multiple attributes w/ different quantities on single product

[Namtaru]

Hello, I am getting ready to set up my product attributes for the first time and would like a little direction from some seasoned vets since it is going to be a fairly unique set up, and I don't want to make it harder on myself than it already is (BTW I am going to read the sticky post + the chapter in the manual, so feel free to point me to the right areas)

My site, RealityShots.org, will be selling framed photographs. The store owner has requested that each attribute be a quantity, so for example I can choose to buy 5 copies of a photo, and then select different sizes, and since matting/framing is expensive maybe I only want to frame one copy, the 14x19 version. And then right below those options I will be able to add on a greeting card version, which would just be a quantity.

Preferably everything would have costs attached which would update a couple of subtotals, one for the main product(s) w/ attributes, and one subtotal of the other 'attributes' (right now the two add ons are a cheap 5x7 framed piece and the greeting cards).

Then once all that is customized the add to cart button can be used, and other photos can be purchased the same way.

Will this setup require a lot of customizing to achieve? Will it be too 'busy' on my product page, to have all of these options and attributes? I have not customized my product page layout yet but I imagine it can be arranged to keep all of the purchasing options in a kind of 'seperate' lower half of the screen, so they are all on the page but not in the way. The other idea would be to take them from the product to a page just for setting up the order before they continue. The benefits of this would be just a single option on the product page, then once they have made the decision to buy they can get bombarded with the options. Also, if I am on a separate page I have a chance to give some small directions for my customer to follow so they don't feel lost when they see a page full of options.

Please any input would be greatly appreciated, and if anyone has a site that has a lot of options for their products I would love to see it!

[fairestcape]

The decisions you need to make here are tough - because you have a significant number of product "variables", and some attributes will rely on other attributes having been selected.

The current version of zencart does not have field validation features (The ability to "activate" a field, depending on the selection or content of a previous input).

So, you are really left with the difficulty of configuring attributes so that all the choices are there, but that it's not starting to resemble an income tax return form.

Ironically, customers tend not to like too much choice!

So, it may be that on your webshop, you offer only the more popular choices, and leave some off altogether.

If you provide a SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS attribute (input box), people with a specific need can tell you what they want if it's not on your "menu" of choices.

We do this with www.karenscakes.co.uk/shop where it is impossible to list all the parameters for cake decoration, recipe type, icing colours etc.

We limit the choices online - and have found that it has resulted in more orders (previously we tried to include ALL options, and this frightened customers away).