Conditionally Activating Accounts for Paid Orders in WooCommerce

This article explores the “Block non-paying users” functionality within the WooCommerce Email Verification plugin, enabling you to control account activation based on customer purchase history.

Understanding the Functionality #

This feature allows you to restrict account activation for users until they place a paid order that meets specific criteria. This approach can be particularly useful for businesses that require upfront payment before granting full account access.

Configuration Options #

• Block activation link

• Enabled: Prevents non-paying users from activating their accounts using the verification link.
• Note: This option is most relevant when user registration occurs only during checkout, as users might not have the opportunity to place a paid order before needing to verify their accounts.

• Order status: Defines the minimum order status considered “paid” for triggering account activation.

• Completed: Only completed orders will qualify for account activation.

• Activation email #

• Enabled: Sends the activation email only when a non-free (paid) order reaches the specified status (e.g., “Completed”).
• Note: Already verified users won’t receive additional activation emails.

• Paid statuses: Choose which order statuses are considered “paid” for triggering activation:

• Processing: Orders in the processing stage will qualify.
• Completed: Completed orders will trigger activation.

• Role checking: Excludes specific user roles from the verification requirement (all roles are included by default).

Error Notice #

• Customize the message displayed to users encountering blocked activation due to their non-paying status. You can include the %resend_verification_url% placeholder to provide a link for resending the verification email if needed.

Accessing and Configuring Settings #

• Navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Email Verification.
• Click on the General sub-tab.
• Locate the “Block non-paying users” section.
• Configure the options and customize the error notice as per your requirements.
• Click “Save changes” to apply your configuration.

Considerations #

• This functionality might not be suitable for all businesses, as it can create a barrier to entry for new customers.
• Evaluate your business model and target audience before implementing this setting.

Conclusion #

The “Block non-paying users” feature within the WooCommerce Email Verification plugin offers an additional layer of control over account activation.