerce order flow
How It Works with Subscriptions:
- Initial Order: Customer purchases subscription
- Payment Processed: Initial payment confirmed
- Auto-Completion: Initial order auto-completed if conditions met
- Renewal Orders: Future renewals also auto-completed if conditions met
- Subscription Status: Subscription remains active as normal
Subscription-Specific Considerations:
- Renewal Handling: Each renewal creates a new order that can be auto-completed
- Failed Payments: Failed renewals won't be auto-completed
- Subscription Status: Plugin doesn't affect subscription status, only order status
- Product Types: Virtual subscription products work best
Current Approach (Global Rules):
- Single Configuration: One set of rules applies to all products
- Product Selection: Choose specific products to include
- Condition Filtering: Use product types to control behavior
- Payment/Role Restrictions: Apply additional filters
Achieving Product-Specific Behavior:
- Product Type Strategy: Use different product types for different rules
- Specific Selection: Manually select products with similar requirements
- User Role Segmentation: Different rules for different customer types
- Payment Method Filtering: Restrict certain products to specific payment methods
Example Strategies:
- Digital vs Physical: Enable only virtual products for auto-completion
- Price Tiers: Use user roles to control high-value product completion
- Product Categories: Select products from specific categories only
- Customer Types: Different behavior for members vs guests
Email Flow:
- Order Processing: WooCommerce sends "Order Processing" email
- Auto-Completion: Plugin completes the order
- WooCommerce Email: WooCommerce sends "Order Completed" email
- Plugin Admin Email: Plugin sends admin notification (if enabled)
- Plugin Customer Email: Plugin sends customer notification (if enabled)
Email Coordination:
- No Conflicts: Plugin emails don't interfere with WooCommerce emails
- Timing: Plugin emails are delayed to avoid conflicts
- Complementary: Plugin emails provide additional information
- Optional: You can disable plugin emails and use only WooCommerce emails
Email Customization Options:
- WooCommerce Emails: Customize through WooCommerce → Settings → Emails
- Plugin Admin Emails: Enable/disable in Advanced Settings
- Plugin Customer Emails: Enable/disable in Advanced Settings
- Thank You Messages: Custom messages on order received page
Performance Characteristics:
- Event-Driven: Only runs when order status changes
- Efficient Queries: Optimized database operations
- Minimal Frontend Impact: Most processing happens in admin/background
- Lightweight Code: Clean, optimized PHP code
Performance Factors:
- Order Volume: Higher order volume = more processing
- Condition Complexity: More conditions = slightly more processing
- Product Catalog Size: Large catalogs may slow product selection
- Email Volume: Many emails can impact server resources
Optimization Tips:
- Specific Conditions: Use specific product selection rather than broad conditions
- Email Management: Consider disabling admin emails for high-volume stores
- Database Maintenance: Periodically clean up admin table records
- Server Resources: Ensure adequate server resources for your order volume
Multisite Behavior:
- Site-Specific: Each site has its own plugin settings
- Independent Data: Admin tables are separate for each site
- Individual Activation: Must be activated on each site separately
- Separate Configuration: Configure conditions independently for each site
Installation on Multisite:
- Network Install: Install plugin at network level (optional)
- Site Activation: Activate on each site where you want to use it
- Individual Setup: Configure settings for each site
- Test Each Site: Test functionality on each site independently
Multisite Considerations:
- WooCommerce Required: Each site needs WooCommerce installed and active
- Database Tables: Each site gets its own admin table
- Email Settings: Configure email settings for each site
- User Roles: User roles may vary between sites
Data Stored:
- Plugin Settings: Your configuration options
- Order Records: Information about auto-completed orders
- Email Logs: Basic email delivery status
- No Personal Data: No additional customer data beyond what WooCommerce already stores
Admin Table Data:
- Order ID: WooCommerce order number
- Customer Name: From order billing information
- Product Names: Products in the order
- Product Types: Products in the order
- Order Total: Order amount
- Payment Method: Payment gateway used
- User Role: Customer's role at time of order
- Auto completed: Auto completed status of order
- Timestamps: When auto-completion occurred
Privacy Compliance:
- GDPR Compatible: Follows WordPress GDPR guidelines
- Data Minimization: Only stores necessary data
- User Control: Admin can delete records
- No External Transmission: Data stays in your database
Data Retention:
- Manual Control: You control how long data is kept
- Bulk Deletion: Admin table supports bulk record deletion
- Uninstall Cleanup: Data removed when plugin is uninstalled
Quick Reference
Getting Started
- Enable plugin in General Settings
- Configure at least one condition
- Test with a sample order
- Monitor admin table for results
Common Issues
- Orders not auto-completing: Check conditions
- Settings not saving: Check user permissions
- Emails not sending: Test wp_mail function
- Admin table empty: Verify feature is enabled
Best Practices
- Start with digital products only
- Use specific product selection
- Monitor refund rates
- Test after WordPress updates
Safety Tips
- Always backup before changes
- Test on staging site first
- Use conservative settings initially
- Monitor admin table regularly
Changelog
Track all updates, improvements, and bug fixes in Smart Autocomplete WooCommerce Orders. Stay informed about new features and enhancements.
Version 1.0.0 - Initial Release
Release Date: [Current Date]
🚀 New Features
- Automatic Order Completion: Intelligently complete WooCommerce orders based on configurable conditions
- Product Type Filtering: Support for Simple, Variable, Grouped, Virtual, and Downloadable products
- Payment Method Control: Restrict auto-completion to specific payment gateways
- User Role Management: Control which user roles can trigger auto-completion
- Specific Product Selection: Choose exact products that should trigger auto-completion
- Email Notifications: Send custom emails to admins and customers
- Admin Order Table: Comprehensive tracking and reporting of auto-completed orders
- Thank You Messages: Custom messages on WooCommerce order received pages
- Import export admin settings:Import export Full plugin settings configuration files
- Search and Filtering: Advanced search across all admin table columns
🛡️ Security Features
- Input Sanitization: All user inputs properly sanitized
- Output Escaping: All outputs properly escaped
- Nonce Verification: CSRF protection on all forms
- Capability Checks: Proper user permission verification
- SQL Injection Protection: Prepared statements for all database queries
🎨 User Interface
- Modern Admin Interface: Clean, intuitive settings pages
- Tabbed Navigation: Organized settings across multiple tabs
- AJAX Product Search: Real-time product selection with search
- Responsive Design: Works on desktop and mobile devices
- Professional Styling: Consistent with WordPress admin design
⚙️ Technical Features
- WordPress Standards: Follows WordPress coding standards and best practices
- WooCommerce Integration: Deep integration with WooCommerce hooks and filters
- Database Optimization: Efficient database queries and indexing
- HPOS Compatibility: Full support for WooCommerce High-Performance Order Storage
- Multisite Support: Compatible with WordPress multisite installations
- Translation Ready: Full internationalization support
📧 Email System
- HTML Email Templates: Professional, responsive email designs
- Dynamic Placeholders: Personalized email content with order data
- Delivery Tracking: Monitor email delivery success/failure
- Retry Logic: Automatic retry for failed email deliveries
- SMTP Compatibility: Works with all WordPress email configurations
📊 Reporting and Analytics
- Comprehensive Logging: Detailed records of all auto-completion activity
- Advanced Search: Search across all order data fields
- Bulk Actions: Manage multiple records efficiently
- Performance Metrics: Track auto-completion success rates
🔧 Configuration Options
- Flexible Conditions: Multiple ways to control auto-completion
- Granular Control: Fine-tune behavior for specific scenarios
- Easy Setup: Intuitive configuration process
Compatibility Information
Component | Minimum Version | Tested Up To | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
WordPress | 5.6 | 6.4 | Full compatibility with latest WordPress features |
WooCommerce | 5.0 | 8.5 | Includes HPOS (High-Performance Order Storage) support |
PHP | 7.2 | 8.2 | Optimized for PHP 8.x performance |
MySQL | 5.6 | 8.0 | Supports both MySQL and MariaDB |
Known Issues
- Global Rules Only: Currently uses global rules for all products (product-specific rules planned for future version)
- Email Dependency: Email notifications depend on WordPress mail configuration
- Large Catalogs: Product selection may be slow with very large product catalogs (1000+ products)
Planned Features
Version 1.1.0 (Planned)
- Product-specific rules and conditions
- Advanced scheduling options
- Integration with popular membership plugins
- Enhanced reporting dashboard
Version 1.2.0 (Planned)
- REST API endpoints
- Webhook integrations
- Advanced email templates
- Conditional logic builder
Version 1.3.0 (Planned)
- Multi-store management
- Advanced analytics
- Custom order statuses
- Third-party integrations
Update Process
How Updates Work
Automatic Updates:
- WordPress Admin: Updates appear in WordPress admin dashboard
- One-Click Update: Update directly from plugins page
- Backup Recommended: Always backup before updating
- Settings Preserved: Your configuration is maintained across updates
Update Best Practices:
- Backup Site: Create full site backup before updating
- Test Environment: Test updates on staging site first
- Check Compatibility: Verify WordPress/WooCommerce compatibility
- Review Changelog: Read changelog for breaking changes
- Monitor After Update: Check functionality after updating
Rollback Process:
If you need to rollback to a previous version:
- Deactivate the current plugin version
- Delete the plugin files
- Upload the previous version
- Reactivate the plugin
- Restore settings from backup if needed
Support and Feedback
How to Report Issues
- Bug Reports: Include WordPress/WooCommerce versions, error messages, and steps to reproduce
- Feature Requests: Describe the feature and how it would benefit your workflow
- Compatibility Issues: Report conflicts with other plugins or themes
- Performance Concerns: Share details about your site's performance impact
Development Roadmap
Our development priorities are based on:
- User Feedback: Most requested features get priority
- WordPress Evolution: Keeping up with WordPress and WooCommerce changes
- Security Updates: Security improvements are always prioritized
- Performance Optimization: Continuous performance improvements
Version History Summary
- v1.0.0: Initial release with core functionality
- Future versions: Enhanced features based on user feedback