ozpost shipping module

[RodG]

I also fixed some other code to do with the checkout, but I don't think it was related to the postage problem.
You may ignore my last post if it seems like not your problem, I will post a message here again if the problem continues.

Although I don't think its an ozpost problem, I'd be foolish to simply ignore the report.

Having said that, I haven't made any changes to any of the server code in recent times (at least a month or more?) so if this is new/strange behaviour it probably has more to do with your changes rather than anything else.

BTW: "i updated the "Restrain Dimensions." to yes" - Generally speaking this a bad idea (and unneccesary). I've often found that those that find a need to set this to 'yes' do so because their individual product dimensions are incorrect/invalid. Setting this to 'yes' in these circumstances will suppress the oversize parcel alerts, but this is simply hiding the real problem which will cause issues when expecting satchel and/or letter rates to work correctly.

Just something to be aware of.

Cheers
Rod

[vandiermen]

Although I don't think its an ozpost problem, I'd be foolish to simply ignore the report.

Having said that, I haven't made any changes to any of the server code in recent times (at least a month or more?) so if this is new/strange behaviour it probably has more to do with your changes rather than anything else.

Yes we have two sites one database, one of the sites was only created a couple of months ago, it had FEC mod with missing body code to direct it through checkout. client said today the orders with missing postage came from that site.
No bad orders since fixed yesterday.

BTW: "i updated the "Restrain Dimensions." to yes" - Generally speaking this a bad idea (and unneccesary). I've often found that those that find a need to set this to 'yes' do so because their individual product dimensions are incorrect/invalid. Setting this to 'yes' in these circumstances will suppress the oversize parcel alerts, but this is simply hiding the real problem which will cause issues when expecting satchel and/or letter rates to work correctly.

Just something to be aware of.

I set it to yes because i was told some orders were coming in a 'pickup'/postage error; but problem was with second site code. I can now turn off Restrain Dimensions, but there are a few items that need to be disassembled in to two boxes.

Question, if multiple items (all below allowed dimensions) are added to cart, but in total dimensions exceed allowed, will it crash.
I am 100% sure a few of my clients gets many multi-orders that would not fit into allowed box size.

[RodG]

Question, if multiple items (all below allowed dimensions) are added to cart, but in total dimensions exceed allowed, will it crash.
I am 100% sure a few of my clients gets many multi-orders that would not fit into allowed box size.

Hopefully your definition of the word 'crash' is different than mine.

What *should* occur under these circumstances is the same as if a single item was given the same oversized dimensions, namely, the module will provide a quote based on the static rate settings, which can be set for flat rate, cost per item or cost per Kg.
If these are set to zero the module will disable itself (assumedly to allow another module to take over).

It shouldn't "crash" (meaning that it causes some kind of system or other unexpected failure).

Keep in mind that the idea of adhering to the size limitations is to protect the merchant. 'Tis better to not provide any quote at all than to provide one for a package that is impossible to create in the real world. The 'Restrain dimensions' setting (set to 'yes') will have no effect until the limits are reached, at which time further products will be added to the 'parcel' increasing it by weight alone. Sometimes this will 'work' in a real world situation (The ozpost module does a pretty poor job, compared to humans, when it comes to packing parcels of differing sizes), but sooner or later the physical world limits will apply, so user beware.

If it is *common* for people to order multiple items and causing this 'problem' it could be prudent to ensure the shipping estimator is displayed as a listing in the shopping cart page, as this will allow a bit of feedback to the customer that there could be a problem, by virtue of the fact that the quotes are available until they add that one product too many. :)
Depending on how common the problem occurs it could also be prudent to add a bit of shipping text to explain the situation and advice the customer to perform a checkout with the items that 'fit', then continue their shopping until they (over)fill the cart again.

Cheers
Rod

[RodG]

G'day Folks,

Just thought I'd mention that I have a new update to the ozpost module sitting in the wings awaiting a few people to check/test some of the new features before I archive it up into another release for the zencart downloads section.

This is a development/experimental release of the latest ozpost for ZENCART ONLY.


This update contains MANY changes since the last release (V3.4.1), most notably it has experimental support for Couriers Please, StarTrack Express and Smartsend (who supply quotes for perform bookings for Australian Air Express, TNT and Couriers Please).

Although the SmartSend options are somewhat similar to the quotes supplied directly by TNT, Couriers Please, etc, unlike these couriers, a minimum spend isn’t needed to set up an account. This may be a lot more useful to many people. The costs are comparative.


PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a complete distribution package. It is an UPGRADE file only. In order for this update to function you MUST already have a working ozpost installation.


For those wishing to trial this update, simply download the zip file, and replace your current /includes/modules/shipping/ozpost.php file with the one contained in the .zip.

After replacing this file you MUST log into the admin of your store, then click the button to REMOVE the ozpost module (Don’t worry, almost all of your current settings will be maintained). Follow this removal by clicking on the INSTALL button, and this will update your database files with the new shipping methods.

Any and all feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Enjoy
Rod

ps. This update also better reflects the changes made by Australia Post on April 8th 2013 (new methods added, obsolete methods dropped)

Pss. Please MAKE A BACKUP of your original ozpost.php file JUST IN CASE you need to go back.

[Mike_Dean]

Hi Rod,

Long time between correspondence.


I've just updated my test site (ZC 1.3.9D) with OzPost 3.4.1 and confirmed it was working as it should be. I tried the BETA 3.5 and I lose the shipping estimator, such as I see no rates or shipping options after adding items.

Have you seen this error in your initial tests ?

Turing on debugging and error messages didn't offer up any clues.

I'm about to do a full clean install to ZC 1.5.1 and see what happens.

Thanks,
Mike

[RodG]

Long time between correspondence.

Yeah. *Ages*.

I've just updated my test site (ZC 1.3.9D) with OzPost 3.4.1 and confirmed it was working as it should be. I tried the BETA 3.5 and I lose the shipping estimator, such as I see no rates or shipping options after adding items.

Have you seen this error in your initial tests ?

I've not seen or experienced it for myself, but the problem appears because the /cache/ folder is unwritable.

I think the deeper issue is that the 'define' path isn't set when I'm trying to use it. The end result is the same. The installer isn't able to write its files to the cache folder, leaving an incomplete install.

The ozpost module gets the folder name from the 'DIR_FS_SQL_CACHE' constant (in the configure.php files)

That should fix the problem.

Cheers
Rod

ps. latest beta is v3.5.0f

[Mike_Dean]

Hi Rod,

Thanks for replying and apologies for my delay in showing appreciation.
Not long after starting my upgrade process my pc fritzed itself and I'm just back to where I started with test sites etc.

I've now got my 1.3.9d site and also a clean 1.5.1 site locally.

My plan is to get your latest version of ozpost (hopefully 3.5.0f) working on my 1.3.9d and publish that update to my live site and then start on a brand new site, new look etc....


Soooooo back to the original issue with losing the shipping estimator on 1.3.9d when trialling 3.5.0f.

Am I reading correct that if I change the permission of the cache file, that should resolve the issue ? or did I miss something in the translation ? :-)

Thanks,
Mike

[Mike_Dean]

Update...


Installed 3.4.1 on ZC 1.3.9d and it worked fine.
Uploaded the ozpost.php file for 3.5.0f and I lose the shipping estimator


On a clean 1.5.1, initially installed OZ 3.4.1, checked, all good. Uploaded the 3.5.0f ozpost.php file, removed and re-installed via Admin and Viola, all good..
Its returning rates via the shipping estimator and I can complete the order process.

Mike

[Bruce1952]

No just did the auto update which is supposed to do it automatically. No mention of having to uninstall when pressing button.

[Bruce1952]

Just downloaded the new version 3.5.1 using the update button in the admin panel (Zencart version 1.39h) and can not see the couriers please section that is supposed to be in this update. Have I missed something?