Easy Digital Downloads – Manual Purchases

Manually Creating Purchases with Easy Digital Downloads

With the release of Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) version 3.0, the process for manually creating purchases has become streamlined and integrated, eliminating the need for a separate “Manual Purchases” extension. This change reflects EDD’s commitment to provide a more user-friendly experience for administrators managing order creation directly from the admin area. Whether it’s for transactions conducted in person, over the phone, or for promotional reasons, EDD 3.0 facilitates easy recording of manual purchases.

Understanding the New Manual Order Process

Historically, prior to EDD 3.0, users had the option to edit existing payments. However, with the new functionalities, the recommended approach to handle modifications is through the manual order creation. This method encourages creating a new manual order rather than altering an existing one, which enhances the accuracy of accounting and sales reports. By applying adjustments or credits to offset costs, businesses can maintain a clear financial overview.

Creating a new order is straightforward within the EDD framework. Admins can navigate to the Orders section under Downloads and simply click on the “Add Order” button. Alternatively, there’s an option to access this feature directly from the WordPress admin bar by selecting New followed by Order.

Steps to Create a New Order

Upon initiating the order creation process, users will encounter a range of options necessary for completing the order effectively. Below, we detail the key elements of the order creation interface:

Add Download

In this section, you can select one or more products to include in the order. It’s crucial to choose the correct download, especially if the product offers variable pricing. Once the products are selected, input the desired quantity. EDD is designed to automatically calculate and display both the unit price and the total cost of the order. For those who wish to have more control or customization, an option exists to disable automatic total calculation and input those figures manually.

Add Discount

If your store has instance discounts available, you can select and apply them directly to the order. This feature can significantly enhance customer satisfaction by providing added value during the purchase process.

Add Adjustment

An adjustment can be included in the order if necessary. This could refer to additional fees or store credits that might apply to the product. Including this step allows for flexible pricing strategies and can effectively address customer interaction.

Customer Details

It’s essential to associate the order with either an existing customer profile or create a new one during the process. Should tax settings be enabled, you will need to specify an existing address or input a new one directly into the order. Remember, after adjusting or inserting an address, EDD may prompt you to recalculate taxes to reflect accurate amounts based on the new customer information.

Order Status

Even though a financial transaction does not occur at the moment of manually adding an order, it’s vital to set the order status correctly. This status influences the delivery of digital files associated with the purchase, ensuring that customers receive their products seamlessly.

Order Date

Inputting the order date is another integral part of the process. If this field is left empty, EDD will automatically use the current date, thus streamlining the process and reducing potential errors associated with date entry.

Payment Gateway Selection

Admins must choose the appropriate payment gateway relevant to the new order. For instance, if recording a transaction processed through a payment gateway, you should select it from the list. Conversely, for free purchases, the Store Gateway is ideal, providing ease of processing.

Unique Key and Transaction ID

For tracking purposes, a unique value identifying the order record can be entered. While this field is usually left blank as EDD automatically generates it, the Transaction ID field is essential for linking orders to transactions processed via payment gateways. Depending on the nature of the sale, you can either input a new ID, enter the ID from the transaction processed, or leave it blank if this does not apply.

Sending Purchase Receipts

An option exists to send a purchase receipt to the customer once the payment is established. This feature is particularly beneficial for maintaining clear communication with clients, offering them a formal acknowledgment of their purchase and keeping them informed.

Best Practices for Using Easy Digital Downloads Manual Purchases

1. Consistent Record Keeping: Always ensure that orders are entered accurately and consistently. This not only helps in managing customer data efficiently but also improves your overall reporting quality.

2. Training Staff: If you have a team, consider conducting training sessions or creating documentation on using the EDD manual purchase system properly. The smoother the process, the better the customer experience.

3. Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates to EDD and stay abreast of new features and enhancements that could further streamline your order management processes.

4. Integration with Other Tools: Integrate EDD with other platforms or tools you use for analytics, marketing, or inventory management. This can provide a holistic view of your business operation, allowing you to make informed decisions.

5. Customer Communication: Use the manual purchase features to keep lines of communication open with your customers. Not only should you send them receipts, but consider sending follow-up emails, especially for customized orders or promotions.

6. Utilize Discounts and Promotions Wisely: Make smart use of the discount features available within EDD. Offering discounts or promotional codes through manual orders can significantly drive sales and increase customer satisfaction.

7. Thorough Testing: Before making any significant changes to the EDD settings or processes, perform thorough testing to ensure everything functions smoothly and customers do not encounter issues when purchasing.

8. Analyze Your Data: Regularly analyze the data from your orders. This includes looking for trends, customer purchase behaviors, and popular products. Such insights can help tailor your marketing efforts and product offerings.

Manually creating purchases with Easy Digital Downloads can significantly enhance business operations, allowing for greater flexibility and control over transactions. The integration of these features into EDD itself offers a seamless experience while ensuring all orders are recorded efficiently and accurately.

In summary, the shift to using manual orders directly through Easy Digital Downloads rather than relying on a legacy extension simplifies many aspects of managing purchases. By understanding the various elements involved, businesses can leverage the tools provided, ensuring effective sales processes and optimal customer satisfaction through well-managed digital transactions. Whether dealing with occasional manual orders or a regular part of your business model, mastering this feature will benefit your sales records and customer relationships significantly. This enriched approach to managing “Easy Digital Downloads Manual Purchases” fosters a more effective business operation and enhances customer interaction, ultimately paving the way for improved results and growth.