ozpost shipping module

RodG:

In your opinion, how does a 'music product' differ from a 'non-music product' ?

The reason I ask is because with almost every (zencart) store I have seen that sells CD's they are treated just the same as any other product(s) in thier store. Perhaps they don't know better, or perhaps the 'general' product type is all they want/need.

What makes a "music product" different to a "General Product", I believe are the additional fields to be filled in. Such as Artist, Record Company, Genre. Which are initially added under the Extras Menu, in the main admin area.

These fields are not available in the General Products forms.
Cheers
John

jmmusic:

What makes a "music product" different to a "General Product", I believe are the additional fields to be filled in. Such as Artist, Record Company, Genre. Which are initially added under the Extras Menu, in the main admin area.

These fields are not available in the General Products forms.
Cheers
John

As previously stated, in my experience most zencart merchants selling CD's either don't know, or don't care about this.

Anyway, is my earlier 'tip' going to be acceptable to your needs, or are you still interested in patching the music product files?

Although the patch.txt file may appear complicated, in reality the required patching is quite easy/simple ... it is basically a matter of identifing any reference to the product weight, then replicating the code 3 times while changing the reference from 'weight' to lengh, width & height. .

This needs to be done in 3 files... the file that reads the data for editing, the file that is use to preview the product, and the file that is used to save the updated data.

Cheers
Rod

1054 Unknown column 'products_height' in 'field list'
in:
[insert into products (products_quantity, products_type, products_model, products_price, products_date_available, products_weight, products_height, products_length, products_width, products_status, products_virtual, products_tax_class_id, manufacturers_id, products_quantity_order_min, products_quantity_order_units, products_priced_by_attribute, product_is_free, product_is_call, products_quantity_mixed, product_is_always_free_shipping, products_qty_box_status, products_quantity_order_max, products_sort_order, products_discount_type, products_discount_type_from, products_price_sorter, products_image, products_date_added, master_categories_id) values ('100', '1', '', '0.50', null, '10', '0.01', '32.40', '22.90', '1', '0', '0', '0', '1', '1', '0', '0', '0', '1', '0', '1', '0', '0', '0', '0', '0', '', now(), '14')]
If you were entering information, press the BACK button in your browser and re-check the information you had entered to be sure you left no blank fields.

Can you please tell me how to fix this problem when I go to add a product to the store? I am at a loss. Becoming very frustrated with it.
Kind Regards Casey

integrity_designs:

Can you please tell me how to fix this problem when I go to add a product to the store? I am at a loss. Becoming very frustrated with it.
Kind Regards Casey

Did you restore your database from an old backup recently?

Easy to fix. Log in as admin, navigate to modules/shipping then 'remove' the ozpost shipping module. Now press the 'install' button and the module will re-create the missing database fields, and the error will go away.

Please note that if you have added dimensional data at any time you will need to re-enter it. A better solution may be to find a newer backup.

An alternative fix is to restore the 3 files located under the /admin/ folder that were replaced when you first installed the ozpost module.

Cheers
Rod

Hi Ron,

I have installed the ozpost module and am having an issue with the fastway estimated shipping price. It seems excessively low.

During my testing, I was trying to ship 3 items with a combined weight of 80kg to a local capital city destination. It was showing a price of $13.40 including $5 handling fee.

In comparison the online shipping agents were quoting between $70 and $150.

I have ticked all label options in the settings as we ship Australia wide.

Am I missing something here?

Cheers

Manx:

Am I missing something here?

Yes. a copy of the output that you see when you have DEBUG enabled :-)

Seriously, when you use words like "It seems excessively low" it doesn't tell me anything... it either IS low, or it isn't.

"I was trying to ship 3 items with a combined weight of 80kg to a local capital city destination".

How am I supposed to duplicate this?
It's not that I doubt you, but I really do need some way of seeing the problem for myself... a copy of the debug output is usually sufficient.

Having said that, there IS a problem with FasTway local delivery quotes in that the weight is apparently ignored - This cannot be versified with their online quotes because they simply won't accept weights over 26kg.

This may or may not be yout issue.... the debug output will reveal all.

Cheers
"Ron"

Here is the Debug info.

I can't remember the exact products, but this scenario hopefully gives you the idea.

Debugging information
Item 1-1 Offroad Front Bar - Ball Joint Parcel
Weight 25000gms Items 1 Weight 27500gms
Dimensions 160.00 x 60.00 x 50.00 160.00 x 60.00 x 50
Cube / Weight 480000cc / 120Kgs 480000cc / 120Kgs
Item 1-2 Offroad Front Bar - Ball Joint Parcel
Weight 25000gms Items 2 Weight 55000gms
Dimensions 160.00 x 60.00 x 50.00 160.00 x 60.00 x 100
Cube / Weight 480000cc / 120Kgs 960000cc / 240Kgs
Calculated: Length=160.00cm, Width=100.00cm, Height=60.00cm, Weight=55000gms, NumBoxes=1

Server response time 5.676ms
/postage.php?weight=55000&height=600&width=1000&length=1600&value=869&fromcode=4520&Osub=SAMFORD&destcode=4207&flags=0&host=Meyers+Manx+Australia&version=2.2.2&FastWay=BRI&TransDirect=1&ego=1&ef=1&deadline=10&maildays=31&lead=2&AllSat=1
Server Returned:

<quote><id>Australia Post Error</id><cost>0.00</cost><days>-1</days><description>Too Heavy (55Kg), Too Long (160cm), Girth to Large (320cm)</description></quote><quote><id>FWL</id><cost>9.90</cost><days>Tue 22nd of Mar</days><description>FastWay Labels (LIME)</description></quote><quote><id>EGO</id><cost>54.45</cost><days>Tue 22nd of Mar</days><description>E-go Parcel</description></quote><quote><id>EGOi</id><cost>98.45</cost><days>Tue 22nd of Mar</days><description>E-go Insured Parcel</description></quote><quote><id>TRD</id><cost>182.31</cost><days>Wed 23rd of Mar</days><description>Transdirect Parcel</description></quote><information>
<server>74.55.148.130</server>
<timestamp>Sat Mar 19, 2011 17:53 (SA Server Time)</timestamp>
<requesttime>17:23 (QLD Store Time)</requesttime>
<postdate>Mon 21st of Mar</postdate>
<insurance>13.75</insurance>
<egoinsurance>44.00</egoinsurance>
<registration>0.00</registration>
<fromsuburb>SAMFORD</fromsuburb>
<destsuburb>ALBERTON</destsuburb>
<expires>57</expires>
</information>
</quotes>

Shipping quotes are based on the address information you selected:
SAMFORD 4520 to ALBERTON 4207 Australia
Available Shipping Methods Rates

Tue 22nd of Mar
Fastway - Includes $5.00 Packaging & Handling.

$14.90

Tue 22nd of Mar
Ego - Includes $5.00 Packaging & Handling.

$59.45

Tue 22nd of Mar
Ego - Insured - Includes $7.00 Packaging & Handling. +$44.00 fee

$105.45

Wed 23rd of Mar
Transdirect - Includes $5.00 Packaging & Handling.

$187.31

Manx:

Here is the Debug info.

Thanks. This IS the problem I mentioned in my previous response... It is a result of the FastWay server not returning valid data once the 25kg weight limit is exceeded.

I was recently discussing this issue with another client in an effort to find a method to resolve the problem; but about the only resolution was to disable quotes that exeed the weight limits...

My 'prefered' solution would be to quote based of the rate returned multiplied by the number of 25kg parcels it would take, but I really have no idea how close this will be to actual charges (and the previous correspondent didn't reply to this question) :-(

Anyway, these are very recent discussions, and the problem has only just come to my attention, so I'm still open to suggestions or ideas as to what I should do in this situation, so if you have any ideas (or prefence for either of the two current solutions) please speak up ASAP 'cos I'm just about to finish on my current working project and I'll be tackling this problem next.

Cheers
Rod

Thanks Rod,

I spoke to fastway today and confirmed there shipping process. They will move an individual parcel upto 25kg dead weight or with a cubic weight of 40kg. Cubic weight is calculated h(m) x w(m) * l(m) x 250.

So I would like to see the module confirm that each item in the cart could be shipped by fastway based on the above. If not then fastway is not available.

If it is then fastway shipping is label costs are multiplied by ( total weight/25). As you suggested above.

This doesn't remove the risk that alot of items may be large in volume and light in weight.

As a suggestion:- Perhaps a setting in the admin of the module could define an item size dimention. Anything bigger than this is calculated as per item. Anything smaller than this is assumed to be able to be packed into boxes meeting the top criteria and is based on weight.

There are suggestions only and others may be able to provide better algorithms for packing.

Cheers

Manx:

So I would like to see the module confirm that each item in the cart could be shipped by fastway based on the above. If not then fastway is not available.

I can (and probably will) end up doing this on a per parcel basis, but to do it on a per item basis is considerably more complex and will take a while to implement (I still need to get basic functionality with other shopping carts in order to generate more funds before I can consider this undertaking).

Manx:

As a suggestion:- Perhaps a setting in the admin of the module could define an item size dimention. Anything bigger than this is calculated as per item. Anything smaller than this is assumed to be able to be packed into boxes meeting the top criteria and is based on weight.

Ouch. That made my head spin <grin>

Manx:

There are suggestions only and others may be able to provide better algorithms for packing.
Cheers

I've been working with and trying many different packing algorithms over the years, and the task is far more complex than most people could ever imagine. I have found the best solution is the simplest, and that is essentially what we currently have :smile:
Seriously, I have no desire to go this path again, which is why I'm going the direction of providing more quote methods for more carts rather than continuing seeking the 'holy grail' of packing algorithms. This is also why I'm looking more towards providing a solution at the server level rather than the client level. Thanks for the suggestion(s) though.

Meanwhile I think I must now go with the (small) consensus that the best solution would be to disable the local/shorthaul quotes when the limits are exceeded. 'Tis a bit of a shame since the FastWay servers do provide reasonable/valid quotes for the same weight items over longer distances.

Cheers
Rod

ps. I'll probably get to make this server change in the next day or two. I really need to tie up loose ends elswhere 1st.

Hi Rod

Is it possible to add AAE (Australian Air Express) satchels (3kg and 5kg) to this module. This vendor provides this service cheaper than Australia Post. If so can you make it so the price is adjustable by the storeowner?

Hope you can help.

Thanks, Mark

mark168:

Hi Rod

Is it possible to add AAE (Australian Air Express) satchels (3kg and 5kg) to this module. This vendor provides this service cheaper than Australia Post. If so can you make it so the price is adjustable by the storeowner?

Hope you can help.

Thanks, Mark

Yes it is possible (without too much trouble even), but I'm reluctant to do so because AAE don't make thier prices publically available, which means I have no (convenient) way of keeping them current.

As for making the price adjustable by the store owner, I am of the opinion that this is what the P&H charges should be utilised for.

So, to cut the long story short, yes, possible, but not likely, unless I can find an official website where thier prices are publically available (and then I'll add them in a hearbeat :-)

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

Yes it is possible (without too much trouble even), but I'm reluctant to do so because AAE don't make thier prices publically available, which means I have no (convenient) way of keeping them current.

As for making the price adjustable by the store owner, I am of the opinion that this is what the P&H charges should be utilised for.

So, to cut the long story short, yes, possible, but not likely, unless I can find an official website where thier prices are publically available (and then I'll add them in a hearbeat :-)

Cheers
Rod

Thanks for the reply Rod. I believe the AAE price is not published because it is variable and may be reduced or increased on forecasted/actual sales they expect to get annually from the store owner. Thanks

mark168:

Thanks for the reply Rod. I believe the AAE price is not published because it is variable and may be reduced or increased on forecasted/actual sales they expect to get annually from the store owner. Thanks

Yeah. TNT have a similar price arrangment, which is why they need a login in order to obtain quotes. As far as I'm aware AAE doesn't even provide this functionality.

So, How's your PHP skills? Adding these satchels (to the client code) shouldn't be a difficult task ... I'll be happy to give some guidance, but I'm not in a position (at the moment) to consider doing it for you.

Cheers
Rod

Manx:

I spoke to fastway today and confirmed there shipping process. They will move an individual parcel upto 25kg dead weight or with a cubic weight of 40kg. Cubic weight is calculated h(m) x w(m) * l(m) x 250.

So I would like to see the module confirm that each item in the cart could be shipped by fastway based on the above. If not then fastway is not available.
**
Effective immediately:** The ozpost module now performs a server-side check to ensure these limits aren't exceeded. If so FastWay quotes will no longer be available.

Cheers
Rod

My shipping module has been playing up for the last couple of hours. I noticed it was charging customer the flat $40 rate to post and when I went to investigate in admin it came up with
"cURL communication ERROR: connect() timed out!
Unable to connect to Ozpost server"

And would not fully load the module menu so I couldn't edit anything.

I went and set cURL to false as I am with godaddy and the modules loaded this time with no error, however the shipping is still showing as $40. I change the default to $6.55 so customer could still check out at a reasonable shipping rate but it hasn't changed.

I am yet to update to the new version.
Prior to this today my website had a down period of about an hour where the database was unavailable for some reason and seemed to fix itself. Would this have played havoc with the cURL setting?

Terrible sorry if this has been mentioned before and I misse it.
I am just wondering if you have any idea on how to fix up my shipping module. Thanks :)

It's all fixed now. I reintalled in last night and checked this morning and its fine. Not sure what I did however.

pinksugardesign:

It's all fixed now. I reintalled in last night and checked this morning and its fine. Not sure what I did however.

Alas, I've no explanation for whatever the issue was. The server log files didn't show any abnormal decrease in activity, at least not for any extended period.

Anyway problem(s) aside, I would suggest that should you need to re-install again you should install the latest version (unless you know of a bug, or other good reason not to). V2.0.9 is well over a year old and there have been at least 3 significant updates since then.

Cheers
Rod

Can someone please tell me why I am not getting the correct parcel rate amount for this **item**

The shipping weight etc I have is as follows:

Please note: the weight is correct grams.
I am unsure of the dimensions for what a 3kg satchel should be etc...

The shopping cart will show the following:

I should be getting $16.85 BEFORE the handling amount.
It doesn't show up as $22 for Express Post when I had that option set in Admin either.

I hope someone can help me ASAP please.
Kind Regards Casey

integrity_designs:

Can someone please tell me why I am not getting the correct parcel rate amount for this **item**

Q1. What should the correct price be?
Q2. Where are you sending the parcel too?

integrity_designs:

I am unsure of the dimensions for what a 3kg satchel should be etc...

This can be found on the Australia Post website (If I knew them offhand I'd be telling you).

For what it is worth though, the item that you have linked to is going to be too large for a satchel .. in fact the size/weight dimensions are such that this item is subject to the cubing rules.

integrity_designs:

The shopping cart will show the following:

I should be getting $16.85 BEFORE the handling amount.

Not trying to be difficult, but my tests indicate that this item should cost $19.85 to Sydney 2000 (plus handling). I guess your destination postcode was different than the one I used.

integrity_designs:

It doesn't show up as $22 for Express Post when I had that option set in Admin either.

Again, where did you determine how much this item should cost?
What postcode are you using for testing?

I'd help if I could, but my (limited) test doesn't match any of the data that you have provided .. I also tried using destination postcode 3000, and gives me a quote of $16.45 *including $1.00 handling).

So, if you could provide any additional info so that we are both using the same data for testing I may be able to give you a more definitive response.

Also, for sanity sake, it is best to assume that the ozpost module is providing correct quotes, and if you find these don't match what you expect then it is probably your expectations that are wrong (as a result of not using identical data for comparison purposes?)

Cheers
Rod.

ps. Australia Post are increasing their rates as of 4/4/11 .. ozpost.net will be quoting these new rates sometime this coming weekend.