Question about zen's search abilities

[finkdawg5]

Hi all,

Quick question about zen cart's search engine abilities.

This is my first time setting up an ecommerce site. I'm going to be selling tires. This presents an uncertainty for me because of the way people will browse my site to find the tire they want. The site will literally sell hundreds of different tires - different brands, sizes, performance ratings, etc. A customer will normally come to my site, then find a tire by one of three ways:

1. By choosing a manufacturer, then performance type, then size. A list of products matching those criteria should then appear for them to choose.
2. By selecting the make, model, and year of their vehicle, the site will then tell them what the manufacturer reccommended tire size is, and show products matching that size.
3. By inputting the desired tire size, then selecting from a list of products that size or narrowing the search by performance type or manufacturer

For a clearer example of what I am trying to say, take a look at another tire sales site such as http://www.tirerack.com

Obviously zen cart does not have these search options 'out of the box', but I have beginner-level skills in php/mysql and experience modifying templates for similar php/mysql apps such as vbulletin.

My question is this- am I going to be able to modify zen cart (fairly easily) to be able to provide these types of searches to my visitors? Or am I resigned to choosing from a $10,000+ quote from a developer for a 'custom shopping cart?'

I realize that there is a lot to my question, but I would really sincerely appreciate any info you could provide. Thank you in advance for your help!

[Kim]

Some custom code work to extend the search capabilities should be considerably less than that.

[finkdawg5]

So far all of the quotes I've gotten are in that ballpark. So I'm guessing that more or less, you're saying customizing the search is not something a beginner will be able to do on their own? Sigh.

[swguy]

Customizing the search is not something a beginner can do but you should be able to get bids for substantially less than the amount you quoted. Put something in commercial help wanted and see what happens.

[superprg]

I agree
Rather than going for a new cart or a custom one, getting the search feature programmed for zen cart would be a better option

San

[finkdawg5]

Ok, I will give it a try. Thanks!