Before you set up automatic stock changes, it helps to know how WooCommerce tracks product stock and where Automated Stock Update Triggers for WooCommerce fits in. Stock Triggers does not replace WooCommerce stock: it decides when WooCommerce reduces or restores it.
Where WooCommerce stores stock #
Each product (or variation) has its own stock settings on the product edit screen, under Product data > Inventory:
- Manage stock: when enabled, WooCommerce keeps a numeric stock quantity for the product.
- Stock quantity: the number of units currently available.
- Stock status: In stock, Out of stock, or On backorder.
- SKU: the product’s stock keeping unit, useful for reporting.
You can always edit these values by hand. Stock Triggers never locks manual editing; it only automates the changes tied to orders.
How Stock Triggers changes stock #
By default, WooCommerce reduces stock at a fixed point in the order flow. Stock Triggers lets you choose that point instead. When an order reaches an event you selected, the plugin calls WooCommerce’s own stock functions:
- Decrease Stock calls
wc_maybe_reduce_stock_levels()to lower the quantity of each product in the order. - Increase Stock calls
wc_maybe_increase_stock_levels()to restore quantity that was previously reduced for that order.
Because the plugin uses WooCommerce’s standard functions, the resulting stock numbers, the “Adjusted stock” order notes, and the In stock / Out of stock status all behave exactly as WooCommerce expects. Stock decreases and increases each happen only once per order.
A quick example #
- A product has Manage stock on and a quantity of 10.
- Decrease Stock is enabled with the Payment complete trigger.
- A customer buys 2 units and pays. On Payment complete, stock drops to 8.
- The order is later refunded. If Increase Stock is enabled with the Refunded trigger, stock returns to 10.
Where to configure it #
Go to WPFactory > Stock Triggers (also reachable at WooCommerce > Settings > Stock Triggers). See Stock Triggers Options Explained for every setting.
Get started #
Automatic stock updates are free in Automated Stock Update Triggers for WooCommerce. The Pro version adds custom triggers and custom order statuses. See what Pro unlocks.
