Setting up different shipping methods: e.g. overnight, 2-day, 3-day, & ground?

[jeono]

Hello,
I looked through eStart book, FAQ's and some of the posts here but I have not found anything on:
How to configure shipping for different delivery methods bearing in mind that there are multiple zones. For example, my supplier dropshipper charges different rates for US, Canada, and territories but they also provide expedited shipping services for overnight, 2-day, or 3-day in addition to ground. I tried playing with weights attributes to fool ZC and adding the extra cost but these created other issues, e.g. total weight is not distinquishable from fake ones, taxes get messed up. Could using two Zones work for same countries but use one for expedited shipping and the other for standard ground?
Of course, Alaska and Hawaii and territories do not use ground.
Has this already been addressed somewhere or does anyone have any suggestions? I know the easiet way is probably to use Authorized.net and charge shipping afterwards but I am working on a shoestring budget and want to avoid the extra cost assoicated with it plus the cost to get SSL certificate etc. I use PayPal right now. I am using ZC v1.3.8a.
Thanks in advance for any replies, suggestions, and comments.

[kobra]

I know the easiet way is probably to use Authorized.net and charge shipping afterwards but I am working on a shoestring budget and want to avoid the extra cost assoicated with it plus the cost to get SSL certificate etc. I use PayPal right now.

Most likely mis-placed frugality - -

You probably look to customers that you are operating on a shoestring - - not a situation that imbues confidence

The only module that I have seen that might do what you need is commercial and by CEON

Search here and Google for them

[jeono]

Most likely mis-placed frugality - -

You probably look to customers that you are operating on a shoestring - - not a situation that imbues confidence

The only module that I have seen that might do what you need is commercial and by CEON

Search here and Google for them

Thanks for the reply.
Well, when you are trying out a new business, one needs to minimize cost and risks, however your point is well taken (ZC is not cheap looking is it?).
Keeping overhead expenses low is necessary to keep profits up that is why I am using Zen Cart (as I imagine most here do for similar reasons).

When you say module by CEON, is that integratable to Zen Cart?

Thanks,

[jeono]

Perhaps I should ask this question a different way:
How has anyone solved this problem of multiple zones and shipping methods?
Has anyone used Authorized.net and how much did it cost to fully implemented it? I see posts for Google Checkout, has anyone successfully implement that? Are there alternatives that others tried?
I read through Ripoffreport.com and there were negatives on both.
Authorized.net was accused of 100's of $ in hidden fees while complaints about Google Checkout being slow. I know Ripoffreport.com tend be populated by angry people and one has to temper what is written and also look at the defense provided, but still it does reveal issues that can take place even with reputable firms.
Thanks again for anyone sharing any helpful information.
I do want to thank the ZC gurus/contributors who generously contribute on their own time answering questions and I am greatful for all the good pointers out there.

[kobra]

jeono,

You seem to have switched from shipping to payment...

Shipping is one facet while payment methods is anothe

Check this persons experience with Google checkout and it is not only their issue as many others have had similar experience

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140367

ZC is not cheap looking is it

It is not a matter of the script that I was referring to.
It is your implementation of it and what and how customers perceive your site as a business

Liken it to a Brick&Mortar situation - - ZenCart is the space one rents to operate their business....
One business has a cash register, takes all credit cards, has a electronic card swipe device, etc

Another only has a CigarBox for cash, doesn't take credit cards but you can go next door to process your payment, etc

[jeono]

Thanks. Sorry for the confusion I am looking for a shipping solution but payment does factor into it as a solution. I am concluding that Zen Cart handles multiple shipping zones fine but not when one adds several expedite shipping services as options.
So, my options so far as I understand are:
1) Offer only one type of shipping e.g ground using Zones,
2) Offer two types of shipping - use the Table in addition to Zones to provide two options. This shows up in the checkout as Best Way and Zone Shipping.
3) Use product attributes to make shipping services selectable. Advice customers that shipping charges will be added later. Spend more money and upgrade to PayPro or use Authorize net and
charge the customer the real shipping cost once it is determined.
4) Modify or write new custom code for Zen cart.

I think that as a beginner I will go with option 2. I am using PayPal Website Payment Standard --for now. It does accept credit cards for those who do not wish to register with PayPal. When business proves itself worthy, then I will upgrade.

[kobra]

The standard UPS module allows you to select methods
But you state:

my supplier dropshipper charges different rates for US, Canada, and territories but they also provide expedited shipping services for overnight, 2-day, or 3-day in addition to ground

And dropshipping can be a difficult pill and why I steered you to the CEON module - while not free it is touted to be most extensible for these situations and in the long run can prevent you from either losing a sale due to too high a shipping charge you setup to cover yourself and/or losing money on shipping because you averaged too low a fee