AUSTPost module

[RodG]

Thanks for developing such a great module, I've been using it on my website for nearly a year.
Slight problem - I'm setting up a second website - different URL, different server, new ZenCart installation. I've copied all the AustPost files across, including the tpl_modules_shipping_estimator.php file, but nothing is showing up in my modules/shipping list.
I'm totally stumped - why isn't it showing up?
I've recopied the files 3 times, then blew ZenCart away and reinstalled it and tried again, and still it's not showing up in the list of shipping options to install.
I know when I set it up last time I had some teething issues getting it set up right, but the initial installation was very straightforward. Is there a problem because ZenCart is a newer version? Zen Cart v1.3.8a/v1.3.8
Help!!!!

The AP module works fine with all version from 1.3.7 upwards.
If it isn't showing up under the shipping options dropdown it can only be caused by a problem with the upload rather than the module itself.
I suggest you recheck where the files are being uploaded to, and also ensure they are readable by the webserver.

Cheers
Rod

[Lissy]

Hi Rod
Thanks for that. I gave up in the end. I'd checked and quadruple checked the files were in the right spot, reinstalled ZenCart twice and even went through the folders of my old ZenCart website and made sure all the files were in exactly the same places - which they were. So I still have no idea why it wouldn't display the AustPost option in the shipping modules.
Eventually I just copied my existing ZenCart site across to the new server, and started tweaking it there to create my new site.
That worked.
One day of my life down the drain....

[Lissy]

Well, I was doing something else and I think I stumbled on the answer.
Maybe ZenCart have changed their file structure, but the austpost.php files now go in different places to where they're located in the download.
I only realised this because when I was fiddling around I found the file 4 times instead of 2 in the version of ZenCart that was working.
2 of them were in the same places as in the download, 2 weren't.
When I deleted the two in the download places, everything worked just fine.
As soon as I tried deleting the other 2 instead, the module disappeared.
I could be wrong, but it might be worth checking out Rod!

[RodG]

Well, I was doing something else and I think I stumbled on the answer.
Maybe ZenCart have changed their file structure, but the austpost.php files now go in different places to where they're located in the download.
I only realised this because when I was fiddling around I found the file 4 times instead of 2 in the version of ZenCart that was working.
2 of them were in the same places as in the download, 2 weren't.
When I deleted the two in the download places, everything worked just fine.
As soon as I tried deleting the other 2 instead, the module disappeared.
I could be wrong, but it might be worth checking out Rod!

The zencart file structure hasn't changed. The AP module distribution files haven't been changed. The fact that you found duplicated files in different places simply proves that at least one of your uploads was incorrect

Whatever the cause, I'm happy you found it.

Cheers
Rod

[Lissy]

I don't agree with that. For various reasons I had to start again with another clean ZenCart installation on another server, and had exactly the same problem again - nothing showed up in the shipping modules.
This time I was ready for it, copied the files into the correct locations, and it worked perfectly.
In the download, the files are located in
catalog\includes\templates\template_default\images\icons\image files
catalog\includes\languages\english\modules\shipping\austpost.php
catalog\includes\modules\shipping\auspost.php

whereas on the server they're basically all in the same directories MINUS the directory of catalog.

When I installed it this time there wasn't even a directory called catalog in ZenCart - I copied it across. And of course nothing worked, because ZenCart didn't recognise that directory as having anything to with shipping.
In INSTALL.TXT the instructions say quite specifically "Unzip and copy the files into their default destinations (ie, same file structure as the zip archive)."
The files under the admin directory work just fine, so there's no reason to look at the catalog directory and think oh, that's obviously wrong, all that stuff should just go in the includes directory.
Further down in the instructions it talks about files such as /includes/templates/template_default/images/icons/austpost.jpg which is a tipoff that there's no such directory as catalog required.
All that's required is to take out the directory level of "catalog" in the download file and start it at the "includes" level.

[RodG]

I don't agree with that.

Whether you agree or not is irrelevant.
The fact that you apparently wish to 'argue' the matter with the programs' author merely highlights your lack of understanding.

For various reasons I had to start again with another clean ZenCart installation on another server, and had exactly the same problem again - nothing showed up in the shipping modules.

Yet hundreds of other people have installed the exact same module with the exact same zencart version and yet they DIDN'T have the same problem as you. Don't you find that somewhat strange?

This time I was ready for it, copied the files into the correct locations, and it worked perfectly.

Well "Duh!".

In the download, the files are located in
catalog\includes\templates\template_default\images\icons\image files
catalog\includes\languages\english\modules\shipping\austpost.php
catalog\includes\modules\shipping\auspost.php

That is correct.

whereas on the server they're basically all in the same directories MINUS the directory of catalog.

You didn't read the installation notes did you. Or, if you did, you read what you wanted to read, rather than what they said. A common problem, unfortunatly.

When I installed it this time there wasn't even a directory called catalog in ZenCart -

No, nor should there be. It isn't a 'real' directory. It is a 'placeholder' name.

I copied it across. And of course nothing worked, because ZenCart didn't recognise that directory as having anything to with shipping.

Actually, zencart wouldn't recognise that directory as having to do with anything.

In INSTALL.TXT the instructions say quite specifically "Unzip and copy the files into their default destinations (ie, same file structure as the zip archive)."

Correct.

The files under the admin directory work just fine, so there's no reason to look at the catalog directory and think oh, that's obviously wrong, all that stuff should just go in the includes directory.
Further down in the instructions it talks about files such as /includes/templates/template_default/images/icons/austpost.jpg which is a tipoff that there's no such directory as catalog required.
All that's required is to take out the directory level of "catalog" in the download file and start it at the "includes" level.

Yeah, I could do that, but then I'd get 100's of people copying the files into /admin/includes rather than /includes, and frankly, I'd rather them put the files anywhere but under /admin/.

I think your problem is that you are only seeing the installation from your own perspective and own setup.

Both the 'admin' and the 'catalog' directories specified in the AP module archives are, as I have said, placeholder names. They need to be substituted with the REAL path names applicable to any given server.

Many of us DON'T have a zencart 'admin' directory, We place our admin files into a directory of an alternate name - it helps improve security if outsiders don't know where your admin files are located.

As for the 'catalog' directory ... well, *none* of us have one of that name. Typically, the 'catalog' files are stored in a directory called:

/var/www/shop/
/var/www/zencart/
/docroot/htdocs/store

Or any one of dozens of other variants. Even your store catalog will be located under a similarly named directory. so rather than try to cover all possible variants, I have simply called the directory to use 'catalog', it is up to the person doing the install to know exactly where THEIR catalog files are stored.

Now, before you try to redeem yourself again with whatever you 'think' is the 'right' way to do things, please be advised that this is all basic zencart stuff. As you continue to work with the store and add new modules you'll find quite a number of modules will use the exact same naming practices. Will you be telling those authors they've got it wrong too?

RodG

[dw08gm]

Although I have yet to test on a live site, I sense this is a Great Mod Rod.

I am wondering, however, if it is possible to forcefully exclude certain items in a bulk order from group packaging/shipping, where an item is always shipped in its own packaging and at its own shipping rate.

I am thinking specifically of poster tubes that cannot (or should not) be included in normal boxed or bagged packages, however, there may be other items of similar circumstance.

I imagine a simple checkbox would be solve this problem, but I have no real understanding of how to construct or implement same.

Your thoughts or solutions greatly appreciated.

TIA

[RodG]

I am wondering, however, if it is possible to forcefully exclude certain items in a bulk order from group packaging/shipping, where an item is always shipped in its own packaging and at its own shipping rate.

With zencart anything is possible. :-)

I am thinking specifically of poster tubes that cannot (or should not) be included in normal boxed or bagged packages, however, there may be other items of similar circumstance.

I imagine a simple checkbox would be solve this problem, but I have no real understanding of how to construct or implement same.

Your thoughts or solutions greatly appreciated.

TIA

A 'simple checkbox' would only be the icing on the cake. Additional code will be required to make the checkbox actually do something. :-)

Anyway, if you are looking for an 'easy' solution, there isn't one. Probably the best way to achieve this would to create a special category for the items in question, and then modify the austpost.php code to exclude that category from normal processing. The means of doing this has been discussed in other threads/posts.

Needless to say, if the items are excluded from the normal processing you will then need to add an alternative postage method (or pricing) to handle their charges.

Cheers
Rod

[dw08gm]

With zencart anything is possible. :-)


A 'simple checkbox' would only be the icing on the cake. Additional code will be required to make the checkbox actually do something. :-)

Anyway, if you are looking for an 'easy' solution, there isn't one. Probably the best way to achieve this would to create a special category for the items in question, and then modify the austpost.php code to exclude that category from normal processing. The means of doing this has been discussed in other threads/posts.

Needless to say, if the items are excluded from the normal processing you will then need to add an alternative postage method (or pricing) to handle their charges.

Cheers
Rod

Hi Rod

I am beginning to realise my tendency to over-simplify complex issues. Must be the engineer in me.

Anyway I notice the Quantity Discounts module has code to exclude discounting on nominated products and categories, and IIRC also provides for alternate discount schedules. Other than QD, I am not aware of other threads/post discussing this issue.

For the moment, as a newbie to php/msql, I may rest content by attaching a note to certain products with unusual or exotic package dimensions that recommends ordering the product separately.

BTW Do you run your own shop? If so, I would love a look at it.

Best Regards

[RodG]

Hi Rod

I am beginning to realise my tendency to over-simplify complex issues. Must be the engineer in me.

And I was under the impression that an enjinears job was to make simple things appear complex. <big grin>

Anyway I notice the Quantity Discounts module has code to exclude discounting on nominated products and categories, and IIRC also provides for alternate discount schedules. Other than QD, I am not aware of other threads/post discussing this issue.

I know nothing of QD or its processing.

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56242
is one thread you might find useful.

For the moment, as a newbie to php/msql, I may rest content by attaching a note to certain products with unusual or exotic package dimensions that recommends ordering the product separately.

Good, in theory, but in practice it probably won't be as effective as you would hope/expect.

BTW Do you run your own shop?

That depends on your definition of 'run' and 'shop'. <grin>

My partner and I do have a working zen-cart with a few dozen misc items listed. It is mainly used for testing, development and 'convenience' rather than being used as an active online store though.

if so, I would love a look at it.

http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?ma...try=13&page=10

http://shop.vcsweb.com/

Cheers
RodG