Make a password protected zencart entrance

[pensandpencils]

Hi there,

A hypothetical question but something I've not really seen chatted about before.

Is it possible to make a Zencart install where there is a control panel to actually enter the site, so this means that only members who are given access to the site can view products and the rest of the world is blocked.

Can anyone suggest an easy (or difficult don't really mind...) way of doing this. Its something I may have to figure out in the future but I am wondering if anyone has any experience in it, or can point me in the right direction for hints and advice.

Thanks
M.A

[Ajeh]

You could set a password, but then payment modules will have trouble coming in ...

Have you thought about setting the site up so that the customer has to login to see anything?

Peek in the Customer Details for this ...

[stevesh]

How would these 'members' create accounts?

Would you want the public to be able to create an account, but need approval to shop, or would the account creation be done in the backend with info received some other way?

[pensandpencils]

Hi guys,

thanks for you thoughts.

Access would be authorised only by admin, no access at all to the public and no public way of gaining an account. Does this make sense?

I think the best comparison would be like when you have control panels for web host packages so that you have to gain access permission through them before you can see the account you own.

I imagining a client who wanted an ultra exclusive store that was on insider knowledge kind of vibe.

That make sense?

I'm wondering this as I consider Zencart pretty much the best ecommerce store out there and I want to figure out its limits.

So access would be on a permission basis through the shop admin only, at a push it could maybe something you apply for through a form on the site.

Any further ideas?

Thanks
M.A

[Ajeh]

If you set the customer details for must login to see site and must be approved to shop, I think you would accomplish everything you want ...

Have you tried this built in feature just for giggles and grins?

[pensandpencils]

No I haven't,

But you're right, it does sound like the solution. I didn't even know this option existed!

I will look into it and many, many thanks.]

M.A

[Ajeh]

In Customer Details, set to 1:

Customer Approval Status - Authorization Pending
Customer must be Authorized to shop
0= Not required
1= Must be Authorized to Browse
2= May browse but no prices unless Authorized
3= Customer May Browse and May see Prices but Must be Authorized to Buy

Then turn off the Left and Right columns until approved ...

[stevesh]

Another way (which I used for an existing customer's multi-unit ordering site) is to strip the create account stuff out of the Create Account page and set Customer Shop Status to 1. All visitors will see just the two login boxes (login and password). Creating accounts is done by temporarily making the create account page available and entering the required info.