AustPost module looping

Hi, when a customer purchases a large item from my store, the shipping method page gives the message:

"Due to the size of your order, we will contact you to confirm shipping costs before order is processed. Payments will not be processed until total amount has been confirmed with you."

When the customer presses 'Continue', it just goes to the same page, as if the page was just reloaded. That is to say, the page is looping.

The problem seems to have occurred when I edited the module's options, here they are:

Ozzy Post

Enable Australia post module by http://vcsweb.com

True

Dispatch Postcode
3169

Shipping Methods:

Regular Parcel, 500gm Satchels, 3kg Satchels, 500gm Express Satchels, 3kg Express Satchels

Handling Fee - regular parcel
2.00

Handling Fee - Registered post
0.00

Handling Fee - Express post
0.00

Handling Fee - Overseas post
0.00

Handling Fee - Letters
0.00

Handling Fee - Prepaid Satchels
2.00

Handling Fee - Prepaid Express Satchels
2.00

Handling Fee - ECI Documents
00.00

Handling Fee - ECI Merchandise
00.00

Handling Fee - COD
00.00

Handling Fee - Insured parcels
0.00

Hide Handling Fees
Yes

Default Parcel Dimensions

Parcel Weight format
kgs

Hide parcel rates if letter sized
Yes

Use cURL
No

Postage Delay (days).
0

Sort order of display.
0

Tax Class
Taxable Goods

There is also an error on the page, but I'm not sure if it is related to the looping issue:
ERROR: The delivery rate for this option cannot be determined at this time
If you prefer to use this option as your shipping method, please contact the store owner.

Does anyone know what is causing this looping issue? Please see the screenshot attached for a visual. The url for my website is http://www.primealternatives.com.au/cart/index.php

Thanks

Prime:

Hi, when a customer purchases a large item from my store, the shipping method page gives the message:

"Due to the size of your order, we will contact you to confirm shipping costs before order is processed. Payments will not be processed until total amount has been confirmed with you."

This isn't a part of the original AustPost code.

Prime:

When the customer presses 'Continue', it just goes to the same page, as if the page was just reloaded. That is to say, the page is looping.

I'm suspecting that the looping is due to where or how the code above has been inserted and/or is exiting from.

Prime:

The problem seems to have occurred when I edited the module's options, here they are:

I see nothing amiss with those settings, but IF the problem DID start after you made a change to these settings then setting them back to how they were before the change should fix the problem. It least that will give a bit more of a clue as to the cause of the issue.

> Prime:

There is also an error on the page, but I'm not sure if it is related to the looping issue:
ERROR: The delivery rate for this option cannot be determined at this time
If you prefer to use this option as your shipping method, please contact the store owner.

Unlike the previous error message, this one is a part of the original AustPost module. I suspect that it is related to the looping problem in as much as there are two 'errors' and the module either doesn't know what to do with the first one, or that the first one is exiting the module in an abnormal fashion, or is somehow affecting the way that the second error is being handled thus causing the looping behavior.

Cheers
Rod.

ps. Please consider upgrading to the 'ozpost' module
http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&cPath=40_51&products_id=1286 because "Austpost Improved" is outdated, will not have any more bugfixes applied, and some of the quotes it provides are already outdated due to Australia Posts rate increases not long ago.

pss. The the 'ozpost' module can be installed concurrently with the 'AustPost Improved module so you don't need to uninstall your existing module before installing the new one. This way you won't have any downtime during the upgrade processes.

RodG:

This isn't a part of the original AustPost code.

I'm suspecting that the looping is due to where or how the code above has been inserted and/or is exiting from.

I see nothing amiss with those settings, but IF the problem DID start after you made a change to these settings then setting them back to how they were before the change should fix the problem. It least that will give a bit more of a clue as to the cause of the issue.

Unlike the previous error message, this one is a part of the original AustPost module. I suspect that it is related to the looping problem in as much as there are two 'errors' and the module either doesn't know what to do with the first one, or that the first one is exiting the module in an abnormal fashion, or is somehow affecting the way that the second error is being handled thus causing the looping behavior.

Cheers
Rod.

ps. Please consider upgrading to the 'ozpost' module
http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&cPath=40_51&products_id=1286 because "Austpost Improved" is outdated, will not have any more bugfixes applied, and some of the quotes it provides are already outdated due to Australia Posts rate increases not long ago.

pss. The the 'ozpost' module can be installed concurrently with the 'AustPost Improved module so you don't need to uninstall your existing module before installing the new one. This way you won't have any downtime during the upgrade processes.

Rod,

Thank you so much for your rapid and thorough response (as always). I will do as you advise and update to the ozpost module. I'll let you know how I go.

I forgot to mention that I did install the ozpost module, but had a problem with it (I don't recall the problem), which is why I don't have it enabled. Perhaps the current issue could be that the ozpost module overwrote some of files from the AustPost module? I assume that is why I'm getting an error message that isn't part of the AustPost module.

Thanks again

Prime:

Rod,

Thank you so much for your rapid and thorough response (as always). I will do as you advise and update to the ozpost module. I'll let you know how I go.

I forgot to mention that I did install the ozpost module, but had a problem with it (I don't recall the problem), which is why I don't have it enabled. Perhaps the current issue could be that the ozpost module overwrote some of files from the AustPost module?
There are a couple of files that are common to both modules, and it doesn't matter if they get overwritten or not. The files are identical.

Also, as I've said previously, BOTH modules can be installed and run concurrently. There is NO conflict between them.
It is a somewhat pointless thing for most people to do though, but it was made this way so that I could perform tests on our own live store without having to keep uninstalling and re-installing the Austpost module while the ozpost was still being developed and tested. It gave me the ability to just enable/disable the module I wanted (or didn't) want at any given time.

Prime:

I assume that is why I'm getting an error message that isn't part of the AustPost module.
Thanks again

A bad assumption. The error message that isn't a part of the AustPost module isn't a part of the ozpost module either. In fact I don't recognise that error message from anywhere, which means that it is either coming from a completely different module, or someone has modified the code.

Rgds
Rod

Hi Rod,

I disabled the 'AustPost Improved' module and enabled the 'ozpost' module. I then tried to make a purchase of a large item (an electric table) and received the following error:

"ERROR: 198.00cm exceeds the Maximum 105cm length allowed. Using AP Flat Rate."

When I click 'Check Out', I the page just reloads back to itself. The original error is also present (please see attachment).

When I try to purchase a small item (massage oil), when I click 'Check Out", it goes to a totally blank page.

I have since re-enabled the 'AustPost Improved' module and disabled the 'ozpost' module.

As you said, the original error is not part of the 'ozpost' module and the 'AustPost Improved' module. The original error was: "ERROR: The delivery rate for this option cannot be determined at this time
If you prefer to use this option as your shipping method, please contact the store owner."
Here is a list of the files where the original error is located:

/includes/languages/english/modules/shipping/auspost.php
/includes/languages/english/modules/shipping/auspostair.php
/includes/languages/english/modules/shipping/ausposteconomy.php
/includes/languages/english/modules/shipping/auspostexpress.php
/includes/languages/english/modules/shipping/auspostsea.php

I have never changes to code, all I've done as far as the shipping modules are concerned is install ozpost and change the default settings in admin for the 'ozpost' and 'AustPost Improved' modules.

I really appreciate your help Rod. What do you suggest I do to get the ozpost module working? Should I delete all shipping modules and start over?

Thanks

Prime:

Here is a list of the files where the original error is located:

/includes/languages/english/modules/shipping/auspost.php
/includes/languages/english/modules/shipping/auspostair.php
/includes/languages/english/modules/shipping/ausposteconomy.php
/includes/languages/english/modules/shipping/auspostexpress.php
/includes/languages/english/modules/shipping/auspostsea.php

These files are ancient. They belong to the original Australia Post module (auspost) ported from OScommerce by Gerard Serna. That's why I didn't recognise the error message, this module has nothing to do with me, or the modules that I've developed, namely "AustPost Improved" (austpost) and "ozpost".

Prime:

I have never changes to code, all I've done as far as the shipping modules are concerned is install ozpost and change the default settings in admin for the 'ozpost' and 'AustPost Improved' modules.

Please don't confuse "AustPost" and "auspost", the file(s) you mention above belong to 'auspost' (without the 't'), this 'module' is actually several modules (one for each shipping method), whereas 'AustPost' is a single module that has many different shipping methods.

I'm suspecting that you now have all three modules installed, 'auspost', 'AustPost', and 'ozpost'

AustPost (with a 't') and ozpost are compatible with each other, but I've no idea how AusPost (without the 't') will behave with either of the others.

Prime:

I really appreciate your help Rod. What do you suggest I do to get the ozpost module working? Should I delete all shipping modules and start over?
Thanks

I'd suggest you delete the 'auspost' modules leaving only the 'AustPost' and 'ozpost' modules. That will probably take care of the problem.

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

I'm suspecting that you now have all three modules installed, 'auspost', 'AustPost', and 'ozpost'

AustPost (with a 't') and ozpost are compatible with each other, but I've no idea how AusPost (without the 't') will behave with either of the others.

I think you're correct Rod, all three modules are installed. I've taken a screenshot for you (attached). As you can see, I have your AustPost module enabled, the old AusPOST (no 'T') module is there (as 5 separate modules), but not enabled. I also have Ozpost disabled. Also note that I have the 'MultiGeoZone MultiTable' installed but disabled, hopefully this isn't causing any conflict.

RodG:

I'd suggest you delete the 'auspost' modules leaving only the 'AustPost' and 'ozpost' modules. That will probably take care of the problem.

Cheers
Rod

OK, I will delete the old AusPost module, but before I do, I'll just confirm with you that I won't accidentally delete any of the required files from AustPost and ozpost modules. The way I am going to delete the AusPost module is download the zip file from the Zen Cart addons, examine it and delete the corresponding files from my server. Does the old AusPost module have any files that have the same name as the files in the AustPost and ozpost modules?

Thanks so much for your help, Rod.

OK, I removed all the files for AusPOST and the original error has been removed, so that's good. However, when I try to purchase a large item, it still loops when I click the 'Check Out' button. The following message is displayed on large items:

The message displayed for AustPost is:

Due to the size of your order, we will contact you to confirm shipping costs before order is processed. Payments will not be processed until total amount has been confirmed with you

The message displayed for ozpost is:

ERROR: 198.00cm exceeds the Maximum 105cm length allowed. Using AP Flat Rate.

I'm beginning to suspect the "MultiGeoZone MultiTable" module.

Thanks

Hi Rod,

OK, I don't think the "MultiGeoZone MultiTable" module is causing the issue.

If the problem is that I can't continue to the check out with items that are "too large", how is "too large" defined? Is it something to do with the Australia Post server?

As I mentioned previously the message displayed for AustPost is:

Due to the size of your order, we will contact you to confirm shipping costs before order is processed. Payments will not be processed until total amount has been confirmed with you

The message displayed for ozpost is:

ERROR: 198.00cm exceeds the Maximum 105cm length allowed. Using AP Flat Rate.

But it should still let the customer continue to the check out, instead of looping back to itself. Any clues? Maybe there is something I accidentaly set incorrectly in admin? It's strange that both modules are being effected the same way.

I have attached a screenshot of the errors, with both modules enabled.

Thanks once again.

Prime:

But it should still let the customer continue to the check out, instead of looping back to itself. Any clues?.

Please replace
/includes/modules/shipping/ozpost.php with the copy included in the .zip file attached.

Please let me know how it goes.

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

Please replace
/includes/modules/shipping/ozpost.php with the copy included in the .zip file attached.

Please let me know how it goes.

Cheers
Rod

Hi Rod,

I replaced the ozpost.php file that you provided and now I am able to purchase large items using the ozpost module.

The problem now is that if there is a smaller item, there are no Australia Post options provided. Please see the screenshot attached. Also, a lot of the time, when I click the 'Check Out' button, it loads to a blank page (only with small items).

So it seems that the AustPost module allows small items but not large items and the ozpost module allows large items but not small items.

Here are the settings for the ozpost module:

Dispatch Postcode
3169

Shipping Methods for Australia
Regular Parcel, Prepaid Satchel, Prepaid Express Satchel

Shipping Methods for Overseas
--none--

Handling Fee - Letters
0.00

Handling Fee - Regular parcels
2.00

Handling Fee - Overseas parcels
0.00

Handling Fee - Registered and/or Insured parcels & letters
0.00

Handling Fee - Express parcels
0.00

Handling Fee - Prepaid Satchels
2.00

Handling Fee - Prepaid Satchels - Express
2.00

Handling Fee - COD
0.00

Handling Fee - ECI Documents
0.00

Handling Fee - ECI Merchandise
0.00

Cost on Error
25.00,99.99

Hide Handling Fees?
Yes

Default Parcel Dimensions
29,24,2.5
**
Parcel Weight format**
kgs

Hide parcel rates if letter sized ?
Yes

Show Icons?
Yes

Enable Debug?
No

Use cURL?
No

Postage Delay (days).
0

Tare percent.
10

Sort order of display.
0

Tax Class
Taxable Goods

Are these all correct?

I think we're getting closer to resolving this issue. Thanks again for all of your help.

Prime:

Hi Rod,

I replaced the ozpost.php file that you provided and now I am able to purchase large items using the ozpost module.

The problem now is that if there is a smaller item, there are no Australia Post options provided.

Oh, sorry, you didn't specify that you wanted it to work with both small AND large items <grin>

Prime:

Also, a lot of the time, when I click the 'Check Out' button, it loads to a blank page (only with small items).

Unless I can duplicate this I can't fix it. Is it with only some specific item that this happens with, or is it ALL small items?

Prime:

Here are the settings for the ozpost module:
<snip>
Are these all correct?

That's tough for me to say. These settings are all 'user preferences' so all settings will be correct for any given user, but no settings will be correct for all users.

Prime:

I think we're getting closer to resolving this issue. Thanks again for all of your help.

Alas, I'm not seeing a problem with the small item I just tested with
http://primealternatives.com.au/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=34

RodG:

Unless I can duplicate this I can't fix it. Is it with only some specific item that this happens with, or is it ALL small items?

I have the AustPost module enabled currently so it is possible to purchase small items. When I enable the ozcart module, if I go to the check out, it hangs and then goes to a blank page. It seems to do this with all products that are not deemed "too large" to confirm the shipping costs.

RodG:

That's tough for me to say. These settings are all 'user preferences' so all settings will be correct for any given user, but no settings will be correct for all users.

OK, as long as I don't have something set in the ozpost settings that is causing the issue. I just provided the settings to give you a bit of extra information.

RodG:

Alas, I'm not seeing a problem with the small item I just tested with
http://primealternatives.com.au/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=34

As I mentioned, I currently have the AustPost module enabled, so there will be no issue purchasing small items. The ozcart module is disabled because it is causing too many issues.

I've done a forum search and it seems that quite a few other users have experienced a blank page when going to the check out, and it seems that the issue can be caused by corrupt files or white space at the end of files (which Zen Cart is sensitive to). It's strange that only the ozpost module is having the blank page issue and not the AustPost module. I've tried replacing all the files for ozpost to no avail.

It would be great if I could show you what is happening with the ozpost module, but enabling it causes issues and the store is live. Maybe there is a certain time when I can enable it for you so you can duplicate the issue. I don't want you to go too far out of your way though.

I really appreciate all your help.

Prime:

I have the AustPost module enabled currently so it is possible to purchase small items. When I enable the ozcart module, if I go to the check out, it hangs and then goes to a blank page. It seems to do this with all products that are not deemed "too large" to confirm the shipping costs.

I've just checked the log files and it seems that valid data is being sent and returned. I don't suppose that your server is running php4 is it?

If so, see if you can find a switch/toggle/option to use php5 instead. If you can't, then see if your ISP can enable it for you. The ozpost module uses a function that is only available (by default) in php5.

php5 is pretty mature these days and most ISP's will have it installed or available, You won't 'break' zencart by using php5.

Cheers
Rod

ps: VERY IMPORTANT. Please read the following announcement, It affects you.

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showpost.php?p=743675&postcount=1

RodG:

I've just checked the log files and it seems that valid data is being sent and returned. I don't suppose that your server is running php4 is it?

If so, see if you can find a switch/toggle/option to use php5 instead. If you can't, then see if your ISP can enable it for you. The ozpost module uses a function that is only available (by default) in php5.

php5 is pretty mature these days and most ISP's will have it installed or available, You won't 'break' zencart by using php5.

Cheers
Rod

ps: VERY IMPORTANT. Please read the following announcement, It affects you.

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showpost.php?p=743675&postcount=1

Hi Rod,

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, I wasn't on site.

I've just installed the security patches and I checked with my webhost and I'm using version PHP V4.3.9-3.22.12, just as you suspected.

I've just spoken to my webhost and they advise that they cannot upgrade my shared server to php5 as it would effect other users (I'm on a shared host), I need to migrate my site and domain to another server, so I'll go ahead and do that.

Do you think that using php5 will resolve all issues with ozpost?

In the meantime, I'm still using AustPost, and it works fine on small items, but on large items it is looping when I click 'Continue' on the 'Step 1 of 3 - Delivery Information' page and has the message "Due to the size of your order, we will contact you to confirm shipping costs before order is processed. Payments will not be processed until total amount has been confirmed with you" (please see the screenshot attached). Do you know what would be causing this?

Thanks

Steve

Prime:

In the meantime, I'm still using AustPost, and it works fine on small items, but on large items it is looping when I click 'Continue' on the 'Step 1 of 3 - Delivery Information' page and has the message "Due to the size of your order, we will contact you to confirm shipping costs before order is processed. Payments will not be processed until total amount has been confirmed with you" (please see the screenshot attached). Do you know what would be causing this?

Actully, this particular looping issue may not have anything to do with AustPost. It seems other people have had similar issues:

https://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39843

I'll investigate this further.

I've put in the request to migrate to another server. Hopefully that will fix ozcart.

Thanks

Steve

Prime:

Do you think that using php5 will resolve all issues with ozpost?

Yes (he says very cautiously).

Prime:

"Due to the size of your order, we will contact you to confirm shipping costs before order is processed. Payments will not be processed until total amount has been confirmed with you" (please see the screenshot attached). Do you know what would be causing this?

I've still no idea where this error message is being derived from. It isn't a part of the AustPost distribution files. It may be the result of the generic error message having been redefined in /languages/modules/shipping/austpost.php, but even that shouldn't cause a looping problem, after all, it's just plain text. However, just in case there is a connection perhaps if you temporarily restore this file with the original and see if the problem persists it may give further clues.

Cheers
Rod

Prime:

Actully, this particular looping issue may not have anything to do with AustPost. It seems other people have had similar issues:

https://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39843

I'll investigate this further.

I wouldn't be ruling anything out at this stage.

Another thing to try (before investing too far down other paths) would be to disable the AutPost module and just have something simple such as a fixed price shipping module activated instead. If it still loops then you'll know for sure that it isn't AustPost related, but if the looping stops then you'll know that it IS AustPost related.

At least that is the approach I'd be taking.

Cheers
Rod

Rod,

My webhost migrated my site to a server which uses PHP v5. I enabled the ozpost module and held my breath as I tried to purchase a small item... It worked!!! You're a genius. I would never have been able to figure this problem out without your kind help. I am so relieved that this has been solved.

Thank you so much.

Steve

Prime:

Rod,

My webhost migrated my site to a server which uses PHP v5. I enabled the ozpost module and held my breath as I tried to purchase a small item... It worked!!!

Excellent, and thanks for letting me/us know.

Prime:

You're a genius.

Hardly. If I were a genius I'd have identified this issue before releasing the program and either documented the requirements or taken other steps to eliminate the problem.

Prime:

I would never have been able to figure this problem out without your kind help.

On the contrary, I'd never have been able to figure it out without help and findings from other users.

Prime:

I am so relieved that this has been solved.

Me too.

Cheers
Rod