ozpost shipping module

RodG:

Disappears as in it simply doesn't show, or disappears in that it can't find any valid methods?

There is a clue here somewhere... why am I not seeing it?

Cheers
Rod

The shipping estimator completely disappears.. not even the fall back rates appear...

RodG:

Current conclusion .... there is something about v1.0.2 (and possibly other V1's) that has always been broken, but broken in such a way that it had no obvious ill effects.
Recent changes to the server code has now detected/reacted to this broken code, meanwhile the broken code was fixed at some point after 1.0.2, even though I wasn't aware it was broken in the first place.

Does this seem reasonable, or does it seem a little far fetched?

Given that you know the code more than anyone, and the facts at hand, I'd say your were on the right horse...

The cache issue still has me stumped tho.. I tried the same test on my daughters netbook, which as never been on my site, and the same results.. eg clearing cache rectified/resurrected the shipping estimator..

RodG:

I can however give you one tiny tip/suggestion, the new server code is somewhat fussy about postcodes, in that they must now actually be legitimate ... with the older code it was possible to enter invalid codes such as '9999' and still get a legitimate looking quotes. The new code will fall back to the flat rates if such postcodes are used.

I did actually assume that to be the case, so when I was changing the shipping location, for each State, I was using the CBD postocde, eg x000 as the destination..

If I can do any more testing (read.. be a guinea pig) please let me know.. you've done soo much for my coding issues, So be happy to help out where I can..

Mike

Mike_Dean:

If I can do any more testing (read.. be a guinea pig) please let me know.. you've done soo much for my coding issues, So be happy to help out where I can..

Once again I'm at a bit of an impasse and can't even think of anything more that you can do to help. I'd thought about asking you to enable the debug, but I suspect it won't be of much help as there wasn't a lot of debugging information made avaliable in V1.

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

Once again I'm at a bit of an impasse and can't even think of anything more that you can do to help. I'd thought about asking you to enable the debug, but I suspect it won't be of much help as there wasn't a lot of debugging information made avaliable in V1.

Cheers
Rod

Hi Rod,

Didn't really want to throw more spanners in the works, but I feel I am about too :unsure:

I just switched the php version on my test site (which is ZC 1.3.9c and ozpost 2.05) from PHP 5.3 back to PHP 5.2.11 to test an unrelated issue, and the shipping estimator broke eg, it disappears..
I did change the store name back to a single entity, to see if it had the same pattern as ozpost 1.X on my live site, but it made no difference..
Is this all related, or have I uncovered something you'd rather I hadn't ?

Mike

We came across this problem Friday night when a customer contacted us saying she couldn't buy anything....there were no post options.

We are running Zen Cart 1.3.8a were using Version 1.02 of ozpost I believe.

We upgraded to V2.05 as that was what was being advised at the time. It seemed to fix the problem, at least immediately.

Unfortunately we seem to be having intermittent problems. It works sometimes, and others it doesn't. With the estimator, repressing the done button will give the rates, but not always.

We haven't upgraded to the V2.06 yet as it seemed corrected....will V2.06 clear this issue up at all?

Mike_Dean:

Hi Rod,

Didn't really want to throw more spanners in the works, but I feel I am about too :unsure:

I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to stop doing that. Spanners and works really don't go well together. :-)

Mike_Dean:

I just switched the php version on my test site (which is ZC 1.3.9c and ozpost 2.05) from PHP 5.3 back to PHP 5.2.11 to test an unrelated issue, and the shipping estimator broke eg, it disappears..

Oh, a really big spanner. Our server is running 5.2.10 and doesn't have any problem.

Mike_Dean:

I did change the store name back to a single entity, to see if it had the same pattern as ozpost 1.X on my live site, but it made no difference..
Is this all related, or have I uncovered something you'd rather I hadn't ?

I'm not really seeing how it could be related, but I also can't really discount the possibility. For this one you'll probably need to inspect the log files and/or zencarts debug files - One or the other is sure to give some kind of clue. Even enabling the ozpost debug setting may offer some kind of clue.

Cheers
Rod

AussieMaille:

Unfortunately we seem to be having intermittent problems. It works sometimes, and others it doesn't. With the estimator, repressing the done button will give the rates, but not always.

Do you have a URL where I can test/check this for myself? I'm not doubting that there is a problem, but I need to look for any kind of pattern so that I can replicate (and hopefully fix) the problem.

AussieMaille:

We haven't upgraded to the V2.06 yet as it seemed corrected....will V2.06 clear this issue up at all?

Probably not. The changes between V2.0.5 and V2.0.6 were quite minimal and mainly of a cosmetic nature.

Cheers
Rod

Ok, so I upgraded from v1.x.x to v2.0.6 ozpost on Friday evening and everything appeared to be working ok.

However, it appears that the estimated rates are a tad off. I'm reasonably certain that the setup has been done correctly as I've copied all the old setting into the new one. But certain postcodes are coming back with values a little bit off (<$1) away from their real values. Have the postal rates changed? It was fine before I upgraded...

Also, 3kg express satchel is not showing up, but 3kg satchel is coming up fine. Both have been enabled. That's really strange since they'd use the same parcel weight and dimensions...

AussieMaille:

Unfortunately we seem to be having intermittent problems. It works sometimes, and others it doesn't. With the estimator, repressing the done button will give the rates, but not always.

I've identified your store based on your forum username, and have spent the last few minutes adding items to the cart, refreshing the shipping estimator, etc, and so far not a single failure.

Exactly how intermittent is this problem? Is there anything that you (or I) can do to invoke it?

The people that that reported problems, do you know if they were logged in at the time?

Is the problem related to any particular product or products?

Any clues will be helpful.

Meanwhile, I would like to inform you that there is something amiss with your installation.. Nothing that would cause this problem, but it does affect how your quote screen appears.

There is a file in the ozpost release package called "tpl_modules_shipping_estimator.php" This needs to be copied into your /custom/ folder (whatever that may be with your setup).

It also appears that the ozpost languages file may also be incorreclty positioned because the logs indicate not all of your 'defines' are being set.

Cheers
Rod

Hi Rod,

Will you be adding Hunter Express to the list?

We have an account, but you don't require an account to use the frieght calculator. Pretty much charging on weight basis, which ever is larger. Actual or Cubic.

http://online.hunterexpress.com.au/huntermel/price_freight.do?start=true

Cheers,
Michael

somedood:

However, it appears that the estimated rates are a tad off.

Please provide an example.

Generally speaking the rates provided will be accurate or not provided at all. Where there is a discrepancy between what the user expects and what the module provides it is the user that has it wrong.

somedood:

I'm reasonably certain that the setup has been done correctly as I've copied all the old setting into the new one.

Not an easy task considering V2 has a lot more settings than V1 :-)

Also, take careful note of the way the handling charges are defined, as some of them are applied differently between the versions.

somedood:

But certain postcodes are coming back with values a little bit off (<$1) away from their real values.

Again, I need specific examples.

somedood:

Have the postal rates changed?

Yes, they have changed since V1.x..x but it shouldn't make any difference in regards to accuracy because the quotes are obtained in real time so you should always get the most up to date rates.

somedood:

It was fine before I upgraded...

That's what they all say. Seriously, I've now lost count of the number of people that are still using the obsolete 'AustPost' module that hasn't been able to produce a valid quote for well over a year now, that have pretty much insisted it was fine until recently.

somedood:

Also, 3kg express satchel is not showing up, but 3kg satchel is coming up fine. Both have been enabled. That's really strange since they'd use the same parcel weight and dimensions...

Strange: My test (your site)

3 Days Estimated Delivery.
Includes $2.00 Packaging & Handling. ) $11.90

3 Days Estimated Delivery.
Includes $2.00 Packaging & Handling. ) $13.30

I've no explanation why it doesn't show for you.

Cheers
Rod

giftpackaging:

Hi Rod,

Will you be adding Hunter Express to the list?

It isn't one that I've considered, mainly due to the fact that I've never heard of them before.

I won't say that I won't or can't add it, but I will say "don't hold your breath waiting".

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

I've identified your store based on your forum username, and have spent the last few minutes adding items to the cart, refreshing the shipping estimator, etc, and so far not a single failure.

Sorry, had to step out.

Exactly how intermittent is this problem? Is there anything that you (or I) can do to invoke it?

My husband sent me some screen shots, where the estimator worked for him, but as soon as he went to check out, there were errors.

Right now, I can trigger local (Australian) rates, but when I try for o/s (America) there are no estimates showing and they get the we aren't shipping to your area message in the cart.

The people that that reported problems, do you know if they were logged in at the time?

The ones who have mentioned it were logged at the time, but I have tried both and received mixed results.

Is the problem related to any particular product or products?

Not that I am aware of.

Meanwhile, I would like to inform you that there is something amiss with your installation.. Nothing that would cause this problem, but it does affect how your quote screen appears.

There is a file in the ozpost release package called "tpl_modules_shipping_estimator.php" This needs to be copied into your /custom/ folder (whatever that may be with your setup).

It also appears that the ozpost languages file may also be incorreclty positioned because the logs indicate not all of your 'defines' are being set.

Cheers
Rod

Thank you for this, I will pass it on to my husband, he is the one that set it up.

AussieMaille:

My husband sent me some screen shots, where the estimator worked for him, but as soon as he went to check out, there were errors.

Oh? What kind of errors? Did it report an error or is this the same as your previous description of "It works sometimes, and others it doesn't".

An error message is much more informative (as long as I know what the error message is).

AussieMaille:

Right now, I can trigger local (Australian) rates, but when I try for o/s (America) there are no estimates showing

And once again, I've just checked the same thing on your store and have no problem at all...

    Shipping quotes are based on the address information you selected:
      United States                         Available Shipping Methods        Rates                      (![](http://www.aussiemaille.com/includes/templates/template_default/images/icons/ozpost_austpost_logo.png) ![](http://www.aussiemaille.com/includes/templates/template_default/images/icons/ozpost_air.png) 12 Days Estimated Delivery.

Includes $2.00 Packaging & Handling. ) $29.30 ( 13 Days Estimated Delivery.
Includes $2.00 Packaging & Handling. ) $34.50 ( 13 Days Estimated Delivery.
Includes $2.00 Packaging & Handling. +$13.35 fee) $42.65

AussieMaille:

and they get the we aren't shipping to your area message in the cart.

I must inform you that none of the ozpost (or the older AustPost) modules will ever produce this error message. This means you must have another shipping module enabled that produces that particular error message, and if I were a gambling man I'd take this is a clue and reckon that if THAT module finds a problem with the delivery area specified then it is quite likely the ozpost module ALSO won't be able to provide a quote to that SAME destination - In other words, you have two different shipping modules telling you the same thing - This means either both shipping modules are 'wrong' OR you have (had) something set up to dissallow shipping to that particular destination. Either way, this doesn't appear to be an ozpost problem.

AussieMaille:

The ones who have mentioned it were logged at the time, but I have tried both and received mixed results.

My tests indicate nothing amiss, so we are obviosuly both testing different things - For me to duplicate the problem (and therefore find or offer a solution) we are both going to be doing the same thing, and as you can apparently replicate the problem quite easily, I am going to need you to tell me exactly what items (and how many) are in the cart when you experience the problem, along with the parcel destination at the time of the problem.

You might also try disabling/removing any shipping modules that you are not using (This is just standard/recommended practice). It minimises the possible cause of any given problem.

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

Oh, a really big spanner. Our server is running 5.2.10 and doesn't have any problem.

Cheers
Rod

I'll swap the spanner for a small socket set...

When switching to PHP 5.2.11 its not ozpost that's breaking, its ZC's admin (At least I think..)

I went to turn on the debugging for ZC and ozpost and half of the shipping options have disappeared in ZC admin. The only ones that are now showing are 2 free options, 1 flat rate and the per item...

All other admin options, including payment etc all appear to be ok.. It's just shipping that's gone askew with the earlier version of PHP

Weird..!!

Mike_Dean:

All other admin options, including payment etc all appear to be ok.. It's just shipping that's gone askew with the earlier version of PHP

Weird..!!

Delete/move any shipping modules that your aren't using (do this via a file manager rather than the admin functions). If the problem persists delete/move the remaining modules one by one until the problem goes away.

Well, that is what I would be doing.

Cheers
Rod

Thanks Rod.

The Ozpost was the only one enabled, but free shipper and AustPost were both installed. I have via the admin area I have unistalled those two modules but I am still getting an error message that says.

Not Available At This Time
Sorry, we are not shipping to your region at this time.
Please contact us for alternate arrangements

There is no shipping estimate when using an American addy.

Using 1 stock item of this http://www.aussiemaille.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=80 when I try to deliver to an Australian Address it is fine.

I just added a book to the cart instead, and that shipped fine, I tried 5 of the above mentioned rings and that is fine also, but 1 packet triggers the not delivering to your area. The details I have been using as a test are for Colorado with a post code of 80906 if that makes any difference.

There have been no code changes to the items, or the way they are processed, yet we have sent small orders off that were one bag overseas before this weekend without triggering the error message.

Thanks for your time Rod....it's greatly appreciated.

sgallasch:

G'day Rod,

version 1.38

I have installed the latest version and it all works fine. But i have found a problem with my FCKeditor, it does not seem to want to work properly anymore. When i restore my website to a back up version running the fist version of ozpost my FCKeditor is working fine.

Have you had this issue reported to you? Do you think the new ozpost module can interfere with the editor? Do you have any suggestions on how i might resolve this problem.

The original ozpost module was great but now doesn't want to connect to the Australia post server anymore is there anyway you could reset this module for the people that don't need all the new improvements of the newest version of ozpost.

This would solve my issues and would be greatly appreciated if you supported the early version to server once again.

Thanks Rod.

Best Regards Sean

section of the new 1.3.9 code in either
admin\includes\modules\product\collect_info.php
or
admin\includes\modules\update_product.php
causes fckeditor to malfunction; these 1.3.9 files have been added to the new ozpost module so it is compatible with the new zencart;
however if your using 1.3.8 and want to update your ozpost and still use your FCKeditor... the new ozpost only updated these files to make it compatible with 1.3.9 and you don’t need to update the admin update_product.php and collect_info.php if your using 1.3.8; am I correct rod?

attached are the 2 files for 1.3.8/1.3.8a that should fix your problem, but we better get the ok from rod.

AussieMaille:

Thanks Rod.

The Ozpost was the only one enabled, but free shipper and AustPost were both installed. I have via the admin area I have unistalled those two modules but I am still getting an error message that says.

Not Available At This Time
Sorry, we are not shipping to your region at this time.
Please contact us for alternate arrangements

I can only repeat, this message is NOT produced by ozpost. I know nothing about whatever module does produce this error.

AussieMaille:

There is no shipping estimate when using an American addy.
Using 1 stock item of this http://www.aussiemaille.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=80 when I try to deliver to an Australian Address it is fine.

With this information I have been able to duplicate the problem. (I wonder how many guesses it would have taken me otherwise?)

AussieMaille:

I just added a book to the cart instead, and that shipped fine, I tried 5 of the above mentioned rings and that is fine also, but 1 packet triggers the not delivering to your area.

At this stage you have all the information required to solve your own problem (Well, at least one of them). I'd like you to think on this a little before I put you out of your misery though. :-)

AussieMaille:

The details I have been using as a test are for Colorado with a post code of 80906 if that makes any difference.

No, that will not make a difference. Overseas quotes are based on country only. Any other input data is ignored.

AussieMaille:

There have been no code changes to the items, or the way they are processed,

That's good, it shows that you're thinking :-)

AussieMaille:

yet we have sent small orders off that were one bag overseas before this weekend without triggering the error message.

Again, I can't explain that error message (I am aware of its existence, I simply don't know where or what module it originates from or what it is that triggers it), but I can explain the missing overseas postage with that single/specific item.

I'll give you a couple of hints.

1. It has something to do with the size/weight of this single item compared to the size/weight of several of these items combined.

2. It has something to do with a difference between the methods allowed for Australian Delivery vs the Methods you have allowed for overseas delivery.

In addition to this I'll give you a 'tip' - I can't remember if v2.0.5 had this or if it was something I added to v2.0.6 - Anyway, it is an 'old' tip that has been applicable to all versions of ozpost - namely, the
Hide parcel rates if letter sized ? setting, which states "If the parcel/items are letter sized would you like to hide the parcel postage rates?"

I think this description is self-explanatory, but it now comes with this:
Tip: If you dissallow letters set this to NO.

OK, so you now have two clues and a useful tip. Any ideas what the problem is yet?

That's right, you have allowed letter rates for Australian Delivery, but dissallowed them for overseas. This, combined with the fact that you have told the module to hide parcel rates if the item is letter sized, means that you simply haven't allowed any valid method to send this single item overseas.. parcel rates are hidden, letter rates not allowed.

Solutions.
1 Allow letter rates for overseas shipping
2. DON'T hide the parcel rates if the item is 'letter sized'.
3. Alter the minimum weight/dimensions of the item(s) so they will never be classified as being suitable for letter rates.

My recommended solution is #2 (if you really want to dissallow overseas letter rates), or, Solution#1 if you wish to offer your customers the cheapest possible postage.

Apologies for making you 'work' to get to these solutions (I've had to work harder to get here too), but i beleive that if I can make people think about some of these kinds of problems rather than simply asking for and expecting answers, over the longer term this early effort is sure to pay off. :-)

Cheers
Rod

vandiermen:

am I correct rod?
.

I don't know. I avoid getting into discussion about fixes for which I wasn't even aware was a problem.

What is the exact/specific nature of this fix?

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

Delete/move any shipping modules that your aren't using (do this via a file manager rather than the admin functions). If the problem persists delete/move the remaining modules one by one until the problem goes away.

Well, that is what I would be doing.

Cheers
Rod

And Now I'll put the socket set away.. and pick up the spanner again.

I did, as suggested, and started removing the various other shipping modules via the files themselves..

At the end I was left with no modules at all, and it did not resolve itself. I then went in reverse and only deleted the ozpost file and all was good.

That was on PHP 5.2.11.. I was going to try an earlier version of PHP, but Apache kept having a hissy..

On PHP5.3 no issues at all...