When free shipping is offered, you can effectively hide other shipping options in WooCommerce by using various hide shipping plugins. Initially, one approach involves incorporating code into your functions.php file, ideal for developers. Alternatively, plugins or the WordPress dashboard offer simpler options, especially for those unfamiliar with coding. But before delving into these methods, let's briefly explain WooCommerce for newcomers to eCommerce.

What is WooCommerce?

WooCommerce, a plugin for WordPress, empowers website owners to transform their sites into online stores using an open-source plugin. With WooCommerce, you can sell physical and digital goods, manage orders, process payments, and handle shipping. It's the preferred eCommerce platform for over 4 million online stores due to its user-friendliness and flexibility. 

The seamless integration with WordPress allows for centralized management of both store and website. Moreover, a vast community of developers has created numerous extensions and themes to enhance store functionality and design. Whether launching a new online venture or expanding an existing one, WooCommerce offers a versatile solution for reaching a global audience and scaling your business.

Why Hide Other Shipping Methods When Free Shipping is Available?

Hiding alternative shipping methods in WooCommerce during free shipping promotions can enhance the shopping experience for customers in several ways:

Simplified Checkout: Displaying only the free shipping option streamlines the checkout process, reducing confusion and facilitating quicker purchases.

Cost Savings: Encouraging customers to opt for free shipping can potentially save them money on shipping fees, serving as a compelling incentive for purchase, particularly for price-sensitive consumers.

Increased Conversions: Free shipping offers a powerful marketing tool that can boost conversion rates. By hiding other shipping options, customers are prompted to select free shipping, leading to more completed transactions.

However, it's essential to consider that hiding shipping methods may not suit every business. Shipping methods should be displayed or hidden in accordance with your business objectives.

Method 1: Hiding Shipping Methods with Embedding Code

The initial method involves embedding specific code into the functions.php file. By incorporating this code, all flat-rate shipping methods are hidden when free shipping is available. 

function filter_woocommerce_package_rates( $rates, $package ) { // Loop trough foreach ( $rates as $rate_id => $rate ) { // Checks if a value exists in an array, multiple can be added, separated by a comma if ( in_array( $rate_id, array( 'local_pickup:1', 'free_shipping:2' ) ) ) { unset( $rates['flat_rate:28'] ); } } return $rates; } add_filter( 'woocommerce_package_rates', 'filter_woocommerce_package_rates', 10, 2 );

You can get help from different forums like Stackoverflow.

Method 2: Manually Hide Shipping Method in WooCommerce from WordPress Dashboard

To hide alternative shipping methods in WooCommerce when free shipping is available, follow these steps:

• Access the WooCommerce settings page in your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to the "Shipping" tab and then to the "Shipping zones" sub-tab.
• Edit the desired shipping zone.
• Add the "Free shipping" option and configure it accordingly.
• Save your changes.
• Disable other shipping methods by unchecking the "Enabled" option, ensuring they are not displayed at checkout. This method is effective if free shipping is set up as a separate shipping method in WooCommerce.

Method 3: Using Plugins to Hide Shipping Methods in WooCommerce

Enhancing user experience is crucial for driving sales, as it influences how customers perceive and interact with your store. Plugins like WooCommerce Shipping Icon offer customization options to create custom icons with descriptions, simplifying the shopping process and improving attractiveness. Additionally, plugins like WooCommerce Hide Shipping Method enable you to hide shipping methods based on various conditions such as order subtotal, countries, product categories, and user roles. Custom shipping icons and descriptions enhance clarity and make the cart and checkout pages more appealing, contributing to a positive shopping experience.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, prioritizing customer experience is pivotal for any eCommerce business. Employing methods to hide shipping options when free shipping is available can streamline the buying journey and enhance customer satisfaction. Of the discussed methods, using plugins is recommended for its ease of use and efficiency in optimizing the shopping experience.