ozpost shipping module

I have been using the ozpost module for a couple of years and it was all going fine until recently when I caught wind of the new license system being introduced. It's very hard to find definitive information about exactly how this works. I saw references to unsubscribed users using only static rates, but I don't understand whether this is something within Ozpost or whether I should set up my own tables.

As this thread is now 107 pages long I'd like to suggest a separate thread specifically about the Ozpost subscription issue opened with a clear explanation of what we get if we do or don't pay.

OK back to my specific case. I'm still on 1.3.7, because it's all working OK and I don't have a lot of time to upgrade every time and make sure that my little tweaks still work etc etc.

I thought I'd install the new ozpost module to see if there was more info about the licensing, but instead got the "node missing line 108" error that another user with 1.3.7 has also reported. Rod's advice to him was to upgrade to 1.3.9.

I started to upgrade zencart but then realised that my shop is mainly for music downloads, and I send out max 5 CDs a month, usually less. It's definitely not worth me paying for fully functional ozpost (although I did like the full range of options it gave my customers).

The problem for me is not so much zencart version 1.3.7 as the ozpost module. For now I've removed ozpost and I'm offering free shipping on our CDs until I get a better option. (ethnosuperlounge.com/eslshop, if you're interested in Indian and Tibetan music)

I guess I can easily set "per item" shipping based on zone as it's pretty easy to calculate the cost of sending a single CD, but that does make it less likely people will buy in bulk.

Or I could set up table based shipping and enter tables based on Aust Post rates. Anyone already done this? Is this what ozpost will offer by default if I don't pay, so I don't need to set it up, just upgrade my zencart version?

Having some problems with the OZ Post Vs 2.0.6 I am using Zen Cart 1.3.8a.

I have been scratching my head on this problem for a while now looks like an intermittent problem with the shipping estimator which randomly returns "Fixed Cost which are only shown when no other methods are available"

Is it possible the supply of data is having issues. It seems to work fine when it's going, and returning the correct rates. I also noticed that sometimes you need to log in for it to work..

Very weird any assistance would be appreciated.

Best Regards
RR

shen:

It's very hard to find definitive information about exactly how this works. I saw references to unsubscribed users using only static rates, but I don't understand whether this is something within Ozpost or whether I should set up my own tables.

The ozpost module has the ability to quote on a cost per item, a cost by weight or a flat rate basis. This is/was desined to enble quotes to be obtained if the servers were unavailable for any reason. After the free trial period has ended the servers wil effectively be unavailable so only those static rates will show (unless you add another module)

shen:

As this thread is now 107 pages long I'd like to suggest a separate thread specifically about the Ozpost subscription issue opened with a clear explanation of what we get if we do or don't pay.

I suggest that the person making the suggestion might like to take up their own suggestion rather than leaving it to someone else. :smile:

shen:

OK back to my specific case. I'm still on 1.3.7, because it's all working OK and I don't have a lot of time to upgrade every time

Other than recently, upgrades only came around about once a year.
Recent upgrades have been due to the addition of more courier services for those times when items are outside the limits of what aust Post will accept.

shen:

and make sure that my little tweaks still work etc etc.

You must be thinking of a different module :-)

shen:

I thought I'd install the new ozpost module to see if there was more info about the licensing, but instead got the "node missing line 108" error that another user with 1.3.7 has also reported. Rod's advice to him was to upgrade to 1.3.9.

Very good advice I might add.

shen:

I started to upgrade zencart

You don't need to upgrade zencart in order to use the ozpost module. It has been confirmed to work with all versions of zen 1.3.7 up to the latestest 1.3.9e

shen:

but then realised that my shop is mainly for music downloads, and I send out max 5 CDs a month, usually less. It's definitely not worth me paying for fully functional ozpost

Yet I'm still happy to answer your questions.

shen:

The problem for me is not so much zencart version 1.3.7 as the ozpost module.

I beg to differ.... your zen 1.3.7 is an exploit waiting to happen.
All the shipping module will do is cause you to rethink your shipping methods and what is important to you.

shen:

I guess I can easily set "per item" shipping based on zone as it's pretty easy to calculate the cost of sending a single CD, but that does make it less likely people will buy in bulk.

As I say, you need to decide what it important to you. If this change means you will lose $5.00per month in bulk sales, then perhaps the subscription fee isn't so bad after all?

shen:

Or I could set up table based shipping and enter tables based on Aust Post rates. Anyone already done this?

That'll probably work, and someone probably has already done it.. There is also a resurrected 'Aust Post' module in the add-ons section that may be all you require.

shen:

Is this what ozpost will offer by default if I don't pay,

No. The expired ozpost module will not supply table rates, you need a different module for that,

shen:

so I don't need to set it up, just upgrade my zencart version?

You need to upgrade your zencart version because of security issues not because of anything to do with ozpost.

Cheers
Rod

Renz:

Is it possible the supply of data is having issues. It seems to work fine when it's going, and returning the correct rates.

This could be caused by almost anything, overloaded server (your or ours), network congestion, network dropouts, etc, etc.

Renz:

I also noticed that sometimes you need to log in for it to work..

Let me guess, when it doesn't work it returns the fixed costs? How are you sure that this isn't caused by the same intermittent problem?

Renz:

Very weird any assistance would be appreciated.

I don't think there is much I/we can do for you really ... the log files don't indicate any server issues, we haven't had any other reports to indicate that it is a server issue, the code hasn't changed any, so it is currently looking like it may be an intermittent problem with your server, or worse, one of the routers inbetween your server and ours.

This kind of issue needs to be fault found from your end of things.

Cheers
Rod

Hi RodG, thanks for your fast response I am not an expert in these matters and as such have not idea were to look at my end of things.

I will pass your responses on to my server support guy who I have dealt with for years and see what he says..Can you point me in the right direction. Pls.

Also I see from the past that we used to use this server drc.edeliver.com.au and now use this one for information ozpost.vcsweb.com are these inter-changeable in case of outage or intermittent issues.

Thanks

Best Regards
RR

Renz:

Hi RodG, thanks for your fast response I am not an expert in these matters and as such have not idea were to look at my end of things.

I will pass your responses on to my server support guy who I have dealt with for years and see what he says..Can you point me in the right direction. Pls.

I can't tell you any more than I already have.

Renz:

Also I see from the past that we used to use this server drc.edeliver.com.au

I suspect many people will be going back to the old versions of AustPost (or AusPost) specifically to use this server once again.

Renz:

and now use this one for information ozpost.vcsweb.com are these inter-changeable in case of outage or intermittent issues.

No they are not interchangable.

If the problems you originally described relate to a module that connects to drc.edeliver.com.au then YOU ARE NOT USING OZPOST, and your intermittent problems are probably a result of instabilty with the drc server, which is/was the prime reason dedicated servers have been setup for the ozpost module.

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

I suspect many people will be going back to the old versions of AustPost (or AusPost) specifically to use this server once again.

No they are not interchangable.

If the problems you originally described relate to a module that connects to drc.edeliver.com.au then YOU ARE NOT USING OZPOST, and your intermittent problems are probably a result of instabilty with the drc server, which is/was the prime reason dedicated servers have been setup for the ozpost module.

Cheers
Rod

Hello RodG, No in my first post I stated I was using Oz Post and the version as well as the zen cart vs.

Why do you suggest people will be going back to the AusPost to use the drc.edeliver.com.au which you claim is unstable and the prime reason the dedicated servers have been set up.

The only reason I asked if they are inter-changeable is that I also have a zen cart vs 1.3.0.2 and that is fed by the drc and has been for 4 years, ironically it has never missed a beat.

Unfortunately if the module (OZ Post 2.0.6) starts to miss fire again, and you cant offer any advice as to why the module doesn't get data to return the results regularly, I will have to reluctantly downgrade to an older version, even if it does have those horrendous unprofessional icons in the invoice.

Many Thanks
RR

I realise people will always want the free version of everything, but hasn't the author of this mod already said what you will get if you pay? And if you don't, the thing countdowns.

...around $2.00 a week or something if you pay in advance (pays for itself a dozen times over for me...)

That said, ...

Rod, I agree - people are confused.

Can you not make it clear for us all?

I thought the new thread idea was cool, why not start it?

Renz:

The only reason I asked if they are inter-changeable is that I also have a zen cart vs 1.3.0.2 and that is fed by the drc and has been for 4 years, ironically it has never missed a beat.

Documented evidence shows otherwise. I think that what you really meant was that to the best of your knowledge it hasn't missed a beat.

Not that it is important in any way... well least of all, not to me.
THe biggest issue with the DRC server (also well documented) is that is it failes of a friday evening, it often doesn't get fixed until the following Monday (or Tuesday if on a long weekend). It doesn't happen often perhaps 2 or 3 times a year - Which for me, was 2 or 3 times too often.

Renz:

Unfortunately if the module (OZ Post 2.0.6) starts to miss fire again, and you cant offer any advice as to why the module doesn't get data to return the results regularly,

I don't know what advice you are expecting. I have told you all that I can possible can. There doesn't appear anything amiss with the ozpost server (where are all the other complaints?), so whatever your problem is, it is outside of anything that I have any control over.

Renz:

I will have to reluctantly downgrade to an older version,

If you feel that is the best thing for you then please go ahead and do it. I don't need to know.

Renz:

even if it does have those horrendous unprofessional icons in the invoice.

Icons can easily be changed or removed, so don't let that stop you, and this is going to be far easier than trying to get me to give you advice beyond what I have already provided.

Cheers
Rod

tpeck:

Rod, I agree - people are confused.

Now tell me something I didn't already know. :-)

tpeck:

Can you not make it clear for us all?

Only if you can tell me what isn't clear.

Not that it will help though, no matter what, people are always going to be confused - Best I can do is try to clear up any confusion as and when asked.

tpeck:

I thought the new thread idea was cool, why not start it?

Because I have neither the time, nor the inclination. (Not that it takes more than 0.05sec). Anyone can start any thread about any topic - To me it doesn't make any difference, my daily task is to do a search for 'ozpost' and If relevent I'll respond no matter what thread it is posted in. I beleive that should a new thread be created it is just one more area that people will need to seek for ozpost related information.

Cheers
Rod

Renz:

Why do you suggest people will be going back to the AusPost to use the drc.edeliver.com.au which you claim is unstable and the prime reason the dedicated servers have been set up.

Ooop, missed this question... Until recently, access to the ozpost servers have been free. This has now changed and the free service is only avaialbe for 60days from the first time it is used by any given store).

I expect up to 98% of the current ozpost users will not follow through with the paid service and will be reverting back to something that uses the drc servers.

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

Only if you can tell me what isn't clear.

Not that it will help though, no matter what, people are always going to be confused - Best I can do is try to clear up any confusion as and when asked.

Because I have neither the time, nor the inclination

Well, maybe a new thread isn't the answer - it's only a suggestion - to place a kinda FAQ sheet about the new subscription service all in one place, so interested people don't have to search through this thread - and you spend less time answering the same queries over and over.

e.g. in the download I think there is only one line about the subscription changes in the servers.txt file (like I never read it either!)

But it's no biggie if you are happy to answer queries when they arise.

On a different topic - and this IS a biggie for me(!), can you say when the ego.com.au service might be added to the zencart ozpost?

This is a very promising lower cost transport service Australia-wide and I would very much like to take advantage of it. Haven't tried it yet - though will tomorrow...

tpeck:

On a different topic - and this IS a biggie for me(!), can you say when the ego.com.au service might be added to the zencart ozpost?

This is a very promising lower cost transport service Australia-wide and I would very much like to take advantage of it. Haven't tried it yet - though will tomorrow...

Ozpost V2.0.9 supports quotes from ego.com.au

(download from ozpost,net is it can't be found in the addons)

Cheers
Rod

Thanks mate, I'll get on to that right away!

Talk about service!

I've re-installed the 2.0.9 version twice now and I just can't get the e-go option to show in the admin ozpost shipping module settings.

I get the Fastway options and the Transdirect, but not the e-go option.

It's got to be me I suppose, or some plugin I've added that's conflicting maybe(?), but where is it supposed to show up?

tpeck:

I've re-installed the 2.0.9 version twice now and I just can't get the e-go option to show in the admin ozpost shipping module settings.

I get the Fastway options and the Transdirect, but not the e-go option.

It's got to be me I suppose, or some plugin I've added that's conflicting maybe(?), but where is it supposed to show up?

Did you press the Remove/Install button? (This needs to be done after any upgrade that adds new features or functionality).
It'll show up as:

E-go Parcel

Immeditely below the TransDirect.

Cheers
Rod

As usual, that fixed it. Thanks. Brain on permanent holiday.

Have you noticed that the E-go number of days is 0 for Melbourne from Sydney? 3 days to Townsville, right. But same day to Melbourne?

Even it if is true (I doubt it), can I change the minimum number of days to always be (at least) 1?

Ok, I thought my cart was working just fine but I got an email the other day about my shipping (Oz Post).

When I looked into it I found that the follwing message comes up:

Unexpected error (no valid methods). Using AP Flat Rate.

Last time I tested it, it was working fine and I have not changed anything to do with shipping.

Anyone know what the problem might be? I need to get this fixed ASAP as I think I have been losing business because of it.

Thanks in advance. :-)

RodG:

Ooop, missed this question... Until recently, access to the ozpost servers have been free. This has now changed and the free service is only avaialbe for 60days from the first time it is used by any given store).

I expect up to 98% of the current ozpost users will not follow through with the paid service and will be reverting back to something that uses the drc servers.

Cheers
Rod

Thanks for the response, is this applicable to the new version whereby the information in the module download server.txt states "This module relies on data obtained from http://ozpost.vcsweb.com/ozpost.vcsweb.com is a subscription service. All new stores/installations are granted 60 Days free access."?
Not to the version 2.0.6 which states the following in the same named module download file: "This module relies on data obtained from ozpost.vcsweb.com. Data is returned in XML format for easy integration into almost any e-commerce site. ozpost.vcsweb.com is a free service. No registration or subscription required. " Thanks for the clarification, Kind Regards..RR

tpeck:

Have you noticed that the E-go number of days is 0 for Melbourne from Sydney? 3 days to Townsville, right. But same day to Melbourne?

No, I hadn't.

tpeck:

Even it if is true (I doubt it), can I change the minimum number of days to always be (at least) 1?

There's certainly going to be a way that this can be changed by modifying the client code, but it will best be done via the server code, so as the 'days offset' function will work correctly (apparently it isn't working at all in this instance).

Cheers
Rod