Multi-language multi-VAT sites (problem with stock)

[tesefoti]

I wonder how can I set up multiple sites with different languages and prices (because of different taxes) but use the same database for stock management.

The problem with having several websites with different domains, prices and languages is related to stock management. If someone buys in the english website it can go out of stock there but it won't go out of stock in the deutsch website.

Any idea? Thanks in advance.

[schoolboy]

Taxes are not based on language choices, but regions (zones).

If you set up ONE site, and install a few language packs, you can then have ONE site that offers a choice to viewers what language they want to use.

I live in the UK, but would be quite happy to read a site in French. Just because I read it in French does not mean I pay France's VAT rates...

On the ONE site, you set up TAX ZONES, and then tax is applied NOT by the language, but by the address of the customer.

But if you are in the EU, you need to establish how tax is applied to OTHER EU countries.

Things may have changed, but in the UK we have a 20% VAT rate, and I understand that all other EU countries are charged at 18%.

You see... who is collecting this tax?

You are... , and if a customer is in Greece, how are you going to pay the Greek Tax Authorities the tax you are collecting on their behalf?

You need to talk to an accountant with EU tax knowledge, who will know firstly what RATE to apply to what REGION, but also what happens to the tax portion you are collecting, and who it must be paid to, and how you account for it.

[tesefoti]

Is it possible to define a Zone for each language?

For example, for www.mysite.pt the default 23% VAT rate would show. But if an US citizen goes www.mysite.com he would be redirected to www.mysite.pt/?language=EN&currency=USD&zone=US

whereas Zone US would be tax free. But the url zone=US or zID=US doesn't work. Any suggestion?

Because otherwise, the client will only see the real price after he creates an account...

[schoolboy]

But what if a person in Portugal decides to look at your site in English?

[tesefoti]

I can have two rows of flags, one for the client's country and other just for language. And even a third for currencies.

But the main problem is if a US costumer reaches the site and sees the price with the 23% VAT, he won't even open a new account.

[tesefoti]

Any idea on how can I use URLS to show users prices according to zone?

&zID=x tag doesn't work.

Suppose I have 3 Zones 1, 2 and 3. Zone 1 has Tax at 23%, zone 2 has tax on 0% and zone 3 has Tax on 8%. I am looking for something like:

www.mysite.pt/?zone=1
www.mysite.pt/?zone=2
www.mysite.pt/?zone=3

Does Zen-cart currently supports this? Is it possible for me to change something to make it possible? Thank you very much!

[tesefoti]

Any idea? Thanks.