Algozone Templates Reliable?

Hello, I admit, I'm a newb with Zen Cart however, I've been learning as I go for about a month.

I might take the easy road with a professional template but I don't want to be stuck with garbage.

First, I have to say, I have searched and searched and done as much research as I could before posting but most of the negatives are with Template Monster and not Algozone.

There are a few posts about Algozone but nothing as detailed as Template Monster where you guys actually looked at the code and it was a bit sloppy, not following standards, and not allowing all admin functions. (See, I did my fair share of reading.) :D

Now, my main questions, and I hope you can help:

1. Has anyone had experience with Algozone? Opinions?

2. Has anyone looked at the code? Clean code?

3. Does it allow most (if not all) admin functions?

4. Is it easy to customize (ie. change colors, backgrounds, etc.)?

Thanks guys and gals. :smile:

It's my belief (their claims to the contrary) that Algozone is a Template Monster reseller. I wouldn't pay a dime for their templates. There isn't really any 'easy road". You'll pay in time, or money, or (in the case of TM/Algozone), both.

All of the mass-marketed 'professional' templates available are TM, so far as I can tell.

Many (though not all) commercially available templates are very heavily customised and in some cases, depart significantly from the core structures. They are therefore operationally functional for very specific versions of zencart, so you may find a fantastic-looking template that only functions properly with ZC 1.3.5, or 1.3.7.

But the vendors of these templates seem reluctant to:-

1. Tell you what version the template is compatible with.
2. Provide support.
3. Provide template upgrades when ZC moves to newer structures.

Additionally, because they depart so significantly from the core sturctures, many of the Free Software Add-ons that you may want to apply, will not work, and may seriously affect the functionality of your site.

Unless you are an expert coder, and have very good knowledge of the zencart structrure, it is advisable not to use such templates.

Getting a nice look and feel of your site, from a standard install, is not that difficult.

Your objective should be to create an attractive, functional, customer-friendly site, that encourages people to BUY STUFF. Over time, you can "tweak" the layout, as you become more familiar with how zc's design features work.

There are many free templates available (See Kuroi's http://(sorry, site offline)/) and the trick is to find one that comes close to your desired layout, and tweak it.

Thanks for the replies guys. You have been very helpful. :)

stevesh:

It's my belief (their claims to the contrary) that Algozone is a Template Monster reseller. I wouldn't pay a dime for their templates. There isn't really any 'easy road". You'll pay in time, or money, or (in the case of TM/Algozone), both.

All of the mass-marketed 'professional' templates available are TM, so far as I can tell.

I am always amused how people trash things without any knowledge or research done.
This miss inform and confuse people.

I could not resist and register and reply to this post.

I used both algozone and template monster templates in the past. They are not related to each other. And do not believe anybody who said they do.
There are many other sites that resell template monster templates. But not algozone.

Just to prove my point, I bought first template from algozone 2 years before template monster started doing zencart templates.
try to find any algozone template on template monster. You will not.

I agree template monster has a sloppy code vs algozone. I know that algozone provide much better support and service.
But there is no perfect company out there.
Be realistic, you will not get whole working web site for $100+ buck.

My clients pay me $$$ to install configure and customize zen cart osc, and others. algozone works perfect for me and I do not have to deal with creating designs.

I know what I talk about, since I spent good money on templates from different sites.

I do not want to sound like I promote anything here, but I know guys at algozone try very hard to help customers and they have better solutions.

Of cause if you just fool around and learn, your best bet to get free templates.

Kevin123:

Hello, I admit, I'm a newb with Zen Cart however, I've been learning as I go for about a month.

I might take the easy road with a professional template but I don't want to be stuck with garbage.

First, I have to say, I have searched and searched and done as much research as I could before posting but most of the negatives are with Template Monster and not Algozone.

There are a few posts about Algozone but nothing as detailed as Template Monster where you guys actually looked at the code and it was a bit sloppy, not following standards, and not allowing all admin functions. (See, I did my fair share of reading.) :D

Now, my main questions, and I hope you can help:

1. Has anyone had experience with Algozone? Opinions?

2. Has anyone looked at the code? Clean code?

3. Does it allow most (if not all) admin functions?

4. Is it easy to customize (ie. change colors, backgrounds, etc.)?

Thanks guys and gals. :smile:

To answer your questions

1. I have been a happy customer of Algozone

2. The codes are clean and high standard

3. From the templates that I bought from them, they allow all admin functions. I guess you can make an arrangements with them in terms of admin functions

4. The templates are easy to customize. Plus they have an excellent customer support.