Purchasing a Template Online?

[ihateporkroast]

I have a question for everyone...

When you search for pre-designed Zen templates which you can customize, the very graphic ones all need to be purchased. I'm fine with that, as I saw a template that I could truly customize to be exactly what I'm looking for. However, most of these websites are run by people outside of the United States. They only accept funky payment methods that I've never heard of and if they do accept PayPal, they want to you mail in a copy of your driver's license and a utility bill as proof of payment. Needless to say, it's a bit shady to me.

Are there any resources on the web, located in the United States, that sell highly graphic Zen Cart templates?

Thank you!

[charmedbytina2]

There are several US-based sites that sell templates (just steer clear of TemplateMonster, IMHO!)

Have you looked at the templates downloads here?

Also, a fellow zenner (Designs by Dezina is her site, I think) has attractive, AFFORDABLE templates - don't know if she is US or UK - but very trustworthy!

Tina

[ihateporkroast]

There are several US-based sites that sell templates (just steer clear of TemplateMonster, IMHO!)

I keep coming across US-based sites but they only accept Chronopay. I guess I should just bite the bullet and pay it. :)

Have you looked at the templates downloads here?

I actually have. I've been playing with one in particular for the past week or so but it just isn't working for me.

Also, a fellow zenner (Designs by Dezina is her site, I think) has attractive, AFFORDABLE templates - don't know if she is US or UK - but very trustworthy!

Thank you for the tip on Dezina! I'm going to have to check her stuff out!

[stevesh]

Are there any resources on the web, located in the United States, that sell highly graphic Zen Cart templates?

No, not that I've found. Most of the US graphical template merchants are Template Monster resellers, so you might avoid the stupid payment method problem, but the templates are mostly crap, function-wise.

Misty has some very nice templates, but they aren't 'highly graphic' the way TM's are.

Sounds like a business opportunity for someone.

BTW, I love pork roast.

[ihateporkroast]

No, not that I've found. Most of the US graphical template merchants are Template Monster resellers, so you might avoid the stupid payment method problem, but the templates are mostly crap, function-wise.

Misty has some very nice templates, but they aren't 'highly graphic' the way TM's are.

Sounds like a business opportunity for someone.

BTW, I love pork roast.

Thanks for the message. :)

I was the idiot who didn't realize that all of these sites were resellers which was why I was encountering that particular issue. The one template that I've found has the aesthetic look that I'm going for - which is of utmost importance. I'm going to have to basically change out quite a few things, but overall it has what I need. Unfortunately, most of these private designers just don't have the capability of recreating that stuff.

So hopefully I won't end up with a huge identity theft problem and/or a template that crashes my site. I won't forget to back it up!

[charmedbytina2]

You may also want to post an ad in the Help Wanted/Commercial section of this forum.

You may find help cheaper than purchasing a template.

Tina

[stevesh]

Unfortunately, most of these private designers just don't have the capability of recreating that stuff.

I've wondered about that myself. It would probably be more accurate to say that they don't have that capability without screwing up the base code.

On the other hand, I've seen some amazing templating here from amateurs, so it may just be a matter of effort.

http://(sorry, site offline)/hoff.php

[ScrapbookSupplies]

I am a complete newbie here at Zen-Cart and cannot find my way in or out, but I sell Template Monster's templates on one of my sites at site-creators.com. One of the payment methods we use is Chronopay (which I personally have used about 6 times in the last four years with no problem at all). The first time I used them they called me to verify that it was legit and ever since my purchases are processed within minutes (about 5-10 minutes).

The place that customizes the templates charges way too much and they are terrible! But, the templates as far as I can tell you (I've used reg templates, phpbb and flash) have been great. My Zen template I got free somewhere, I can't remember now. Another option would be a place like boxedart.com.

Good luck. :o)

[Merlinpa1969]

just for a comparison,

one of those "private designers" created www.moissaniteco.com

TM templates look great, hell they would probably work great if TM would ever get their heads out of their butts and follow the guidlines that were set down by the devs....

[bigbadboy]

You mention the line "i've seen a template i like but I've had to change it quite a lot". Why buy the template in the first place?

My advice would be to only use templates for inspiration then produce your own, unique, store.
Yes it will take some time but not necessarily longer than trying to adapt a template.