Question about USPS Module Newest Update From Jan27 March 27

I see that there was another update posted for the USPS module? What does this change from the update on january 27th that I have installed already? I am a little confused.

USPS RateV4 Intl RateV2 - January 27, 2013 Updates to: March 27, 2013 Version C

This module requires that you have CURL installed on your server.

This module provides USPS RateV4 Intl RateV2 quotes.

This module includes options for either Retail or Online Rate Quotes.
Zen Cart® Versions v1.3.9, v1.5.0, v1.5.1

ALso I see here the versions that i is compatible with i have version 1.3.9H is it compatible> ? What are the benefits of me installing this update as opposed to just keeping the post from january 27 update? Any help would be appreciated. thanks!

WiccanWitch420:

[quote]Zen Cart® Versions v1.3.9, v1.5.0, v1.5.1

ALso I see here the versions that i is compatible with i have version 1.3.9H is it compatible> ?[/QUOTE]Yes, as you quoted, it's compatible with v1.3.9

WiccanWitch420:

What does this change from the update on january 27th that I have installed already? I am a little confused.
.
What are the benefits of me installing this update as opposed to just keeping the post from january 27 update?

As you quoted, it does two things differently:

1. This module provides USPS RateV4 Intl RateV2 quotes.
The previous module used RateV3, which was an expiring quoting system which USPS is retiring. I don't personally know when RateV3 will expire; you can ask USPS if you want to know that. But replacing the module is very easy, so why not.
Basically this point means the module is more future-proofed. And hopefully it will make it easier to implement updates next time USPS changes the names of the services they offer (which usually happens annually when they change their rates).

2. This module includes options for either Retail or Online Rate Quotes.
The previous module gave only online quotes, and the primary complaint plastered all over the forums here was that merchants wanted to quote retail prices because they were cheaper (and probably also because the merchant is actually going to the counter to ship using retail rates, instead of scheduling pickups with slightly different rates).

3. More information about differences, which may or may not mean anything to you, include:

NOTES:

Rates are quoted ONLY for those methods that are checked in your module's admin settings.

USPS minimum Length, Width and Height are only included for obtaining International Rate Quotes. Dimensions are NOT supported by this shipping module.

Minimum Weight and Maximum Weight per shipping method will enable/disable the methods based on the total weight.

Handling has both Global National and International fees per Box or per Order. In addition, individual Handling Fees per order can be added for each shipping method.

Extra Service charges for National and International are available where applicable.

Quotes can be obtained based on Retail or Online pricing.

Debug logs can be saved to the /logs directory, when enabled to review quote request sent to USPS and quote received back from USPS.

Installing the update is the same as installing any other USPS update:
- write down your current USPS settings from your admin modules screen (this is just so you can quickly reconfigure the module after updating)
- click Remove on the module, so that it no longer shows as installed.
- download the new module,
- unzip,
- upload the 2 files to the correct locations on your server
- go to your Admin and click Install on the module
- configure with your USPS account number and reconfigure all your other settings
NOTE: The settings look different, and have a few more options, so don't do this when you're in a hurry or when your store has a lot of shoppers on it.

TIP -- The following advice isn't so much about upgrading but about installing modules in general:
ALSO NOTE: As with any module, you can of course refine your settings selections over time, so you might want to first enable just a couple service-names-checkboxes, then save your settings to that the module is live in your store. Then click Edit again and begin refining your settings even more as you take a few minutes to look at the features available. Keep saving your edits from time to time so they take effect in your store. And test it by putting some items in your cart and checking for rates etc until you're comfortable with the settings.



EDIT: These notes have been added to the module's info in the plugins library: http://www.zen-cart.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=1292

I have installed the new version, but I am having a problem with the new transit times that display. I notice that they are more accurate, but it seems that customers will think their package is getting there faster than it should , since there is room for error on usps, and they are not counting the processign time of their package. Is there a way to display the old transit times?


For instance it use to say for Parcel Post: 4-7 business days, now it givesa flat quote dep on where you are shipping saying 3 days, or whatever it may be

and for priority mail instead of saying 2-3 days- it might say 2, or even in an instance california to california, it quoted them one day.


Are people having a problem with customers expecting their packages too early?

Is there a good solution to let people know or a way to put the old shipping times on there?

Thoughts and suggestions are open. Thanks.

To turn OFF the transit times, go to the Modules ... Shipping ... and EDIT USPS ... there is a checkbox on whether or not to show them ...

WiccanWitch420:

I have installed the new version, but I am having a problem with the new transit times that display. I notice that they are more accurate, but it seems that customers will think their package is getting there faster than it should , since there is room for error on usps, and they are not counting the processign time of their package. Is there a way to display the old transit times?


For instance it use to say for Parcel Post: 4-7 business days, now it givesa flat quote dep on where you are shipping saying 3 days, or whatever it may be

and for priority mail instead of saying 2-3 days- it might say 2, or even in an instance california to california, it quoted them one day.


Are people having a problem with customers expecting their packages too early?

Is there a good solution to let people know or a way to put the old shipping times on there?

Thoughts and suggestions are open. Thanks.

Add text to the page to inform customers that the transit times are ESTIMATES.. and not meant to be taken for EXACT delivery times..

We are using your shipping module and have contacted USPS for transfer to production server. The rates calculations look great. However, when conducting order processing test and go to PayPal for checkout, the order total does not include the shipping fee nor does the option to select the customer's preferred shipping method.

Would you please advise how to correct this issue?

Thank you very much for your assistance!

Just so we are on the same page here ... when you go to Modules ... Shipping ... and click on USPS, what version shows in the right column?

When you go to PayPal ... are you going from the Shopping Cart shopping_cart or the from where you confirm the order checkout_confirmation ...

DivaVocals:

Add text to the page to inform customers that the transit times are ESTIMATES.. and not meant to be taken for EXACT delivery times..

Thank you for the suggestion, we added text to say "Please add 1-3 days handling time) Works good now, Thanks so much everyone! Jamie