How to Add “Buy Now, Buy Later” Option in WooCommerce (Step-by-Step Guide)

Not every customer is ready to purchase immediately.

Sometimes they:

  • Want to think before buying
  • Need to compare products
  • Plan to purchase later
  • Get distracted during checkout

And when that happens…

They leave — and often never come back.

This is one of the biggest reasons behind cart abandonment in WooCommerce.

But what if you could give customers an option to:

Save products and buy later easily?

That’s exactly what a “Buy it Later” feature does.

Why Customers Don’t Buy Immediately

Before solving the problem, let’s understand it.

Common reasons:
  • “I’ll buy this later”
  • “Let me check other options”
  • “Not ready right now”
  • “I need approval (family/business)”

Without a way to save products:

❌ Customers forget
❌ They lose interest
❌ You lose sales

Default WooCommerce Limitation

WooCommerce offers:

  • Add to cart
  • Wishlist (with plugins)

But it does NOT provide:

  • “Buy Later” functionality
  • Cart-saving for future purchase
  • Seamless delayed checkout option

What Is “Buy it Later”?

“Buy it Later” allows customers to:

  • Save items for future purchase
  • Move items out of cart temporarily
  • Return later and complete checkout

It bridges the gap between browsing and buying

The Easy Solution: Buy it Later for WooCommerce

Using:

👉 Buy it Later for WooCommerce

You can:

  • Add “Buy Later” button
  • Let customers save products
  • Improve return purchases

Key Features

✅ Save Products for Later

Customers can move items from cart to “Buy Later” list


✅ Reduce Cart Abandonment

Users don’t need to remove items — just save them


✅ Easy Restore to Cart

Customers can bring items back instantly


✅ Better Shopping Experience

Flexible buying journey


✅ Works Seamlessly with Checkout

No disruption in purchase flow

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Install the Plugin

Install Buy it Later for WooCommerce


Step 2: Enable “Buy Later” Option

Add button on:

  • Cart page
  • Product page (optional)

Step 3: Customize Settings

Decide:

  • Where button appears
  • Label text

Step 4: Test User Flow
  • Add product to cart
  • Move to “Buy Later”
  • Restore and checkout

Best Practices

1. Make It Visible

Ensure “Buy Later” button is easy to find


2. Use Clear Text

Example:

  • “Save for Later”
  • “Buy Later”

3. Combine with Reminders

Follow up with emails for saved items


4. Keep It Simple

Avoid overcomplicating UX

Real Use Cases

🛒 Fashion Stores

Customers save items for later purchase


📱 Electronics

Users compare before buying


🎁 Gift Stores

Plan purchases for future dates


🏬 General Stores

Encourage repeat visits

Benefits for Store Owners

📉 Reduce Cart Abandonment
🔁 Increase Return Visits
💰 Improve Conversions
😊 Better User Experience

Frequently asked questions

Q: Does WooCommerce have Buy Later feature by default?

A : No, you need a plugin.

Q: Can customers save products for later?

A: Yes, using this plugin.

Q: Does it reduce cart abandonment?

A: Yes, significantly.

Q: Can users move items back to cart?

A: Yes, instantly.

Q: Is it useful for all stores?

A: Yes, especially for products requiring decision time.

On this page

Products related to this post

This plugin allows your logged-in customers to easily move the products they plan to purchase later to a separate ‘Save for Later’ list. Once added, the products from this list can be purchased at a later time, making it convenient for customers to revisit their saved items and complete the purchase when they are ready.
4.6
Freemium

Related Posts

Why Checkout on WhatsApp for WooCommerce Can Skyrocket Your Conversions

Why “Buy it Later” for WooCommerce Can Significantly Reduce Cart Abandonment

Why Order Approval for WooCommerce Is Essential for Secure and Controlled Orders