Managing orders efficiently is one of the most important aspects of running a successful WooCommerce store. While WooCommerce provides a few default order statuses like “Pending,” “Processing,” and “Completed,” these options can be limiting for stores with complex workflows. This is where WooCommerce Custom Order Status Plugins come in. They allow store owners to create, edit, and manage additional order statuses tailored to their unique business processes. For example, you could create statuses like “Awaiting Payment Confirmation,” “Ready for Pickup,” or “In Production” to give customers and your team more clarity.
These plugins not only improve communication with customers but also help internal teams stay organized, streamline operations, and avoid mismanagement. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 plugins in 2025 that can help you customize and manage order statuses effectively, making your order processing more transparent, efficient, and easier to track.
What are WooCommerce Custom Order Status Plugins?
WooCommerce Custom Order Status Plugins are specialized tools designed to extend the default order management functionality in WooCommerce. By default, WooCommerce comes with a few basic statuses such as “Pending Payment,” “Processing,” “On Hold,” “Completed,” “Cancelled,” and “Refunded.” While these work for simple stores, they are often not enough for businesses with more detailed workflows.
These plugins let store owners create new statuses that match specific operational needs. For example, you can set up statuses like “Awaiting Stock,” “Shipped via Courier,” or “Quality Check Pending.” This additional level of customization not only helps store administrators keep better track of orders but also improves communication with customers, as they can see exactly where their order stands.
Such plugins are particularly useful for stores with multiple departments, pre-order systems, or special delivery arrangements. They essentially give you full control over the order lifecycle, making the entire process more transparent and manageable.
Why Use WooCommerce Custom Order Status Plugins?
Using WooCommerce Custom Order Status Plugins gives store owners the flexibility to manage orders according to their exact workflow requirements. The default WooCommerce order statuses may work for basic setups, but they can fall short for businesses handling complex fulfillment processes or multiple operational stages. With a custom order status system, you can introduce steps that match your actual business operations, ensuring smoother coordination between teams and more precise order tracking.
For customers, these plugins provide better transparency. Instead of generic statuses, they see detailed updates like “Awaiting Pickup,” “In Packaging,” or “Custom Work in Progress.” This keeps them informed, reduces the number of order-related inquiries, and increases overall satisfaction.
From an internal standpoint, custom statuses help in prioritizing tasks, identifying bottlenecks, and streamlining communication between staff members. Ultimately, these plugins transform WooCommerce into a more powerful and organized order management system.
How WooCommerce Custom Order Status Plugins Work
WooCommerce Custom Order Status Plugins integrate directly into your WooCommerce order management system, allowing you to add, edit, or remove order statuses beyond the default ones. Once installed, these plugins expand your order status options, letting you define labels, colors, icons, and workflow rules for each stage of the order process.
The process is straightforward: when a new order is placed, the store owner or system can assign it to a custom status that better reflects its current stage. For example, after payment confirmation, an order might move to “In Production” rather than the default “Processing.” Many plugins also allow you to trigger automated actions, such as sending custom email notifications to customers when the order reaches a specific status.
These plugins work seamlessly with WooCommerce’s existing structure, meaning you can integrate them with shipping tools, CRM systems, and other automation plugins for a fully optimized workflow.
1. YITH WooCommerce Custom Order Status
YITH WooCommerce Custom Order Status lets you create, manage, and display custom order statuses with icons, colors, and descriptions. It’s built for shop owners who want clear, branded order stages (e.g., “In Production,” “Ready for Pickup”) and the ability to show status details to customers on the “View Order” page. Setup uses a friendly UI so non-developers can add statuses, icons, and descriptions quickly.
Features
- Create unlimited custom statuses with label, icon, color, and slug.
- Set descriptions visible to customers on order pages.
- Replace default statuses where needed and assign a custom status on order creation.
- Manage display order and show icons instead of text badges.
- Integration with other YITH plugins and compatibility notes.
Price
- YITH commercial pricing model — see YITH site for current license options and bundle deals (pricing varies by plan; check official page for latest).
Advantages
- Beginner-friendly UI with quick status creation.
- Visual icons and descriptions improve clarity for staff and customers.
- Works well with other YITH tools if you’re using that ecosystem.
- Good for stores that want branded, customer-facing status messaging.
2. WooCommerce Order Status Manager (Official)
Order Status Manager for WooCommerce (official extension) adds fully integrated custom order statuses to the WooCommerce admin and customer workflows. It allows creating statuses, adding icons and action buttons, grouping “next status” flows, and triggering status-based emails. Because it’s an official WooCommerce extension, it’s designed for compatibility and regular updates.
Features
- Create/edit/delete custom statuses with icons and colors.
- Define “next statuses” and add action buttons in the orders list.
- Add status-based email notifications and templates.
- Bulk actions, import/export of statuses, and include custom statuses in reports.
- Edit core statuses to add flow/next-status behaviors.
Price
- Official WooCommerce extension pricing (example listed: $49/year for a single site; check the official WooCommerce page for current plans and discounts).
Advantages
- Official support and high compatibility with the WooCommerce core.
- Robust workflow controls (next-status flow & action buttons).
- Ability to create custom status-triggered emails.
- Safely delete/import statuses without breaking order data (official docs).
3. Custom Order Status for WooCommerce — Tyche Softwares
Custom Order Status for WooCommerce (Tyche Softwares) is a full-featured plugin that enables creating custom status labels, slugs, icons, and colors. It supports making orders non-editable on specific custom statuses, setting stock level behavior on status change, and sending custom emails. The interface is straightforward for newcomers and includes options for automations and compatibility with common workflows.
Features
- Create unlimited custom statuses with icon, color, and slug.
- Make orders non-editable when a custom status is applied.
- Auto-update stock levels or reverse stock when status changes.
- Custom email notifications tied to custom statuses.
- WP multisite support and translations.
Price
- Free (lite) version available on WordPress.org; premium versions and add-ons available from Tyche (check TycheSoftware’s site for the latest premium plan prices).
Advantages
- Strong control over stock and order editability tied to statuses.
- Simple UI for non-dev store owners.
- Useful automation options and compatibility with typical store setups.
4. Bright Plugins — Custom Order Status for WooCommerce
Custom Order Status for WooCommerce (Bright Plugins) provides a lightweight, easy approach to adding custom statuses. The plugin supports status icons, descriptions, bulk actions, and the ability to send notifications. It aims to help stores add meaningful order labels without complex configuration, making it suitable for small to medium stores.
Features
- Create, edit, and delete custom statuses with icons and colors.
- Show custom status descriptions to customers on the View Order page.
- Enable custom statuses in admin bulk actions and reports.
- Option to trigger email notifications on status change.
Price
- Free core plugin; Bright Plugins also offer premium add-ons and paid versions — check Bright Plugins’ site for current premium pricing.
Advantages
- Free, straightforward solution for many stores.
- Quick setup and visible improvements to customer transparency.
- Good selection of admin conveniences (bulk actions, reports).
5. Additional Custom Order Status for WooCommerce — WPFactory
Additional Custom Order Status for WooCommerce (WPFactory) lets you add unlimited custom statuses with icons and colors, position them in the admin, and manage status visibility. It’s designed to be easy for store owners to add business-specific statuses (like “Quality Check” or “Ready for Pickup”) and works for both simple and multi-step workflows.
Features
- Unlimited custom statuses with label, slug, ico,n, and color.
- Control where the statuses appear in admin lists and reports.
- Email notifications when order status changes; bulk update tools.
- Compatibility notes and documentation for quick onboarding.
Price
- Free version on WordPress.org; WPFactory sells pro/add-on versions — check WPFactory product page for licensing and pro pricing.
Advantages
- Flexible free option to get started quickly.
- Useful admin visibility options and bulk actions.
- Well-documented (WPFactory docs) for straightforward setup.
6. Advanced Custom Order Status for WooCommerce — WooSofts
Advanced Custom Order Status for WooCommerce by WooSofts adds advanced visuals (icons, colors) and capabilities to your statuses. It supports bulk updates, custom icons (Dashicons), and optional email notifications. The plugin is pitched at stores that want more visually manageable order lists and simple automation hooks without heavy configuration.
Features
- Create unlimited statuses, assign icons, and colors.
- Bulk update orders, add statuses to bulk action, and reports.
- Option to send email notifications when status changes.
- Show icons instead of text and position statuses in the Orders list.
Price
- Core plugin available on WordPress.org (free). Pro/paid features may be offered; check the plugin page for pro pricing if available.
Advantages
- Visual focus (icons/colors) improves admin scanning of orders.
- Free core makes it easy to test and adopt.
- Useful bulk tools for higher-volume stores.
7. Order Status Rules / Scheduled & Automatic Order Status Controller — WPFactory
Order Status Rules for WooCommerce (Scheduled & Automatic) automatically updates order statuses based on rules (time delays, products, payment methods, user roles). This plugin is for stores that need scheduled status transitions (e.g., auto-cancel if unpaid after 48 hours), reducing manual administration and enforcing predictable workflow rules.
Features
- Create rules to automatically change status based on time, payment, product, user role, and more.
- Schedule status transitions (e.g., move to “Cancelled” after X hours).
- Bulk rules and exceptions to avoid unwanted transitions.
- Support and documentation for rule definitions.
Price
- WPFactory offers both free and premium versions — pro version pricing is available on WPFactory product pages (check for current plans).
Advantages
- Saves time by automating routine status changes.
- Reduces human error in large stores or subscription flows.
- Useful for billing windows, auto-cancel, or staged workflows.
8. Advanced WooCommerce Order Status & Action Manager (CodeCanyon)
Advanced WooCommerce Order Status & Action Manager (CodeCanyon) is a premium script that adds advanced status creation plus action buttons, colorized filters, and more in the admin orders list. It’s aimed at stores that want high control over order list presentation and custom action workflows. The UI is built for quick status-action mapping and order-list filtering.
Features
- Add custom statuses, icons, and action buttons.
- Colorize the orders list and apply filtering by custom statuses.
- Assign actions to statuses and add bulk status actions.
- Extra admin-oriented features for sorting and managing large order volumes.
Price
- One-time purchase on CodeCanyon (check CodeCanyon listing for the current price and license options).
Advantages
- Powerful admin UX for managing large volumes of orders.
- A one-time license (CodeCanyon) can be cost-effective for long-term use.
- Visual and workflow-focused tools speed up fulfillment teams.
9. Custom Order Status Manager for WooCommerce — brightvesseldev
Custom Order Status Manager for WooCommerce (brightvesseldev) enables creating and managing custom statuses with simple controls for label, icon, and color. It adds a dedicated status column to the orders list and supports email notifications. The plugin is aimed at shops that want basic but reliable control without heavy configuration.
Features
- Create unlimited statuses with an icon and color.
- Add a status column to the orders list and include statuses in bulk actions.
- Set default statuses for specific payment methods and enable status emails.
- Straightforward admin UI for quick setup.
Price
- Free on WordPress.org; check plugin page for pro/add-on availability.
Advantages
- No-cost starting point for small stores.
- Adds immediate admin clarity with a status column and bulk actions.
- Minimal learning curve for store admins.
10. Custom Order Status by Nuggethon (and similar small dev plugins)
Custom Order Status by Nuggethon / small dev plugins — various smaller plugins (Nuggethon, other authors) on WordPress.org and third-party sites provide streamlined custom-status creation with email integration and template hooks. These are typically lightweight and aimed at single-site stores that need straightforward custom status + email behavior without a heavy extension. (Check the plugin page for features and compatibility before installing.)
Features
- Add and name custom statuses with icons/colors.
- Create custom status email templates and enable/disable notifications.
- Simple admin UI; often free with premium add-ons available.
- Some include automation rules or compatibility with page builders/plugins.
Price
- Many of these options are free or low-cost; premium add-ons are available depending on the author and feature set. Check the plugin’s official page for current pricing and licensing.
Advantages
- Lightweight and inexpensive for stores with simple needs.
- Fast to install and test on a staging site.
- Suitable for stores that only need a few custom statuses and basic email rules.
Advantages of Using WooCommerce Custom Order Status Plugins
- Improved Order Tracking – These plugins provide more specific and descriptive order statuses, helping store owners monitor every stage of an order’s progress accurately.
- Better Customer Communication – Customers can see clear and updated order statuses, reducing confusion and minimizing the number of “Where is my order?” queries.
- Customized Workflow Management – You can create statuses tailored to your business needs, whether for pre-production, packaging, quality check, or dispatch stages.
- Automation Opportunities – Many plugins integrate with automation tools to trigger actions like sending notifications, updating inventory, or assigning tasks based on the order status.
- Enhanced Customer Trust – By showing customers exactly what’s happening with their order, you build transparency and credibility, encouraging repeat purchases.
- Reduced Administrative Workload – Custom statuses help your team organize tasks more efficiently, leading to faster order fulfillment and fewer mistakes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Custom Order Status in WooCommerce
Setting up a custom order status in WooCommerce involves a few clear steps to ensure orders are tracked accurately and your workflow is optimized. While the exact process may vary depending on the plugin you use, the general setup follows these steps:
1. Install and Activate Your Chosen Plugin
Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New, search for your chosen WooCommerce Custom Order Status Plugin, install, and activate it.
2. Access the Plugin Settings
Most plugins add their settings under WooCommerce > Settings or a dedicated menu. Open the settings panel to configure order statuses.
3. Create a New Custom Order Status
Add a descriptive name and color code (if available) to help staff identify the status quickly in the dashboard.
4. Assign the Status to Workflow Stages
Decide when this status should appear—such as after payment verification, packaging, or quality checks.
5. Test the Workflow
Place a test order to ensure the custom status is applied correctly and notifications are sent to customers if enabled.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your WooCommerce Workflow with the Right Custom Order Status Plugin
Efficient order management is the backbone of any successful WooCommerce store. By integrating the right WooCommerce Custom Order Status Plugin, you can streamline communication, improve tracking, and provide customers with greater transparency. Whether you need a simple solution for adding a few extra statuses or a robust system that automates complex workflows, there’s a plugin tailored to your needs. The key is to choose one that balances functionality, ease of use, and scalability. With the right tool in place, you’ll not only enhance your store’s operational efficiency but also create a smoother, more professional customer experience — a win for both your business and your buyers.
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