AUSTPost module

[Webmyster]

Hello I fixed the timing out problem by changing the sever in austpost.php

/includes/modules/shipping/austpost.php
go to line #118
or look for: $SERVER = "http://austpost.vcsweb.com/ ;
rem this line and insert a new line:
$SERVER = "http://drc.edeliver.com.au/";


Now having some problems:

In the Estimation Window it has

Total Items: 1 Weight: 180grams Amount: $89.95 Dims: 28x21x2.5 Boxes: 4

Its totaling for one product regular parcel to being 18+ dollars I assume its Boxes: 4 above thats causing it? Where the hell did Boxes 4 come from and what does it mean?

[RodG]

Hi RodG!

I've just installed the script following your instructions as per install.txt and I am getting this following error during Estimation of postage cost window thing: ERROR:Unable to obtain a valid quote from the Australia Post Server.
You may still checkout using this method and we will contact you with postage costs as soon as possible.

This is a generic error message that can relate to a multitude of different causes (Many of them perfectly legitimate).

Also does this scrip allow the buyer to select which postage method they'd like for example can the buyer select Express Post (for extra $$) instead of standard post?

Yes.

And finally can this script be configured so that there is only a one time cost of 5.50 (parcel) and anything the customer adds after that is simply an extra dollar or two instead of adding 5.50 regardless of the item because I can quite easily fit heaps in my normal 5.50 parcel.

What I am talking about can be seen on this website i stumbled across: whitersmile.com.au/products-prices.html

Add a product and see how it only charges you a one time fee of 7.70 for express and you can add a few smaller items without incuring another 7.70$ charge.

Thanks mate

This (the AP module) works on the concept of parcels, rather than items,
As long as correct weights and dimensions are specified (per item) the module will calculate costs based on the size and weight of the total package.

Each of the different types of shipping methods have their own 'handling fees', which is added as a one time only fee per parcel (not per item).

Cheers
Rod

[RodG]

Hello I fixed the timing out problem by changing the sever in austpost.php

/includes/modules/shipping/austpost.php
go to line #118
or look for: $SERVER = "http://austpost.vcsweb.com/ ;
rem this line and insert a new line:
$SERVER = "http://drc.edeliver.com.au/";

I HOPE you are aware that the change you have made has *nothing* to do with any 'timeout issues', and that in making this change you are preventing the AP module from giving valid quotations for 'fixed price' postage methods such as letters and pre-paid satchels (unless you make the other changes specified in the docs).

Having to use the drc.edeliver.com.au server is generally considered a 'bad thing' (tm) and this functionaly has been left in the code primarily to help debuging server connectivity problems.

Now having some problems:

In the Estimation Window it has

Total Items: 1 Weight: 180grams Amount: $89.95 Dims: 28x21x2.5 Boxes: 4

Its totaling for one product regular parcel to being 18+ dollars I assume its Boxes: 4 above thats causing it? Where the hell did Boxes 4 come from and what does it mean?

The "4 boxes" is PROBABLY being derived from within the core zencart code itself (although there are situations whereby the AP module will also 'split' oversize parcels).

Basically, the zencart core code will make/create multiple parcels/boxes if the parcel WEIGHT exceeds the maximum that you have defined in the Shipping and packaging settings.

The AP module will make/create multiple boxes if the parcel DIMENSIONS exceed the maximum allowed limits imposed by Australia Post.

The zencart core code get the 'first look' at the shipping details, and passes this info across to the AP module for further calculations, which means that right or wrong, if the core code decides you need to send 4 boxes, then the AP module will calculate the cost * 4

The most common cause of this problem is setting the AP module to use "gms" as its base weight, and leaving the max shipping weight at its defaults. Assuming the default is "20", that will get interpreted at 20gms, so twhen adding an item that weighs 80gms, the core zencart code will 'tell' the AP module it needs to go into 4 separate parcels.

Solution #1.
Change your max shipping weight to "20000" (20kgs).

Solution#2.
Change the AP weight format to "Kgs" and update all of your item weights accordingly.

Solution#1 is my personal recommendation, but either way, the end result will be the same.

Cheers
Rod

[Webmyster]

I HOPE you are aware that the change you have made has *nothing* to do with any 'timeout issues', and that in making this change you are preventing the AP module from giving valid quotations for 'fixed price' postage methods such as letters and pre-paid satchels (unless you make the other changes specified in the docs).

Having to use the drc.edeliver.com.au server is generally considered a 'bad thing' (tm) and this functionaly has been left in the code primarily to help debuging server connectivity problems.



The "4 boxes" is PROBABLY being derived from within the core zencart code itself (although there are situations whereby the AP module will also 'split' oversize parcels).

Basically, the zencart core code will make/create multiple parcels/boxes if the parcel WEIGHT exceeds the maximum that you have defined in the Shipping and packaging settings.

The AP module will make/create multiple boxes if the parcel DIMENSIONS exceed the maximum allowed limits imposed by Australia Post.

The zencart core code get the 'first look' at the shipping details, and passes this info across to the AP module for further calculations, which means that right or wrong, if the core code decides you need to send 4 boxes, then the AP module will calculate the cost * 4

The most common cause of this problem is setting the AP module to use "gms" as its base weight, and leaving the max shipping weight at its defaults. Assuming the default is "20", that will get interpreted at 20gms, so twhen adding an item that weighs 80gms, the core zencart code will 'tell' the AP module it needs to go into 4 separate parcels.

Solution #1.
Change your max shipping weight to "20000" (20kgs).

Solution#2.
Change the AP weight format to "Kgs" and update all of your item weights accordingly.

Solution#1 is my personal recommendation, but either way, the end result will be the same.

Cheers
Rod

Wow thanks for this information it all works flawlesy at the moment.

I have to say this script is absolutely amazing it was exactly the thing I was looking for you are a legand my friend!

What do you suggest regarding the drc.edeliver.com.au I dont want to be using it if its going to give me bad quotes because at the moment seems to be very accurate.

Do I go back to the original server address and troubleshoot the timeout from there?

[Webmyster]

Hmm you see when I change it back to http://austpost.vcsweb.com

I get the error why is this happening but when I change it back to http://drc.edeliver.com.au/ it runs flawlessely and is very accurate........?

[RodG]

Wow thanks for this information it all works flawlesy at the moment.

I have to say this script is absolutely amazing it was exactly the thing I was looking for you are a legand my friend!

What do you suggest regarding the drc.edeliver.com.au I dont want to be using it if its going to give me bad quotes because at the moment seems to be very accurate.

Do I go back to the original server address and troubleshoot the timeout from there?

Regardless of which server you have defined to be used, the end quotes for parcels will always be obtained from the drc.edeliver server.
The austpost.vcsweb.com server is only used to obtain the fixed price stuff. (which isn't readily avialable from the drc servers).

During 'normal' operation (assuming everything works correctly) the AP module sends a special request (fees) to the austpost.vcsweb servers, where the prepaid satchel, regular letter, and insurance rates are obtained. All other requests are assumed to be variable quotes based on parcel rates and are redirected to the drc.edeliver servers.

In most cases this works well, but in some cases it has been noted that the redirections don't work due to restrictions put in place by some ISP's.

By defining the drc.edeliver server as being the one to use helps identify whether the end user has a generic connectivity problem or whether they are affected by the redirection problem (experience indicates that most problems are not caused by the redirection issue).

It has been observed that sometimes switching from the 'FILE' method to the 'cURL' method of connection will solve this problem.

Anyway, assuming your (original) problem IS caused by the redirection (and it appears this might be the case) then unless you compensate for the 'missing data' (by editing the code) you will not be able to offer prepaid bags, letters, registration, COD or even insurance. IOW, you'll only be able to get quotes on regular/express parcels, Other quotes simply won't show up even if you do 'enable' them.

Hopefully that makes sense.

Cheers
Rod

[Webmyster]

Regardless of which server you have defined to be used, the end quotes for parcels will always be obtained from the drc.edeliver server.
The austpost.vcsweb.com server is only used to obtain the fixed price stuff. (which isn't readily avialable from the drc servers).

During 'normal' operation (assuming everything works correctly) the AP module sends a special request (fees) to the austpost.vcsweb servers, where the prepaid satchel, regular letter, and insurance rates are obtained. All other requests are assumed to be variable quotes based on parcel rates and are redirected to the drc.edeliver servers.

In most cases this works well, but in some cases it has been noted that the redirections don't work due to restrictions put in place by some ISP's.

By defining the drc.edeliver server as being the one to use helps identify whether the end user has a generic connectivity problem or whether they are affected by the redirection problem (experience indicates that most problems are not caused by the redirection issue).

It has been observed that sometimes switching from the 'FILE' method to the 'cURL' method of connection will solve this problem.

Anyway, assuming your (original) problem IS caused by the redirection (and it appears this might be the case) then unless you compensate for the 'missing data' (by editing the code) you will not be able to offer prepaid bags, letters, registration, COD or even insurance. IOW, you'll only be able to get quotes on regular/express parcels, Other quotes simply won't show up even if you do 'enable' them.

Hopefully that makes sense.

Cheers
Rod

Hey RodG I think its making sense, I may leave it as it is now since I have only ever used Normal Parcel and Express Parcel in Australia and also for International and these two are the ones that show up which is all I need for the moment. Using the 'bad method' I've tested it quite abit and it seems to split the parcel when a customer orders a lot however this is very rare as usualy a customer will only order one or two products. I am dealing with very light product perhaps max 250grams is my heaviest.

I will try the cURL method and see if it resolves using the original link.

This reminds me, is there any way to have an option for Money Order as a form of Payment?

Again Thanks very much fora wonderful script

[Webmyster]

Cant figure out how to edit posts here so heres my update RodG:

I've replaced the edeliver address with your address and regardless of what I do (set cURL) it says there is a connection problem. When I enter the address manuly into my browser it seems to work because it says this page is not ment for humans etc etc.

I have no idea what could be causing the connection problem... if cURL does not work I guess I am one of the unlucky small percentile of people who just cannot use that address with their current set up?

[RodG]

This reminds me, is there any way to have an option for Money Order as a form of Payment?

Again Thanks very much fora wonderful script

Hmmm, how do I reply to this? It is important to realise that this is a shipping module and not a payment module.

From a practical point of view, Money orders can be treated in the same way as Cheque payments, so a bit of textual modification to that particular payment module should suffice.

Does that help?

Cheers
Rod

PS. The only time/place that the AP module has anything to do with payments is in regards to COD (Cash on Delivery), and this is because COD is predominantly a method of delivery rather than a method of payment.

[RodG]

Cant figure out how to edit posts here so heres my update RodG:

Posts can only be edited within a short timeframe (10 mins or so, I think).

I've replaced the edeliver address with your address and regardless of what I do (set cURL) it says there is a connection problem. When I enter the address manuly into my browser it seems to work because it says this page is not ment for humans etc etc.

I have no idea what could be causing the connection problem... if cURL does not work I guess I am one of the unlucky small percentile of people who just cannot use that address with their current set up?

Correct. You are suffering from the redirection limitation/problem. (I hope to have this corrected with the next update, which alas, keeps getting put on the backburner due to more important (paying) jobs.

As long as you are aware of the limitations of using the drc. server directly there is nothing wrong with leaving it this way.

However, now that we have identified that you really are having the redirection problem, you can fix it 'properly' by following the posts numbered #121, #122 & #123 in this thread.

What these posts detail are a method to use *both* servers without the redirection issues. (It is actually quire a simple fix). Again, it isn't essential that you provide this complete fix, but it will provide those prices and options that would otherwise be unavailable to you (the most significant being a lack of insurance options).

Cheers
Rod