Setting Up Custom Order Costs

Custom Order Costs allow you to track additional per-order expenses beyond product costs, shipping, and payment fees. Examples include packaging, insurance, handling fees, or any cost specific to individual orders.

What Are Custom Order Costs?

Costs that apply to specific orders but aren’t automatically calculated:

• Custom packaging or gift wrapping
• Insurance or signature confirmation
• Special handling fees
• Rush processing charges
• International customs fees
• Additional labor costs for complex orders

Enabling Custom Order Costs

1. Go to Alpha Insights → Settings → General Settings
2. Find Custom Order Costs section
3. Toggle Enable Custom Order Costs ON
4. Click Save Changes

Defining Cost Types

Create reusable cost types:

1. Click Manage Cost Types
2. Click Add Cost Type
3. • Name: E.g., “Gift Wrapping”
   • Default Amount: E.g., $5.00 (optional)
   • Apply Automatically: Yes/No
4. Save

Examples:

• Gift Wrapping: $5.00
• Signature Confirmation: $3.50
• Insurance: 2% of order value
• Rush Processing: $15.00

Applying Costs to Orders

Manual Application

1. Go to WooCommerce order edit page
2. Find Alpha Insights meta box
3. Click Add Custom Cost
4. Select cost type and enter amount
5. Click Apply
6. Profit recalculates automatically

Automatic Application

Set rules to apply costs automatically:

1. Go to Settings → Custom Order Costs → Rules
2. Click Add Rule
3. • If: Order total >$100
   • Then: Apply “Free Gift” cost $8.00
4. Save rule

Cost Calculation Methods

Fixed Amount

Flat fee per order: $5.00

Percentage of Order Total

E.g., Insurance = 2% of order value

Tiered Based on Order Value

• $0-$50: $2.00
• $50-$100: $3.50
• $100+: $5.00

Per Item Quantity

$1.00 per item (5 items = $5.00 cost)

Best Practices

• Create cost types for recurring costs
• Use automation rules when possible
• Document costs in order notes
• Review custom costs monthly