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  1. #21
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    Default Re: Flexible Return Authorization (RMA) Support Thread

    As stated many times, DivaVocals and myself never tested and or planned to test or maintain this plugin for any versions lower than 1.5.x.

    I was being a sport and offering advice to make this compatible for lower versions, hell more than 80% of it's code is already posted on the old Returns Authorization Thread.

    I was aware the ORDER_COMMENTS code was missing only after the original upload, an updated version 1.1 is available to fix that mishap.

    I have version 1.2 ready to go with several "code" cleanups and the mentioned date picker dw08gm mentioned for those who wanted this option. (I now remember why I left the forums)

    As I continued to update this plugin from Return Authorization, I included everyone's request and included their "options" before this was submitted.

    As 1.5.x rolled out I saw more and more "contributors" grabbing plugins and updating 1 thing and changing the readme files to say hey "I contributed" but none actually put the time and effort in any of those plugins to call them their own.

    YOU HAVE THIS CODE, ITS FREE TO DO WITH AS YOU WISH, also stated earlier in this thread. As for me, I simply enjoyed bringing what little I did to this plugin.

  2. #22
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    Default Re: Flexible Return Authorization (RMA) Support Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    Well that's what just baffles me. There is no difference between being able to use this on different zen cart versions apart from 2 small blocks of code at the bottom of the installation script. So, there is no separate codebase to maintain apart from 2 separate files for that one init installation script. I guess that's what I am not understanding here. I could totally see the logic if there were significant differences between versions, but there are none at all. I didn't have to do anything to get this working apart from those 2 blocks on that one script. I don't understand why you would have a separate 1.3.x codebase that you dropped.
    Okay.. then let me try again to make it clear then.. For every module I have contributed to or maintained I have been very consistent about making sure that the code is TESTED before submitting.. That said I would not have blindly released module code for v1.3.9 that I did not personally test or have a co-collaborator who would conduct these tests.

    We had no such collaborator (testing again v1.3.9 codebase) during the Flexible RMA dev/testing.. So if I cannot say with a degree of certainty that something works with a particular version, I will not submit something and stated that it was compatible with a version of Zen Cart that had not in fact been tested.. As I stated rbarbour and I did not feel we had the bandwidth to setup a separate v1.3.9 test store and conduct tests against it.. (Neither of us has a v1.3.9 test store setup, and neither of us had the time to set one up let alone conduct proper QA/UAT tests for v1.3.9) We also did not feel we had bandwidth to do so for any FUTURE updates to Flexible RMA either.. So while you may be right, (there may ONLY be MINOR differences) the collaborators of the current version of Flexible RMA did not have the bandwidth to VERIFY this so we opted to ONLY move forward with a version for the latest version of Zen Cart (and if you go back to the original RMA thread this is clearly the focus of the discussions and what started Flexible RMA to begin with).

    My suggestion to you that the v1.3.9 version of Flexible RMA be seperated was based on your original post inquiring about a v1.3.9 compatible version of Flexible RMA. In your post it did not appear as if you had any interest in the Zen Cart codebase outside of the v1.3.9 branches. Hence my suggestion to separate the v1.3.9 compatible version of Flexible RMA.. However, based on your posts this morning, it seems clear that you DO intend to maintain Flexible RMA code/updates for both v1.3.9 and v1.5. I assume this means you will be conducting testing prior to submitting your code to make sure it works for both versions.. rbarbour and I felt we didn't have the bandwidth to do BOTH.. It's awesome if you do..


    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    So, what am I to do? I want to fix the bugs and extend the module and have found that it's completely compatible between zc versions. I shouldn't post anything here and shouldn't update the plugin since I only use 1.3.x so that means submitting a new plugin which forces me to create a separate support thread and I think this is very silly and counterproductive. With the current situation, I guess the best solution is to put my update with the original version and announce changes in that thread along with letting people know that it's also compatible with 1.5.x. Perhaps the admins/devs will have some input, because it seems daft to have 2 separate plugins in the repository that are pretty much identical (I assume you guys will fix the bugs that I am fixing, too). I would much rather combine efforts, it's so much more productive and easier on everyone if they share in the development and support.
    This is truly not what I said, and in fact you have misunderstood/misconstrued my words and intent.. (which I have repeatedly tried to clarify)

    So let me make this easy.... IF you are in fact planning to maintain/update Flexible RMA code for both v1.3.9 and v1.5.x which is simply an UPDATE of the current Flexible RMA module, then you SHOULD submit it as an update of the current Flexible RMA module.. You probably should also grab rbarbour's latest code and combine it with yours.. Then contact the admins and let them know that they should change the title of the module and this support thread as it makes no sense to have two different versions of the Zen Cart v1.5 compatible version of Flexible RMA out there..
    Last edited by DivaVocals; 17 Jul 2013 at 08:56 PM.
    My Site - Zen Cart & WordPress integration specialist
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  3. #23
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    Default Re: Flexible Return Authorization (RMA) Support Thread

    I didn't say you said that at all. That's merely what I was taking away from the comments in this thread. I guess my point is that now that someone HAS thoroughly tested it on 1.3.x I was surprised and disappointed that the attitude was still "this is only supported here for 1.5.x" instead of something like "Oh great, now we can confidently say that all community members can use this regardless of their zc version. Let's change the thread and name of the module to reflect this. We can collaborate on bug fixes and improvements and you can test on 1.3.x and we'll test on 1.5.x and compare notes."

    That's fine. I will just go over to the original thread and post my changes in there. I really don't have any interest in 1.5.x at this time, but since this code is independent of core code interactions/dependencies I doubt that there will be any problems with my upgrades meshing with 1.5.x but I will ask for volunteers that use 1.5.x to test my new code for any conflicts. Simple and easy. I really don't have time for this, it's kind of crazy. I was just hoping that we could all work together on making this an even better, more useful module.

    BTW, the missing config option is still missing in 1.1.

    Zen Cart and it's community are the best!!

  4. #24
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    Default Re: Flexible Return Authorization (RMA) Support Thread

    I did an install on a "customers" DEV site 1.3.9h version.

    For those of you using above lower version this is what I did:

    I removed the following, stated earlier by lankeeyankee

    PHP Code:
        // find next sort order in admin_pages table
        
    $sql "SELECT (MAX(sort_order)+2) as sort FROM ".TABLE_ADMIN_PAGES;
        
    $result $db->Execute($sql);
        
    $admin_page_sort $result->fields['sort'];

        
    // now register the admin pages
        // Admin Menu for Flexible Returns Authorization Configuration Menu
        
    zen_deregister_admin_pages('configReturnAuth');
        
    zen_deregister_admin_pages('configReturnAuthorization');
        
    zen_register_admin_page('configReturnAuth',
            
    'BOX_CONFIGURATION_RETURN_AUTH''FILENAME_CONFIGURATION',
            
    'gID=' $ra_configuration_id'configuration''Y',
            
    $admin_page_sort); 
    I then uploaded all files:

    In order for the admin configurations to function you must manually DELETE:
    YOUR_ADMIN_FOLDER\includes\auto_loaders\config.ra.php

    Quote Originally Posted by DivaVocals View Post
    You probably should also grab rbarbour's latest code and combine it with yours.
    I have my hands full with other projects and will not be releasing 1.2 anytime in the near future. Probably not until v1.6 of Zen Cart is released at which point I will have converted this to AJAX.

    If lankeeyankee feels it necessary to include the above code in the README of the current plugin and resubmit it > by all means, have at it.

    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee
    A few options that I am going to add include the ability to set and check against a return period if the store has a timeframe that returns are allowed (ours is 30 days) with several optional ways to choose when the timeframe starts from simple to more complex. If the return time is exceeded the form will not process and they will get a message instead saying the return period has expired(I am 3/4 of the way through writing this right now). I am also planning on allowing the admin to set a window for how long the authorization is valid with an automatic email sent at an admin configured time to remind the customer that time is running out and an automatic switch to change the order status and notify the admin and customer when the time has expired (we get some customers that never send stuff back or it might be like 3 months after the authorization was sent out). As well as a couple other tweaks to make it more automated, optional feature rich, streamlined, etc.
    Sounds interesting, looking forward to seeing it live!

    Most retailers set a time-frame for returns based on the time an order was received by customer, not when it was shipped (order date).

    I already have way to may (IF) statements about above paragraph.

    Seems to me you have bigger plans for this plugin that go beyond my interest.

  5. #25
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    Default Re: Flexible Return Authorization (RMA) Support Thread

    Just a small point, my experience showed that 1.3.x users do not have to delete the config.ra file for this to work fully. They probably should anyway, but in case someone forgets it won't break anything. I left it in until today without any effect at all.

    Like I said, there will be several options from simple to more complex for determining if a return window has been exceeded. Including using the time that an admin defined order status is set such as completed. They can build in an average delivery time into how many days to set the window. I am also looking into other methods that will be more accurate for determining the time. In my opinion, this is more for really long term issues such as you have a 30 day policy and someone is contacting you 3 months later. Not like 1 day past. I think most store owners are probably pretty flexible about the return window, I know we are since we want the customer to remain happy and come back. I want this for my own sites since we get people coming back months later trying to make returns and this will help my staff streamline their work since they won't have to look up each order as a request comes in to see if it qualifies and have to contact the customer to let them know it's been too long. But, maybe we are somewhat unique in wanting this feature. I will poll people's opinions, but like I said I am about 75% of the way through this and it's looking pretty good so far.

    Regarding the expiration of the authorization, a daily cron will be able to handle this pretty easily with very minimal db changes. Again, we may be somewhat unique in wanting this feature but in mapping it out it doesn't seem overly hard or complicated to implement. For stores doing a lot of business like us, any time savings/automation is a great thing.

    In addition to adding the missing config setting I am going to do the bugfixes that I found so far and resubmit the module. I will see how the devs/admin want this done.

    Zen Cart and it's community are the best!!

  6. #26
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    Default Re: Flexible Return Authorization (RMA) Support Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    I didn't say you said that at all. That's merely what I was taking away from the comments in this thread. I guess my point is that now that someone HAS thoroughly tested it on 1.3.x I was surprised and disappointed that the attitude was still "this is only supported here for 1.5.x" instead of something like "Oh great, now we can confidently say that all community members can use this regardless of their zc version. Let's change the thread and name of the module to reflect this. We can collaborate on bug fixes and improvements and you can test on 1.3.x and we'll test on 1.5.x and compare notes."

    That's fine. I will just go over to the original thread and post my changes in there. I really don't have any interest in 1.5.x at this time, but since this code is independent of core code interactions/dependencies I doubt that there will be any problems with my upgrades meshing with 1.5.x but I will ask for volunteers that use 1.5.x to test my new code for any conflicts. Simple and easy. I really don't have time for this, it's kind of crazy. I was just hoping that we could all work together on making this an even better, more useful module.

    BTW, the missing config option is still missing in 1.1.
    Goodness.. this is going in circles a bit here.. So let me repeat what I DID say..

    Quote Originally Posted by DivaVocals View Post
    So let me make this easy.... IF you are in fact planning to maintain/update Flexible RMA code for both v1.3.9 and v1.5.x which is simply an UPDATE of the current Flexible RMA module, then you SHOULD submit it as an update of the current Flexible RMA module.. You probably should also grab rbarbour's latest code and combine it with yours.. Then contact the admins and let them know that they should change the title of the module and this support thread as it makes no sense to have two different versions of the Zen Cart v1.5 compatible version of Flexible RMA out there..
    I hope that's clear now..

    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    In addition to adding the missing config setting I am going to do the bugfixes that I found so far and resubmit the module. I will see how the devs/admin want this done.
    See my quote above..
    My Site - Zen Cart & WordPress integration specialist
    I don't answer support questions via PM. Post add-on support questions in the support thread. The question & the answer will benefit others with similar issues.

  7. #27
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    Default Re: Flexible Return Authorization (RMA) Support Thread

    I do enjoy the forums!

    If I can help you "lankeeyankee" in anyway to improve the Flexible Return Authorization plugin for the better of the community, I will do my best.

    I am not totally sure what missing config settings you are referring to. I have tested this numerous times and both the status and order comments get updated in admin, at least in 1.5.x

    I am also concerned when you say "bug fixes", please explain what bugs you have found?

  8. #28
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    Default Re: Flexible Return Authorization (RMA) Support Thread

    I searched the 1.1 version from the downloads and do not see ORDER_COMMENTS_RMA_OPTION in the init install script or anywhere else except the line in the tpl file referencing it:
    PHP Code:
    if (ORDER_COMMENTS_RMA_OPTION == 'true') {
    $db->Execute("insert into " TABLE_ORDERS_STATUS_HISTORY " (comments, orders_status_id, orders_id, date_added) values ('" $reason ."', '" $autoRMA ."', '" . (int)$orderID ."', now() )"); 
    ORDER_COMMENTS_RMA_OPTION is a true/false config setting? I searched the entire 1.1 module directory with astrogrep just to make sure I wasn't missing it somewhere and it only returned the above line of code. The status updating is there in the config and it is being updated in the db. Perhaps the init file didn't get updated in 1.1? Because it's also showing a config version number of 1.0 on line 100.

    The one bug that comes to mind, and it's just a small point, is the use of html break tags in the text section of the admin email in the header file. That breaks the layout of the text email and needs to be changed to a newline instead. We only use text admin emails so that came to light right away in testing. The other couple are small, too, mostly format/layout issues, but I am not at my computer that has my notes on it right now. I remember that I was thinking of changing to a config option to add a phone number so the language file doesn't need to be edited to help avoid confusion for newer users who will be wondering where 1.111.111.1111 can be changed and haven't yet discovered the joys of the developers toolkit. Or at least put something in the readme about where to change it as well as the body of the customer email. I always err towards making things as well-explained as possible with new users in mind to keep their frustration levels down and minimize the amount of time spent getting the module up and running on a live site.

    I will report back the other little things I found to help tighten it up once I get back to my other laptop. It's nothing major, overall this works really well and is a vast improvement over the original version and has already come in pretty handy in the couple days it's been running live. Much more professional customer-facing-wise and more streamlined admin-wise.

    Once I get the db table set up to store the RMA details it will allow tracking of the RMA process and the ability to set an RMA as closed once the process is complete with an admin page to see all RMAs and their progress/status to help admins keep track of what's going on, post comments and details, and enter refund/exchange transaction records, which I think will be a very useful feature. This is the table the daily cron will pull from to check the expiration date of an RMA and take action if needed. I will need help testing that part out on 1.5.x since there will be an admin interface. I will also want some feedback about features that should be included, like whether to have the ability to set comments/entries as public so the customer can track the RMA from the store side. I think this would be a good idea but would like input from other users.

    Zen Cart and it's community are the best!!

  9. #29
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    Default Re: Flexible Return Authorization (RMA) Support Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    The status updating is there in the config and it is being updated in the db. Perhaps the init file didn't get updated in 1.1? Because it's also showing a config version number of 1.0 on line 100.
    Correct, it is still missing in the init_ra_config.php -

    I still run my SQL patches, this will add that opti

    PHP Code:
    INSERT INTO configuration (configuration_idconfiguration_titleconfiguration_keyconfiguration_valueconfiguration_descriptionconfiguration_group_idsort_orderdate_addeduse_functionset_functionVALUES 
    (NULL'<strong>Admin</strong> Update Order Comments option''ORDER_COMMENTS_RMA_OPTION''true''Update <strong>Admin</strong> Order Comments upon RMA Success',@configuration_group_id30now(), NULL'zen_cfg_select_option(array(''true'', ''false''), '); 
    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    The one bug that comes to mind, and it's just a small point, is the use of html break tags in the text section of the admin email in the header file. That breaks the layout of the text email and needs to be changed to a newline instead. We only use text admin emails so that came to light right away in testing.
    We did not update the email portions of this plugin, that code was from the original plugin. I do have cleaner email code I had planned to put in the next version.

    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    The other couple are small, too, mostly format/layout issues, but I am not at my computer that has my notes on it right now.
    Please do share - also remember that I tested this on a clean install of Zen Cart, so anyone with a custom template may have to make minor layout, css changes.


    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    I remember that I was thinking of changing to a config option to add a phone number so the language file doesn't need to be edited to help avoid confusion for newer users who will be wondering where 1.111.111.1111 can be changed and haven't yet discovered the joys of the developers toolkit.
    So many plugins with define files. includes/languages/english/YOUR_TEMPLATE_NAME/returns.php

    I agree this can simply be changed to pull the Telephone - Customer Service from within admin > My Store

    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    Or at least put something in the readme about where to change it as well as the body of the customer email. I always err towards making things as well-explained as possible with new users in mind to keep their frustration levels down and minimize the amount of time spent getting the module up and running on a live site.
    Time is something we all wish we had more of.

    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    I will report back the other little things I found to help tighten it up once I get back to my other laptop. It's nothing major, overall this works really well and is a vast improvement over the original version and has already come in pretty handy in the couple days it's been running live. Much more professional customer-facing-wise and more streamlined admin-wise.
    I would of liked your initial post to have said that!

    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    Once I get the db table set up to store the RMA details it will allow tracking of the RMA process and the ability to set an RMA as closed once the process is complete with an admin page to see all RMAs and their progress/status to help admins keep track of what's going on, post comments and details, and enter refund/exchange transaction records, which I think will be a very useful feature. This is the table the daily cron will pull from to check the expiration date of an RMA and take action if needed.
    The plugin already updates ORDER_STATUS to say something like "RMA Request Received" if that's what you add to ADMIN > Localization > Order Status

    I think it is feasible to add more order status's as a shop owner "RMA Request Received", "RMA Received at Warehouse", "RMA Processed", "RMA Complete - Refund Issued", "RMA Complete - Replacement Shipped"

    I think simply using that date added from the order_status_history table against date_purchased from the orders table might be a easier way to reject or deny form submission.

    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    I will need help testing that part out on 1.5.x since there will be an admin interface.
    Send away - I will test.

    Quote Originally Posted by lankeeyankee View Post
    I will also want some feedback about features that should be included, like whether to have the ability to set comments/entries as public so the customer can track the RMA from the store side. I think this would be a good idea but would like input from other users.
    No way - maybe you should have reporterd all this during the WHOLE MONTH we discussed the development of Flexible Return Authorization

  10. #30
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    Default Re: Flexible Return Authorization (RMA) Support Thread

    Sorry, I missed your initial discussion, I would have liked to have participated and contributed.

    I think I did say something in my initial post(s) about how awesome this is compared to the original mod. Sorry if it seems like otherwise.

    Someone must have changed the email along the way then, I might even be using the original mod or it's from several years ago anyway. My old version has newlines. Anyway, like I said, it's a small point but needs to be fixed to format properly, currently the email is difficult to read.

    To start with, in the basic way of doing the return policy window, I am doing just as you suggested with setting the time limit based on the request date and comparing that to the completed (or admin defined) status. In my case I am doing it from the completed status since that's when the order is shipped in our system. I have it working now in the basic framework with hardcoded values, I am adding the configuration switches and defines now and considering a few alternative options while cleaning it all up and getting it ready to test properly. I should have it on my live site over the weekend if I can set aside the time. Then I will work on refining it once we start using it and get experience with it, and adding more options should the need arise.

    I was thinking of extending this more than just different order status updates, more along the lines of a separate table specifically for RMA info. I think it will be a lot cleaner and better organized than a bunch of order status updates and can be a lot more detailed with specific, segmented data. Currently we use a spreadsheet to keep track of returns and exchanges and I would much rather have a dedicated admin interface page that displays all of the relevant info on one page instead of still needing to look at individual orders to read the comments from the status updates. I think this can be pretty sophisticated and quick and easy to use, which again for me is super important. I am planning on using ajax to display individual line item details and allow multiple input on the main page without refreshing. Another little timesaver that starts adding up to shave minutes off busy employees' days, plus the info is all easily accessible and editable when talking on the phone with the customer.

    My idea of the customer-facing info would have a separate page in the My Account section for RMAs as well as a page available on the main site for COWOA users. It would have only info related to the return, if using just order status updates with comments it can be kind of cluttered looking when the original order stuff is included. And again, I think it would look very polished and professional for the customer.

    If this is all too much for you guys, or are not interested in taking it in this direction, I can post it as a new module because by that point it will be substantially changed. I am open to any and all suggestions and will post code for review. I think that this can be an extremely valuable and thorough tool that keeps everything well organized and streamlined. Thoughts?
    Last edited by lankeeyankee; 18 Jul 2013 at 06:37 AM.

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