A client using WooCommerce and WooSubscriptions needed a flexible store credit system for handling refunds, promotions, and customer service issues. Standard WooCommerce refund methods return funds to the original payment method, preventing businesses from offering store credit as an alternative that encourages future purchases.

Solution

A custom store credit management system that handles credit issuance, tracking, and redemption at checkout. The system provides flexible credit allocation for refunds, promotions, and customer service resolutions while maintaining accurate accounting records.

Technical Implementation

• User metadata storage tracking stores credit balances and transaction history at the account level.
• Checkout integration allows customers to apply store credit as a payment method during purchase.
• Automatic credit application deducting used credits and updating balances in real-time.
• Admin credit management enables staff to issue or adjust credit amounts, with reason tracking manually.
• Transaction logging records all credit issuance, usage, and adjustments for financial reconciliation.
• Order refund integration automatically issues store credit when refunds are processed.
• Balance display showing current store credit on customer account pages and during checkout.
• Expiration handling supporting optional credit expiration dates for promotional campaigns.

Results

Customer service teams can now resolve issues with immediate store credit, rather than waiting for payment refunds to process. Store credit redemption drives 80% of recipients back for additional purchases. The system improves cash flow by retaining refund amounts as future revenue while increasing customer satisfaction.