WooCommerce Checkout Fields & Fees

WooCommerce Checkout Fields & Fees – GPL License Overview, Installation Guide

When the Default Checkout Is Too Limited for Your Business Model

Many WooCommerce stores start with the default checkout fields and pricing structure. As the business grows, store owners often need additional billing details, delivery instructions, custom options, or service-based fees. Without structured customization, collecting required information becomes difficult and manual fee adjustments lead to operational inefficiencies.

WooCommerce Checkout Fields & Fees is designed to extend the default WooCommerce checkout by allowing administrators to add custom fields and apply dynamic fees based on specific conditions. This helps stores adapt checkout workflows to match real-world business requirements.

How GPL Licensing Applies to WooCommerce Checkout Fields & Fees

WordPress and the GNU General Public License

WordPress operates under the GNU General Public License. WooCommerce extensions that integrate through hooks and filters typically align with GPL principles. WooCommerce Checkout Fields & Fees follows this licensing framework.

GPL allows users to review the source code, customize field behavior, modify fee logic, and deploy the plugin across multiple WordPress installations. The license supports transparency and flexibility in ecommerce development.

Why GPL Matters for Checkout Customization

Checkout functionality directly impacts order totals, tax calculations, and payment processing. GPL ensures developers can audit pricing logic and adjust conditional rules to meet specific operational needs.

What Changes After Installing WooCommerce Checkout Fields & Fees

Custom Checkout Fields

After activation, administrators can add new input fields such as text boxes, dropdowns, checkboxes, or date selectors to collect additional customer information during checkout.

Conditional Field Display

Fields can be configured to appear based on user roles, shipping methods, cart contents, or other predefined conditions. This ensures relevant information is collected without overcomplicating the checkout page.

Dynamic Fee Application

Store owners can apply additional charges based on selected options, delivery types, payment methods, or product categories. Fees can be fixed or percentage-based depending on configuration.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1 – Prepare the WooCommerce Environment

Ensure WordPress is updated to the latest stable version.
Confirm WooCommerce is installed and activated.
Verify server compatibility including supported PHP version.

Step 2 – Upload the Plugin

Log into the WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin.
Select the WooCommerce Checkout Fields & Fees ZIP file.
Click Install Now and wait for installation to complete.

Step 3 – Activate the Plugin

Click Activate Plugin.
Check for any dashboard notices or conflicts.

Step 4 – Configure Checkout Fields

Access the plugin settings panel.
Create new checkout fields.
Define field type and validation rules.
Set conditional visibility if required.

Step 5 – Configure Fees

Create a new fee rule.
Define triggering conditions.
Choose fixed amount or percentage calculation.
Test cart and checkout behavior.

Step 6 – Test Before Production Deployment

Place a test order.
Verify that fields capture correct data.
Confirm fees calculate accurately.
Ensure compatibility with taxes and payment gateways.

Performance and Compatibility Considerations

Interaction with Payment Gateways

Checkout customizations must be tested with all active payment gateways to ensure totals calculate correctly and no conflicts occur.

Tax and Shipping Calculations

Dynamic fees may influence taxable totals. Confirm that tax settings align properly with applied fees and shipping rules.

Updates and Maintenance Responsibility

Why Version Monitoring Is Important

Updates typically include compatibility improvements with new WooCommerce releases, bug fixes related to field validation, pricing logic adjustments, and security enhancements.

Before applying updates, verify compatibility with:
Current WordPress version
Installed WooCommerce version
Server PHP version

GPL allows redistribution of the plugin, but stable checkout performance depends on disciplined update testing and compatibility management.

Changelog Summary – Version 11.2

Recent Release Highlights

Improved compatibility with latest WooCommerce update
Enhanced conditional field logic
Resolved fee calculation edge cases
Performance optimizations for checkout rendering
Security and stability improvements

Final Notes

WooCommerce Checkout Fields & Fees provides a structured method for customizing checkout workflows and applying conditional pricing adjustments. When properly configured and tested, it allows stores to collect essential information and manage service-based charges efficiently.

Understanding GPL licensing, following structured installation procedures, and maintaining disciplined update practices ensures reliable performance within the WooCommerce ecosystem. Proper testing is essential for maintaining checkout stability and customer trust.