ozpost shipping module

[gabbytwin]

Ok,
So what are we looking at being the annual fee?

I havent upgraded yet as I pay someone to do this for me and want to know if it is worth it or not first.

[artycles]

check out the link provided, I think it gives all the info needed. If you follow the link and then go to 'registrations' you'll see the fee structure. You'll be the best judge of if it is worth it for you or not. The system works well, it's just how much do you want to pay for it.

[RodG]

I havent upgraded yet as I pay someone to do this for me and want to know if it is worth it or not first.

Whether you upgrade or not is unimportant. It is the *server* that is imposing the fees, so it won't matter which version of the client is being used it will cease to provide quotes sixty days from the first time the server is accessed (starting from July 11th)

If you *don't* upgrade this may come as a bit of a shock. If you DO upgrade at least you'll be getting constant feedback as to how long you have left.

[gabbytwin]

Ok, thanks for that.
I think for now I might just switch to table rates when this happens, and look a bit closer at other ways.
The ability of this module was the only reason I have stayed with zencart really. But open cart has the same feature.

Thanks for referring me back to the link that is http://shop.vcsweb.com/index.php?mai...2c74cb3fba5673

[RodG]

I think for now I might just switch to table rates when this happens, and look a bit closer at other ways.

It also wouldn't surprise me to see someone release another Australia Post module before this time comes as well (I know several people here with the capability, and 60 days is more than enough notice, in my opinion).

The ability of this module

I'm unsure what 'ability' you are referring to here... The ability to contact a 3rd party server in order to obtain current rates, or the ability to provide quotes from multiple carriers, or the ability to sort packages into letter, satchel and parcel sizes, all of the above, or something else entirely?

was the only reason I have stayed with zencart really. But open cart has the same feature.

As above, what 'feature' are you referring to?

I'm really not sure what you are getting at other than giving advance notice that you will be among the 98% of people that I expect will be dropping the ozpost service (if you wish to toss the baby out with the bathwater by deserting zencart too then that is your perogitive, but it seems foolish to me). I don't see how this will have any negative affect on me, other than freeing up a few server resources and a lot of my time.

I'm CERTAINLY not going to plead with you to reconsider your plans (regarding ozpost), but I really am genuinely curious as to what opencart has that makes it appealing enough for you to consider changing, because at the moment opencart, like most other ecommerce sites, only has the ability to give basic parcel rates, so this can't be what you mean by 'the same feature', so, as I said, I'm curious.

Cheers
Rod.

ps. OpenCart is on the list to have an ozpost client written for it, so in this regard, zencart is way ahead.

[ozmosaics]

Hi Rod, I will be sticking with you. I want to thank you for all you have done on the OzPost module. I would not have a webshop without your wonderful module combined with the great ZenCart!

You have helped so much and given so much time - I am happy to pay for the module for my ZenCart shop. I will be taking the 36 months option - have to hope I will still have my webshop business in three years!

Will you still be working on the module in the future? - it's been such a comfort and help, knowing you have been there to assist and assist greatly - I can't imagine the hours you have put in. I moderate large forums in another arena and it's definitely a dedicated, passionate person who lasts the distance.

$5 a month is reasonable if you have a web shop - business on line. The Fastway module and the Australia Post module are fantastic and we can't manage without it.

So, when the new upgrade for ZenCart is listed for download, I will register etc.

Thanks again Rod and thanks also to all the members here to contribute - I have learnt so much from your questions and answers and generosity.

I feel sick at the thought of installing any other Australian postal module - when this one does the job so well!

[RodG]

Will you still be working on the module in the future? -

LOL. No, I'm gunna take everyone's money and go live on an island paradise somewhere.

Seriously though, I've no plans to discontinue support for it, in fact the opposite... I've plans to extend it even further by adapting the code to support more eCommerce sites, as well as plans to include more carriers/couriers.

it's been such a comfort and help, knowing you have been there to assist and assist greatly -

I'll still be around, after all, I am first and foremost a zencart user.. our shop is based on zencart.

I can't imagine the hours you have put in. I moderate large forums in another arena and it's definitely a dedicated, passionate person who lasts the distance.

I'm still dedicated and passionate about it (both the module, and the support of it) - The most sugnificant difference that it will make around here is that I'll be spending a lot less time supporting zencart itself and more time supporting ozpost (albeit, on a broader scale due to the increased number of clients).

$5 a month is reasonable if you have a web shop - business on line.

I know you are not alone with this... in fact I did a short survey of some of the ozpost users that I am more familar with, which is how I/we came up with the price structure. It needed to be low enough that its costs would be offset by increased sales from competitive freight costs and/or losses that would otherwise be incurred by undercharging (due to cubing rules, etc).

At the same time it needed to be high enough to produce an income equivilent to 15hrs per week employment in order to satisfy centerlink requirements for a 55 y/o - Which is what will allow me to devote a lot more time to it. (I turn 55 in October, specifically, 10/10/10 .... makes me born in 1955 .... 1+9=10, 5+5=10 ). <spoooky>

I guess with all those 1's and 0's I was born to be a programmer :-)

So, when the new upgrade for ZenCart is listed for download,

No need to wait... you can download it from the vcsweb store..

Cheers
Rod

[jazzah]

Hi Rod, Just a quick question about Fastway options. We live in outer Melbourne, so it adds an extra day to delivery times. Can we change this? If so where do we go to do it? (I am not expert, am more of a dangerous hack!)

Thanks

[Lissy]

Whether you upgrade or not is unimportant. It is the *server* that is imposing the fees, so it won't matter which version of the client is being used it will cease to provide quotes sixty days from the first time the server is accessed (starting from July 11th)

If you *don't* upgrade this may come as a bit of a shock. If you DO upgrade at least you'll be getting constant feedback as to how long you have left.

I'm running v2.0.6 and I'm not getting any messages telling me how long I have left.
I notice, though, that there's a message at the top telling me there's a version 2.0.8, so maybe I need to upgrade some more.
Another install I have which I still need to update there's no messages at all.
I appreciate the reasons why you have chosen to make this a paid service, and will look into it myself, but there must be STACKS of people out there with this module installed who have no idea what's going on.
I know I don't go into my ZC store every day to check the postage quotes are working! I only found out this time because a customer emailed me, that's how I found there was an upgrade to 2.0.6.
I guess my point is - if your client base don't know what's happening, you're going to miss out on a lot of potential clients. I'm one, and yet looking at this thread it doesn't seem that many people make it to this forum. How many more don't even know they have a problem at this stage, or won't think to come here if they do?
A certain number of your clients will be professional developers who keep their finger on the pulse, but there most also be plenty of novices like me who only run one or two sites and aren't exactly tech savvy and up to date with every change.
I don't have any idea how you could make the changes known to current customers, but it would be a shame if you don't because lots of people will be unaware and you'll miss out on converting them to paying customers. But then again if you're okay with that, that's your choice!
And people who find out by accident down the track are possibly going to be very ticked off that their store has been dysfunctional for quite a while without any warning.

[ttfan]

Ok, at least I'm not imagening things... looks like the service IS now a paid addon.

Perhaps I should also point out that the module is listed on the Zen-Cart site as "Free Software Addons", which is a little misleading.

Although I do understand that the author has put a lot of effort into this module, it is a little disappointing that it's no longer free, considering the whole Zen-Cart soft IS free.

For major online stores this cost may be insignificant, but I find the monthly fee quite steep... a once-off fee I would consider to be more reasonable.

Perhaps a cut-down free version is an option, and those that want all the bells and whistles to pay for more?