What addons are suggested for a new 1.3.8 build

Hi all, been awhile, but I'm back :D

Here's the question based on the shops 2 main criteria as listed:

1. Dual language (French/English)
2. Dual pricing (Retail/Wholesale) (note: wholesale requires 3 tiers)

Store market - skin care products and services

What addon's or enhancements would you highly suggested to integrate with a clean 1.3.8 ZC and why?

Thanks in advance

Welcome back!

Recommend:

Dual Pricing - Wholesale Pricing
French language Pack
Super Orders
CSS Buttons
Light Box
French language Pack
World Zones
Google Checkout

I would not build a site without ImageHandler 2 (IH2)
http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&products_id=117

It says version 1.3.7 but it works great on 1.3.8a too!
JOhn ><>

I'd say, use the absolute minimum number of add-ins possible. The next generation of Zen Cart is due shortly and every add-in that you install on a new store now will make upgrading a little more complicated.

Hey hey Kuroi, nice seeing you've been busy...lol 6000 posts and moving:smartalec:

Even though the next rev is about to happen, what I see so far are suggested addons that keep up to pace so far as new ports of ZC arrive and that's good.

Only one pet peeve I got is I hope that ZC one day ends up with a easier templating system as it's not for first timers that's for sure:smartalec: unless you keep it like almost every other cart in regards to styling.

IntelCos, have you read the 2.0 announcement?

IntelCos:

Only one pet peeve I got is I hope that ZC one day ends up with a easier templating system as it's not for first timers that's for sure:smartalec: unless you keep it like almost every other cart in regards to styling.... and yet, maybe ironically, its because it was easier in Zen Cart than any of the also rans to imlement the designs I and my clients wanted, that I chose to work exclusively with Zen Cart! And lots has been written about 2.0 showing that it's going to get easier still.
:clap:

That's like tossing out candy but the stores closed.

All's fine and dandy for ver 2 when it gets here, not to mention any addons or lang paks that will need to be waited out for.

At the moment my main concern is getting a functional and stable cart together based on users comments in regards to "must have" addons and why these addons add better functions and more value to the cart system.

Saying to me this is a must have is fine, but tell me why such an addon is suggested and in what way does it impact better sales throughput or functionality.

Manys thanks in advance

Gary

I'll second kuroi's comment about installing as few mods as possible. I think a lot of Zenners get carried away with all the possibilities, and run into problems with mods that don't work together well.

Most of the mods I install are admin-related, including:

Master Password - lets you log in as any customer.

P.O. Box Ban - UPS won't deliver to P.O. boxes.

Admin Store Name - makes adminning multiple stores a little easier.

Customer Tax Exempt - if you need it.

Store related mods I use include:

Column Grid Layout - better product listing layout options.

Cart Sidebox with Free Shipping Qualifier and Checkout Button
Login Box - These two depend on how your store is laid out.

I just started using Fast and Easy Checkout, and so far I like it a lot, though the combined page is a little busy. Easier for customers, though.

Good tips so far,

K, you say this is easy to make templates for...you got to be kidding me?

Take Joomla for example., one css file and one index file and multiple templates that can be made that are outside of the common square box designs. I've yet to see any ZC install that has a template that stands out from the standard box/col layouts. I'm not saying that ZC is bad, don't get me wrong here, but it is far from being simple when it comes to templating. And try to make it cross browser happy or PDA/Smartphone friendly, whew that's a chore and a half.

Joomla and many others, ad a mod or other feature and it does not need anything down to template it. Just install and turn it on.

In fact, I've played with even an OSC conversion for Joomla and once again, the major templating still well resides in two or three files where one can make use of the latest java/mootools, web 2.+, accessibility standards and more.

Unless I'm wrong, but nothing in ZC template design has yet to show me a WOWIE site beyond box and color variations. sure, one can piece is some flash work, but this is where most require a great deal of patience and deeper understanding into the inner workings of ZC.

But, I'm working on a new build and that is the reason for this thread to get feedback from the gurus and experts as to a "Best Fit" method of options to better cart function and most of all "Sales"

Don't need overkill, just stable options that give a better outcome with limited hassle to implement.:clap: