data base question

[alamo]

Where do I go to learn about updating random cells within a spreadsheet on my site via a database or if that is even possible?

I'm in development stage and have no knowledge of databases. I have been trying to load some spreadsheets into category and product descriptions and so far I have only figured out how to do this one at a time. Which will work, but when I have to change multiple pricing once a year on 10,000 products, I'm trying to figure out if there is a way to update the pricing on these spreadsheets and also in the multiple discount boxes (actual prices). Was wondering if there is a way to utilize a database to do this. Otherwise, I dont look forward to reloading thousands of individual spreadsheets and each multiple discount.

A couple of people on this forum have advised me to look at some custom programming, and I'm trying to avoid that. We are a business to business company and when one is buying our products, customers are used to looking at information that shows multiple products/specs in the same spreadsheet with multiple pricing. The Zen Cart premise seems to be completely geared towards displaying one product at a time.

So I figured out how to import spreadsheet info into ZC for subcategories and products, but now as I look ahead, updating pricing is going to take forever - so I was wondering if a database is the answer, But over 10,000 products, there will probably be 10-20 basic spreadsheet configurations, so I'm hoping there is a way to have a master list somewhere with all this info, and then link the website spreadsheets to this, so I can simply update the database.

I'm paying a minimal amount to have my site hosted off site, because I dont have time to learn about code and databases. I'm a whiz with Photoshop, Illustrator, Excel, etc... which is great for images and layout, but leaves me out in left field.

I have made the assumption that all shopping carts are probably pretty similar to ZC so there probably isnt any point in wasting time looking for something that comes with greater built-in flexibility.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[nightdesigns]

The entire back end of Zen cart is database-driven (mysql).

See if you server has phpmyadmin installed. If so, you'll get an easy graphical way to see your data.

I'm guessing that you might be able to set up some type of find/replace command within mysql. The good folks at phpbuilder.net are very knowledgeable and could probably tell you what commands to use.

[llynix]

You might look into Easy Populate. You can upload products via spreadsheet with it.