Considering Zen Cart: couple of basic questions?

Hope this is the correct forum for this type of question?

I have a straightforward product line database with around 20 items.
I've looked at Mal's and Paypal carts, but don't like the extra layer they add to the payment gateway (which will be Paypal).

I need to incorporate a cart into a site that currently exists. I've seen templates for Zen, but wanted to double check it could be integrated without these. I've got some conflicting feedback from comparison sites/discussion forums.

What's it like to use for basic stuff like add to cart/view cart, display item count etc.? (Assuming a basic understanding of php/mySQL.)

I'm happy to put some more effort into looking further at Zen Cart, but wanted to check the basics first before I started installing it.

TIA,

Debbie

I need to incorporate a cart into a site that currently exists.

... As in you just want to add the backend and checkout features?

Yes, I think so: I have a simple web site with a list of products, and want to enable it for e-commerce. It does currently use php and mySQL for some simple things.

I need an interface to a payment gateway, along with all the management of adding to cart/removing from cart/checking total amounts in cart etc.

Sorry, Zen Cart is not designed to work that way. It is designed to be your site, and can be styled in just about any way you can imagine.

If we can see your existing design, we can give an idea of what it would take to implement it in Zen Cart.