ozpost shipping module

[RodG]

ok, so i too (well not really me, more the client who owns the site!) am having fits over the fact there's no parcel splitting,

I'm sure that both of you will have even bigger fits when you find the parcel splitting methods being used are prone to splitting parcels in impossible ways.

For example, Item #1 weighs 19Kgs, Item#2 weighs 2kgs.
Quote returned is for two parcels weighing 10.5kgs each, which is a significant difference in cost compared to actual postage cost.

It is better to not have a quote at all, than be given an inaccurate quote (in my opinion).

and i'm curious what i should look out for if i revert back to the old aust post mod, assuming there is a) little to no support for it,

As well as the problem mentioned above, using the older module no longer has the capability to quote using anything with a 'fixed price', this includes the use of pre-paid satchels, and anything relating to registration and insurance costs.

and b) there were good reason for rewriting the new mod.

There were several reasons for writing a new mod. One of the prime reasons was to reduce (and eventually eliminate) the dependance on the drc.edeliver servers.

Other reasons included modifying the server code so that it returns shipping *options* instead of a single quote for each method supplied to it. (Makes things many times more efficient for shopping cart use).

The use of XML means that the server can be more easily used by other ecommerce stores, not to mention simplied processing on the client side.

In short, the rewrite of the client code (the zencart module) is/was to bring it in line with the new server features.

is it really wise for me to revert back to this old mod simply to split parcels (in your opinion of course)?

I would have to say no, primarily based on the first point I made, the parcel splitting is prone to producing inaccurate quotes.

my only other alternative presently seems to be to add another shipping option, however as my clients place of business is right next door to an australia post outlet, they're very reluctant to use anything else :)

An alternate shipping option is probably a good idea, even if only made active if the ozpost module is unable to provide a valid quote (for any reason).

Another option, would be to take advantage of the ozpost 'flat rate' fallback setting. Admittedly this is far from perfect, but depending on how often the oversize/overweight scenario exists with your client and the products being sold, it should be possible to come up with a 'flat rate' price that doesn't send your client broke by being consistantly too low, and at the same time isn't so high that it'll scare potential customers away. Always being mindful that this 'flat rate' quote will only come into effect if the parcel size/weight is going to be too large for Australia Post to accept in the first place.

Cheers
Rod