WooCommerce Availability Scheduler 12.4

A **WooCommerce Availability Scheduler** is a tool (usually a plugin) that allows store owners to automate when products are available for purchase. Instead of manually toggling items on and off, you set a schedule for your products to "go live" or "expire" based on dates and times. 

This is a vital tool for restaurants (ordering hours), seasonal businesses (holiday drops), or high-demand "limited edition" sales. 

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### Core Functionality 

Most scheduler plugins provide three levels of control: 

1. **Global Rules:** Set the entire shop to "closed" on specific days or after business hours. 
2. **Category Rules:** Schedule an entire group of products (e.g., "Lunch Menu" available 11 AM – 3 PM). 
3. **Product Rules:** Set a specific start and end date/time for a single limited-run item. 

### Key Features to Look For 

* **Countdown Timers:** Automatically displays a live timer (e.g., "Available in: 02h 15m") to build anticipation or urgency. 
* **Add-to-Cart Control:** When a product is unavailable, the plugin can automatically hide the "Add to Cart" button or replace it with a "Coming Soon" message. 
* **Visibility Options:** You can choose to hide the product entirely or keep it visible but unpurchasable. 
* **Customer Notifications:** Some advanced versions allow customers to sign up for an email alert the second a product becomes available. 
* **User Role Restrictions:** Limit availability to certain groups (e.g., "VIP Members can buy 2 hours before the public"). 

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### Top Plugin Recommendations (2026) 

| Plugin Name | Best For | Price Range | 
| --- | --- | --- | 
| **Availability Scheduler for WooCommerce** (by HighAddons) | Official/Standard usage with email alerts. | ~$49/year | 
| **CG Product Availability Scheduler** | Advanced rules (Geo-location + User Roles). | ~$49/year | 
| **WPC Product Timer** | Complex conditional logic and "stock" status timing. | Free / Pro (~$29) | 
| **WooCommerce Product Scheduler** (by Vanquish) | Bulk editing and daily sale limits. | ~$26 (CodeCanyon) | 

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### Real-Life Use Cases 

* **Food Delivery:** Automatically stop accepting orders on Sundays or after 10:00 PM. 
* **Flash Sales:** Open a "Weekend Sale" category at Friday midnight and close it Sunday night. 
* **Holiday Shops:** Set a Christmas collection to go live on November 1st and move to "Draft" on December 26th. 
* **Limited Drops:** Display a countdown for a new sneaker or merch drop to drive "impulse buys." 

### Pro Tip: Check Your Server Time 

If your scheduler isn't firing at the right time, ensure your **WordPress Timezone** (Settings > General) matches your local time. Most scheduling plugins rely on your site's server time to trigger the "Add to Cart" button. 

**Would you like me to help you compare the setup process for two of these specific plugins, or do you need a custom "Coming Soon" message for your unavailable products?**