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Order Status Changed → Create Coupon

Generate WooCommerce coupons based on order status transitions. Perfect for milestone rewards, status-based incentives, and customer journey automation.

intermediate 10 minutes |
#orders #coupons #status #woocommerce #rewards

Use Case

When an order transitions to a specific status, you want to generate a coupon. This enables dynamic rewards based on order lifecycle events.

Common scenarios:

  • “Sorry for the delay” coupon when on-hold
  • Win-back offer when cancelled
  • Loyalty reward when shipped
  • Compensation for issues
  • Milestone celebration coupons

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 “Status-Based Coupon Generator” or “Delay Compensation Coupon”.

2. Configure the Trigger

Select Order Status Changed as your trigger.

Key filters:

  • From Status: Previous status
  • To Status: Status that triggers coupon
  • Order Age: Time in previous status
  • Products: Specific products

3. Set Up the Create Coupon Action

Configure your coupon:

SettingExample ValueDescription
Coupon CodeSORRY-{order_id}Unique per order
Discount TypePercentageOr fixed
Discount Amount20Compensation amount
Usage Limit1Single use
Expiry30 daysReasonable window
Email Restriction{billing_email}Order customer

4. Deliver via Email

Chain a Send Email action:

Subject: A gift for you while you wait

Hi {billing_first_name},

We noticed your order #{order_id} has been delayed. We're
sorry for the inconvenience.

As a thank you for your patience, here's 20% off your
next order:

Code: {coupon_code}
Expires: 30 days

We're working to get your order to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding.

5. Test Your Workflow

  1. Enable the workflow
  2. Create a test order
  3. Change status to trigger transition
  4. Verify coupon was created
  5. Check email delivery

Pro Tips

Status-specific messaging: Tailor coupon value and message to the specific status transition.

Time-based triggers: Combine with order age conditions for delays (e.g., on-hold for >3 days).

Prevent abuse: Use email restrictions and single-use limits.

Track reasons: Different coupon codes help track why coupons were issued.

Status-Based Coupon Strategies

Delay Compensation

TransitionCouponMessage
Processing → On-Hold10% off”Thanks for waiting”
On-Hold (>5 days)15% off”Extra thanks for patience”
On-Hold (>10 days)20% off”We really appreciate you”

Cancellation Win-Back

TransitionCouponMessage
Any → Cancelled15% off”We’d love you back”
Cancelled (customer request)20% off”Here’s an incentive to return”
Cancelled (by store)25% off”Sorry for the inconvenience”

Positive Milestones

TransitionCouponMessage
Processing → Shipped5% off”Your order is on the way!”
Shipped → Delivered10% off”Thanks for your purchase”
5th order completed15% off”Loyal customer reward”

Implementation Examples

On-Hold Compensation

Trigger: Order Status → On-Hold
Condition: Was in Processing for >48 hours
Coupon: WAITING-{order_id}
Value: 15% off
Email: "Sorry for the delay"

Cancellation Recovery

Trigger: Order Status → Cancelled
Condition: Previous status was Pending or Processing
Coupon: COMEBACK-{order_id}
Value: 20% off
Email: "We'd love another chance"

Shipping Reward

Trigger: Order Status → Shipped
Condition: First order ever
Coupon: THANKS-{order_id}
Value: 10% off
Email: "Thanks for your first order!"

Email Templates

Delay Apology

Subject: Sorry for the wait—here's a thank you

Hi {first_name},

We know your order #{order_id} has taken longer than expected,
and we apologize for any inconvenience.

As a thank you for your patience, please enjoy 20% off your
next order with code: {coupon_code}

Your order is a priority and we'll have it to you soon.

Cancellation Win-Back

Subject: We'd love another chance

Hi {first_name},

We're sorry your order didn't work out. We'd love the
opportunity to serve you better.

Here's 20% off your next order: {coupon_code}

If there's anything we could improve, we'd love to hear
from you—just reply to this email.

Troubleshooting

Coupon not created?

  • Verify status transition occurred
  • Check from/to status conditions
  • Review workflow logs

Wrong status triggering?

  • Be specific about from/to statuses
  • Use exact status slugs
  • Test with manual status changes

Duplicate coupons?

  • Check for multiple workflows
  • Use order ID for unique codes
  • Add conditions for single creation