Ship Restrict logoSHIP RESTRICT
Get Started

Getting Started with Ship Restrict

Learn how to download, install, activate, and set up Ship Restrict for WooCommerce in minutes

Last updated: 5/14/2026

Getting Started with Ship Restrict

Welcome to Ship Restrict! This guide walks you through downloading the plugin, activating your Keyforge license, and creating your first shipping restriction.

Installing Ship Restrict

Download Ship Restrict

After checkout, use the Download Ship Restrict button on the confirmation page or in your Keyforge license email. The file is named ship-restrict.zip.

Upload the Plugin to WordPress

  1. In your WordPress admin, go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
  2. Choose ship-restrict.zip
  3. Click Install Now
  4. Click Activate Plugin
  5. Find Ship Restrict under WooCommerce → Ship Restrict

Activating Your License

Your license key comes from Keyforge and is linked to the email address you used at checkout.

  1. Open the email titled Your Ship Restrict license
  2. Copy the license key
  3. In WordPress, go to WooCommerce → Ship Restrict
  4. Paste the license key into the license field
  5. Save or activate the license

If you cannot find the email, use Recover your license with the same email address you used at checkout. Check spam or promotions folders if the message does not arrive within a few minutes.

Your First Shipping Restriction

Let's create a simple restriction to see how Ship Restrict works.

Example: Block Shipping to California

  1. Go to WooCommerce → Ship Restrict
  2. In the "Add New Rule" section:
    • Rule Name: "No California Shipping"
    • Select: Choose a category or tag (like "Regulated Products")
    • Rule Logic: Select "Block from"
    • States: Select California (CA)
  3. Click Add Rule

Now all products in that category won't ship to California!

Different Ways to Set Restrictions

Ship Restrict gives you three ways to control where products can ship:

1. Rules for Groups of Products

Perfect when many products share the same restrictions:

  • Use categories (like "Alcohol" or "Hazardous Materials")
  • Use tags (like "Age-21" or "No-International")
  • Apply the same restriction to all tagged products at once

2. Individual Product Restrictions

For products with unique shipping requirements:

  1. Edit any product
  2. Go to the Shipping tab
  3. Select restricted states, cities, or ZIP codes
  4. Save the product

3. Variation Restrictions

Different restrictions for different product options:

  1. Edit a variable product
  2. Go to Variations
  3. Set restrictions for specific variations
  4. Save changes

Testing Your Restrictions

Always test your restrictions before going live:

  1. Add a restricted product to your cart
  2. Go to checkout
  3. Enter an address in a restricted location
  4. You should see a message explaining the restriction
  5. The product will be removed from the cart

Quick Test Addresses

California Test: 123 Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001

New York Test: 456 Broadway, New York, NY 10001

Texas Test: 789 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Common Setup Examples

Wine Shop

Need to block shipping to certain states?

  1. Create a "Wine" category for all wine products
  2. Add a rule blocking states that don't allow wine shipping
  3. Customize the message: "Sorry, wine cannot be shipped to your state"

Local Delivery Service

Only deliver within your city?

  1. Tag products as "Local Only"
  2. Create an "Allow only" rule
  3. Add your delivery ZIP codes
  4. Message: "This item is available for local delivery only"

B2B with Territories

Have exclusive dealer territories?

  1. Create tags like "East-Coast-Dealer"
  2. Set "Allow only" rules for those states
  3. Add dealer contact info in the message

Understanding the Free Version

The free version includes:

  • 2 restriction rules (enough for most small stores)
  • 2 products with individual restrictions
  • All states, cities, and ZIP codes
  • Full checkout integration

Need more? The Pro version offers unlimited rules and products.

Getting Help

Quick Tips

  • Rules not working? Check that products are properly tagged/categorized
  • Changes not showing? Clear your browser cache and try again
  • Need to restrict many products? Use categories or tags instead of individual restrictions

Support Resources

  • Email: support@shiprestrict.com
  • Documentation: Visit our website for more guides
  • Pro Support: Priority help for Pro license holders

What's Next?

Now that you have Ship Restrict running:

  1. Add more rules as needed for your products
  2. Test thoroughly with different addresses
  3. Customize messages to help customers understand restrictions
  4. Consider Pro if you need unlimited restrictions

Questions? We're here to help! Contact support if you need assistance setting up your shipping restrictions.

Next
Understanding Restriction Types