Newbie Functionality Questions

[Hammerhead]

Howdy, folks. I'm new to ZenCart after pulling my hair out with OSC over the past two weeks and never getting it to be quite right. What a PITA that platform is. I've been using Zen for only a day and it's hands down far easier and more intuitive.

So far I've installed and configured my store, SSL is enabled, and have installed EasyPopulate and the backup utilities, edited all my informational templates (privacy, shippling/returns, etc.), installed and adapted a new template (changed headers and graphics), and also installed a couple other modules. However I'm still up in the air about a couple things I need for the store to work the way I need it to.

I'd be very grateful if someone could just point me in the right direction on the below and tell me what modules will get me where I need to be:

1) Mark up products by a percentage over cost (cost plus), preferably based on supplier name (rather than MFR name) or at the least, by category. I do business with distributors who provide a CSV inventory text file with my raw cost, upon which I want to have a global markup on their structure. I'm not quite clear on whether or not the 'products_profitmargin_calculator' will do this for me, and I'm reluctant to just start installing stuff without knowing if it'll work out. Less is more, right? ;-)

2) Ok, now that we've marked up the products, I want to be able to offer discounts by group(s) and if possible, by referrer. I need the ability for a customer to identify themselves as affiliated with an organization, and with a code (or other method) present customized pricing, and/or offer that referrer a royalty.

3) Update my store with those CSV files that my suppliers provide using my FTP logon and password to their server. Chances are I'll need to hire someone to code this, but it would be great if there were a module that would store the FTP path (or URL), ID, password and manage field mapping so that once per day, the store prices and inventory can be updated. Yeah, I know. Call it a "wish list" item.

4) What image management utility - if any - would you recommend?

Thanks so much in advance for your help, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

[Hammerhead]

Oh, one other thing... add fields for UPC, supplier/vendor name, and perhaps others that I can't think of now, but might be needed in the future.

[gjh42]

For discounts, check out admin > Customers > Group Pricing. (Also admin->Modules->Order Total->Membership Discount.)
Group pricing gets applied to the total at checkout.

Image Handler 2 is used by many, and if you have thousands of vendor-supplied images, would probably be your best bet.

It is possible to add additional product fields. There is a mod which is highly NOT recommended, and a thread by crazy_chris detailing a reportedly reliable method for creating new product fields.

[Hammerhead]

It is possible to add additional product fields. There is a mod which is highly NOT recommended, and a thread by crazy_chris detailing a reportedly reliable method for creating new product fields.

Thanks for the warning. This is the kind of stuff that's important to know, and only experienced users can share.