How to Identify a Failed Order in WooCommerce?

Managing and understanding failed orders is crucial for any eCommerce platform. Failed orders not only disrupt the customer experience but also impact business operations, leading to lost sales and, eventually, potential damage to reputation. 

Let’s explore the major indicators of failed orders in WooCommerce and the steps to access failed orders.

failed order image

Indicators of a Failed Order

Error Messages During Checkout: Customers may encounter error messages while attempting to complete their purchase. Common messages include issues with credit card information, authorization problems, or transaction failures. These messages often appear on the checkout page, prompting users to review and correct the provided information.

Red “Failed” Warnings in the Order Dashboard: Merchants can quickly identify failed orders by checking the order status in the WooCommerce dashboard. A red “Failed” warning will be displayed next to the order number, signaling that the payment process was unsuccessful.

Email Notifications: WooCommerce sends email notifications to merchants when an order fails. These notifications typically contain details about the failed transaction, including the order number, customer information, and the reason for the failure.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Access Failed Orders in the WooCommerce Dashboard:

Go to WooCommerce Orders: In the WordPress dashboard, locate and click on “WooCommerce” in the left-hand menu. From the dropdown menu, select “Orders.”

selecting WooCommerce orders

Identify Failed Orders: Look for orders marked with a red “Failed” status. This can be easily spotted in the order list, providing a quick overview of failed transactions.

identifying failed order

Click on the Order Number: Once you’ve identified a failed order, click on the order number to access detailed information about the transaction.

identifying order number

Review Order Notes: In the right-hand column, find the “Order Notes” box. Look for a note that specifies the reason for the order failure. This note will provide insights into the issues encountered during the payment process.

order notes

Take Further Action: Based on the information gathered, merchants can take appropriate steps to address the payment failure. This may include reaching out to the customer, resolving payment gateway issues, or implementing troubleshooting measures.