Add Empty Cart Button to WooCommerce: A User-Friendly Approach

In the world of online shopping, user experience plays a massive role in determining customer satisfaction. One small yet significant feature that contributes to a smoother shopping experience is the empty cart button in WooCommerce. Adding an empty cart button to WooCommerce can make your store more user-friendly by giving shoppers the option to clear their cart with a single click. In this blog, we’ll explore how to add this button, why it’s important for your eCommerce store, and what benefits it can bring to your customers.

Why Add Empty Cart Button to WooCommerce?

Enhancing Customer Control

One of the main reasons to add empty cart button to WooCommerce is to provide customers with control over their shopping experience. Sometimes, customers add items to their cart only to later realize they don’t want them. Without an empty cart button, they would have to remove items one by one, which can be tedious and frustrating. By allowing customers to empty their cart in one action, you’re simplifying their journey and enhancing their overall experience.

Reducing Cart Abandonment Rates

Cart abandonment is a persistent issue for most eCommerce stores. One way to minimize this is by providing a seamless and frustration-free experience. An empty cart button helps achieve that by reducing the time it takes to reset the cart. If a user can start over easily, they’re less likely to give up on their shopping session altogether.

Convenience for Customers

Imagine filling a cart with multiple items and then realizing that none of them are quite right. Manually removing each item feels like an unnecessary task, which could drive shoppers away. Adding an empty cart button ensures your customers don’t face this annoyance, improving their convenience and making your WooCommerce store more efficient.

How to Add an Empty Cart Button to WooCommerce

Adding an empty cart button to WooCommerce can be done through various methods. Below are two popular ways: using a plugin or adding custom code.

Method 1: Adding an Empty Cart Button with a Plugin

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to add this feature to your WooCommerce store, using a plugin is the easiest approach. There are various plugins available that can help you achieve this with minimal effort.

1. Search for a Plugin: Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins, and search for “Clear Cart and Sessions for WooCommerce”.
2. Install and Activate: Once you’ve found a suitable plugin, click “Install” and then “Activate.”
3. Configure the Settings: Depending on the plugin, you can customize where the button appears, such as the cart page, checkout page, or product page. Some plugins even allow you to customize the design and functionality of the button.

Using a plugin allows you to add the button quickly, even if you’re not familiar with coding. It’s simple and beginner-friendly, making it the go-to choice for many WooCommerce store owners.

Method 2: Adding Custom Code for Advanced Users

For those comfortable with code, you can manually add an empty cart button to your WooCommerce store. This method provides more control and customization options but requires basic knowledge of PHP and WordPress hooks.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for adding custom code:

1. Open Your Theme’s functions.php File: From your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Theme Editor. Open the functions.php file for your active theme.
2. Insert the Code: Add the following code to create an empty cart button:php add_action('woocommerce_cart_actions', 'add_empty_cart_button'); function add_empty_cart_button() { echo '<a href="' . esc_url( wc_get_cart_url() ) . '?empty-cart=true" class="button">Empty Cart</a>'; } add_action('init', 'handle_empty_cart'); function handle_empty_cart() { if ( isset( $_GET['empty-cart'] ) ) { WC()->cart->empty_cart(); } }
3. Save and Test: After saving the file, visit the cart page on your site to test whether the button appears and functions correctly.

This method is great for advanced users who want full control over the placement and design of the empty cart button. It also gives you the flexibility to make further modifications if needed.

Best Practices for the Empty Cart Button

Placement Matters

Where you place the empty cart button is crucial. Ideally, it should be somewhere visible but not overly prominent, to avoid accidental clicks. Many store owners place the button below the cart items or near the checkout button, making it accessible without being intrusive.

Keep It Simple

When adding the empty cart button, simplicity is key. The button text should be clear, such as “Empty Cart” or “Clear Cart.” Avoid overly complex language that might confuse the user. The action performed should be immediate and without unnecessary steps.

Design Consistency

Ensure the button’s design is consistent with your WooCommerce store’s theme. While the button should stand out to some degree, it shouldn’t clash with the overall design. Use a color and font that complements your store’s look, ensuring it’s user-friendly and functional.

Benefits of the Empty Cart Button

Improved Shopping Experience

The empty cart button can greatly enhance the shopping experience for customers. By giving them a quick way to start over, you’re showing that you value their time and convenience.

Higher Conversion Rates

When customers feel in control of their shopping experience, they are more likely to complete a purchase. Add empty cart button to WooCommerce contributes to a smoother process, potentially leading to higher conversion rates.

Building Trust

A transparent, user-friendly WooCommerce store builds trust with customers. By providing options like the empty cart button, you’re demonstrating that you care about their experience, which can lead to repeat business.

Conclusion: Make Shopping Easier with the Empty Cart Button

Adding an empty cart button to WooCommerce is a simple yet effective way to improve the user experience in your online store. Whether you choose to use a plugin or manually add the code, this feature offers convenience, control, and flexibility for your customers.

With an easy-to-find and functional empty cart button, you’re reducing frustration, lowering cart abandonment rates, and improving overall customer satisfaction. For store owners looking to provide a seamless shopping experience, this small addition can make a big difference.