Use Case
When a customer places an order, you want to immediately update their user role. This enables instant access or status changes based on what they purchased, even before payment completes.
Common scenarios:
- Instant “Pending Member” status while payment processes
- VIP enrollment upon order placement
- Wholesale tier assignment
- Pre-order customer flagging
- Course waitlist enrollment
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Create a New Workflow
Navigate to Sequensy → Workflows in your WordPress admin and click Add New Workflow.
Name your workflow “Assign Role on Order” or “Instant VIP Enrollment”.
2. Configure the Trigger
Select Order Created as your trigger.
Key filters:
- Products: Membership or VIP products
- Order Total: Spending threshold for status
- Customer Type: New vs returning customers
- Categories: Specific product categories
3. Set Up the Update User Role Action
Configure the role assignment:
| Setting | Example Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| User | {customer_email} | Order customer |
| New Role | Pending Member | Temporary until payment |
| Action | Replace or Add | Based on your needs |
4. Create Complementary Workflows
Pair with other triggers for complete flow:
| Trigger | Role Assignment |
|---|---|
| Order Created | Pending Member |
| Payment Complete | Active Member |
| Order Cancelled | Revert to Customer |
5. Test Your Workflow
- Enable the workflow
- Place a test order
- Verify role changed immediately
- Check access permissions
- Test the full order flow
Pro Tips
Use transitional roles: Create “Pending Member” roles for orders awaiting payment, then upgrade on payment completion.
Prevent over-assignment: Add conditions to check current role—don’t downgrade existing VIPs.
Consider payment status: For immediate access, combine with payment verification workflows.
Order vs Payment triggers: Use “Order Created” for pending states, “Payment Complete” for confirmed access.
Role Assignment Strategies
Two-Stage Membership
Stage 1: Order Created
- Assign "Pending Member" role
- Limited access while payment processes
Stage 2: Payment Complete
- Upgrade to "Active Member" role
- Full access unlocked
Spending-Based VIP
Order Total > $500
- Assign "VIP Customer" role
- Immediate VIP benefits
Order Total > $1000
- Assign "Platinum Customer" role
- Top-tier treatment
Product-Based Access
| Product Purchased | Role Assigned |
|---|---|
| Basic Membership | Basic Member |
| Pro Membership | Pro Member |
| Course Bundle | Student |
| Coaching Package | Coaching Client |
Workflow Sequence
Customer places order
↓
Order Created (Trigger)
↓
[Check product/amount conditions]
↓
Update User Role → "Pending Member"
↓
Send Email → "Order received, access pending"
↓
[Payment processes...]
↓
Payment Complete (Separate workflow)
↓
Update User Role → "Active Member"
↓
Send Email → "Access activated!"
Troubleshooting
Role not changing?
- Verify user account exists
- Check customer is logged in or identified
- Review workflow conditions
Wrong customers affected?
- Tighten product filters
- Add customer role conditions
- Check order total thresholds
Access not working?
- Verify role has correct capabilities
- Check content restriction settings
- Clear any caching