AUSTPost module

[RodG]

the error message saying there order is too big for a satchel

This is also a problem that I have had for some time as well.
<snip>
AustPost (ERROR:Unable to obtain a valid quote from the Australia Post Server.

You must know something that I don't.

How do these two clearly different error messages relate to each other?

I'm confused.

Rod

[imperialis]

This has me intrigued. I'm not aware of any coding that would produce an error message such as this.
Please supply one of the following in order of preference:

1. A link so that I can see it for myself (and for further investigation)
2. An *exact* copy of the error message you are seeing.
3. A screenshot of the error message.



In theory, it is just a matter of not installing the pictures and letting the 'alt' text take over.
In practice some web browsers insist on showing broken image links rather than the alt text.

For the time being you might like to try using the icons created by another friendly zencart user (danpoole)
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showpo...7&postcount=11

Another alternative is to do a bit of code hacking. I seem to recall there has been another short thread on doing this.

For the next release (due date, sometime between now and whenever) I plan to include a toggle type option to make it easy for all.

Cheers
RodG

Thanks for the icon links I shall be using those, I have attached (if it works) the top and bottom screenshot when checking out the top one you can see the error and then at the bottom of the screen the customer can choose the correct postage. It doesn't change if you put the postcode in before hitting go to checkout

[brettw]

Hi All,

very quick and hopefully easy question to answer.

I have a standard parcel size listed as I have not put any sizes in the individual products.

If i start to put the sizes in for the products and someone orders one of the products that I have put the size in and something without the size in will they be charged the standard parcel size for the part without the size and then on top the cost for shipping the item with the size put in?

Im thinking that it may take me a week to put the sizes in so just want to make sure that it does not impact sales too much. Or maybe do the larger items first?

Thanks
Brett
http://www.eastcoasthobbies.com.au

[RodG]

Hi All,

very quick and hopefully easy question to answer.

I have a standard parcel size listed as I have not put any sizes in the individual products.

If i start to put the sizes in for the products and someone orders one of the products that I have put the size in and something without the size in will they be charged the standard parcel size for the part without the size and then on top the cost for shipping the item with the size put in?

Im thinking that it may take me a week to put the sizes in so just want to make sure that it does not impact sales too much. Or maybe do the larger items first?

Thanks
Brett
http://www.eastcoasthobbies.com.au

If an item doesn't have any dimensions specified then the default dimensions are used.

For postal calulations, multiple items are 'stacked' (see cubing.txt for more information).

If you are worried about how postage quotes, accurate or not, will affect sales then I suggest you offer free postage, or wait until you know the exact postage before quoting the customer.
At least one store I know of using this module sells feathers, another sells kitchen sinks. It isn't beyond the realms of possibility for another store to be selling both (well, things with just as much variance). The module seems to do a reasonably good job combining poppy seeds and watermelons, but as the author, I certainly wouldn't rely on its accuracy in all situations.

Also, please keep in mind that anything related to dimensions should be considered as 'fine grain adjustments' to quotations. In most cases (using the default values) you'll the same quotes with or without any dimensional data at all. You'll only come 'unstuck' if your items are large, but light (ie, subject to cubing rules) , in which case, the quotes will be less than the actual cost.

As for adding dimensions to products, Although it is good to do so (for accuracy), there really is no need to do them all. I suggest you set the *default* dimensions to be the packaging size of most of the item in your store:
In our case, most of our items fit nicely in a #2 padded bag, so that also what the AP module defaults are set to.
If you use 100x100x100 boxes for most of your items, then set that as your defaults.

After this is done, you only need to enter dimensional data on items that *don't* fit those defaults.
Examples:
Any items that can be sent at letter rates. (smaller than the defaults)
Any items that are likely to be subject to the cubing rules. (larger than the defaults).

Doing it this way can save you a LOT of work, while still giving good accuracy.

Cheers
Rod

[RodG]

Thanks for the icon links I shall be using those, I have attached (if it works) the top and bottom screenshot when checking out the top one you can see the error and then at the bottom of the screen the customer can choose the correct postage. It doesn't change if you put the postcode in before hitting go to checkout

Thanks for the screenshots. Alas, I can't quite make out what the error message actually says.

Cheers
Rod

[brettw]

If an item doesn't have any dimensions specified then the default dimensions are used.

For postal calulations, multiple items are 'stacked' (see cubing.txt for more information).

If you are worried about how postage quotes, accurate or not, will affect sales then I suggest you offer free postage, or wait until you know the exact postage before quoting the customer.
At least one store I know of using this module sells feathers, another sells kitchen sinks. It isn't beyond the realms of possibility for another store to be selling both (well, things with just as much variance). The module seems to do a reasonably good job combining poppy seeds and watermelons, but as the author, I certainly wouldn't rely on its accuracy in all situations.

Also, please keep in mind that anything related to dimensions should be considered as 'fine grain adjustments' to quotations. In most cases (using the default values) you'll the same quotes with or without any dimensional data at all. You'll only come 'unstuck' if your items are large, but light (ie, subject to cubing rules) , in which case, the quotes will be less than the actual cost.

As for adding dimensions to products, Although it is good to do so (for accuracy), there really is no need to do them all. I suggest you set the *default* dimensions to be the packaging size of most of the item in your store:
In our case, most of our items fit nicely in a #2 padded bag, so that also what the AP module defaults are set to.
If you use 100x100x100 boxes for most of your items, then set that as your defaults.

After this is done, you only need to enter dimensional data on items that *don't* fit those defaults.
Examples:
Any items that can be sent at letter rates. (smaller than the defaults)
Any items that are likely to be subject to the cubing rules. (larger than the defaults).

Doing it this way can save you a LOT of work, while still giving good accuracy.

Cheers
Rod

Thanks Rod for the reply. Ill take your advice and set the standard shipping box size then set sizes for anything either smaller or larger.

Cheers
Brett

[Webmyster]

Got a bit of a problem the Regular Parcel cost is WAY too much! I buy satchels Regular ones for 5.50 today a customer got charged 10.90 for Regular Parcel... I checked the dimensions it seems cheaper for closer locations but if I enter a post code on the other side of australia it ups the price... Can't I just have two options Regular Satchels 5.50 and Express Satchel 7.50$

The only time the cost would increase would be if the customer orders multiple items and that should be determined by the dimension, weight etc...

How can I do this?

[RodG]

Got a bit of a problem the Regular Parcel cost is WAY too much! I buy satchels Regular ones for 5.50

Regular parcel post and Prepaid satchels are NOT the same thing and should not be treated as identical shipping methods.

today a customer got charged 10.90 for Regular Parcel...

Just for clarification, a 'charge' is what the Post Office asks from you when you post the parcel. A QUOTE is what the shipping calculator provides. In fact the shipping calculator usually provides several different quotes based on the the options selected and the size and weight of the parcel. There is nothing to stop a customer choosing the more expensive quote, which I assume you are calling a 'charge'.

I checked the dimensions it seems cheaper for closer locations
but if I enter a post code on the other side of australia it ups the price...

Not sure what you mean here. What dimensions did you check? The dimensions of a single item in the parcel, the dimensions of the prepaid satchel? Gimme a hint (please).

Incidently, there is no direct correlation between a parcels' dimensions and the location it is delivered too.
Dimensions have to do with cubing rules, which results in a weight value and Aust Post charges by weight and distance.

Can't I just have two options Regular Satchels 5.50 and Express Satchel 7.50$

Yes. Just disable all other shipping options and set your P&H fee for these two items to zero.

The only time the cost would increase would be if the customer orders multiple items and that should be determined by the dimension, weight etc...
How can I do this?

I'm not sure what your problem or confusion is, other than perhaps the prepaid satchels aren't quite as big as you think they are.
Also, keep in mind that the AP module always errs on the side of caution (for the merchant). It *may* be possible to fit some items into a prepaid satchel when the module doesn't think it is possible, but the module doesn't take that chance. It is far easier (and better goodwill) to refund the customer for excess postage than it is to try to hit them up for another few bucks when you realise they were under quoted.
Some merchants only make a dollar or two per sale, and under quoting postage can make the difference between a profit and a loss.

Cheers
Rod

[Webmyster]

OK

I tried to do what you said I disabled the Parcel Post checkbox and only checked the 500gram satchel and the 500gm Express...

Doing this give me the error that it cant connect to the server to get a quote... If I go back and enable Regular Parcel it somehow magically can get quotes from the server?

Hmm

[RodG]

OK

I tried to do what you said I disabled the Parcel Post checkbox and only checked the 500gram satchel and the 500gm Express...

Doing this give me the error that it cant connect to the server to get a quote...

Please re-read the error message. I'll wager that it doesn't say anything about not being able to connect to the server.

If I go back and enable Regular Parcel it somehow magically can get quotes from the server?

Hmm

Nothing magic about it. Computers never have and never will work by any form of magic. They are logical devices that work in a very logical fashion.

Believe it or not, I have told you what your problem is most likely to be in my earlier message. The trouble we are having now is a matter of communication. The error message is telling you one thing but you are reading it as something entirely different.

Please re-read the error message, go back and re-read my earlier reply.
If that doesn't help please follow the instructions in this message again.

Cheers
Rod