How to hide WooCommerce Express Shipping for decomposable products
In this guide, you will learn how to hide Express Shipping when the cart has decomposable products (e.g., compostable tableware, fragile eco items).
Customers will only see your approved methods (for example, Refrigerated Ground, Local Delivery, and Curbside).
đź’° Real Revenue Impact: What You Lose Without This Rule
| đźš« Without rules | âś… With rules |
|---|---|
| Shoppers choose Express for decomposables → higher damage/spoilage and refunds. | Express is hidden for decomposables → only safe/approved methods show; refunds drop. |
| Example: 120 decomposable orders/month × $10 loss (damage/returns) = $1,200 lost. | Same 120 orders use correct shipping → $1,200 saved and fewer support tickets. |
In The Article
How to use
Create a rule: If the product is “decomposable,” hide Express Shipping.
You can detect “decomposable” by Shipping Class, Product Tag, or Category.
Benefits
- Prevents damage/spoilage and protects your margins
- Keeps checkout clean and accurate for sensitive items
- Works with your current zones and methods—no code needed
- Reduces support from the wrong method selection
How to configure — step guide
General settings
1) Go to WooCommerce → Hide Shipping → General Settings.
2) Make sure the plugin is enabled. Click Save.
Create the hide rule
3) Go to WooCommerce → Hide Shipping → Manage Rules → Add New Rule.
4) Rule Title: “Hide Express for decomposable products”.
5) Select Shipping Methods to Hide: choose your Express Shipping method(s).
6) Add Condition (pick one that fits your catalog):
- Shipping Class → is in → Decomposable (recommended), or
- Product Tag → is in → decomposable, or
- Category → is in → your decomposable category
- Enable the rule and Save.
Test it
8) Add a decomposable product to the cart → go to Checkout → Express should be hidden.
9) Remove the decomposable item → Express should reappear.
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Real examples
Example 1 — Sitewide rule by Shipping Class
- Shipping Class: Decomposable
- Rule: Hide Express Shipping when Shipping Class = Decomposable
- Result: Customers see Refrigerated Ground $14.99 or Local Delivery only.
Example 2 — Hot-weather states only (AZ, TX, FL)
- Conditions: State in [AZ, TX, FL] AND Shipping Class = Decomposable
- Result: Express is hidden in hot states; other states keep normal options.
Expected outcome
- Express won’t appear for decomposable products.
- Shoppers pick safe methods. Damages and refunds drop.
FAQs
1) Why hide Express? Isn’t it faster?
Express can be rough in transit or not compatible with your packing rules. Use your approved methods (e.g., refrigerated, special handling).
2) What’s the best way to tag products as decomposable?
Use a Shipping Class called Decomposable and assign it to those products.
3) I have two Express methods (carrier A & B). Do I hide both?
Yes. Select each Express method in Methods to Hide.
4) What if a cart has mixed items (some decomposable, some not)?
The rule triggers if any decomposable item is present. Express will be hidden for the whole cart.
5) Can I show a note instead of just hiding Express?
Yes—add a short message on the product or cart page (theme content), e.g., “Decomposable items ship via Refrigerated Ground for product safety.”