oz post shipping module help

silkvixen:

the product dimensions was for a blanket that i do ship using prepaid now :) maybe i should have put in the folded dimensions

Yes. Enter the folded dimensions .. you may need to experiment a little bit, but in this case it is up to you to manipulate the numbers to produce useful results.

silkvixen:

lol but i have removed them anyways.

What did you remove, the items or the dimensions that you gave them?
If you just removed the dimensions then the defualt dimensions will be used, and they are probably going to be a lot less accurate in regards to how many will fit into a satchel of a given size than the original dimension... ig it gould determine that 50 blankes will fit in a satchel).

silkvixen:

it seems to working for the most part with most of the products - just have to tweek the settings for the others i think :) thanks

Occasionally a little imagination is needed in order to get the desired results - This isn't because the module is 'wrong', it is because it has no way of knowing what you are sending.. A blanket can be folded, a sheet of glass of the same size can't (well, not that I'm aware of) <g>

Cheers
Rod.

ps. Almost all quotes are determined by weight. The dimensions are used mostly to see whether something will 'fit' or not, regardless of weight.

Hi Rod,

I see reference to an updated OzPost Module, being 2.09, but can't find it.

Can you please provide a link ?

Cheers,
Mike

Mike_Dean:

Hi Rod,

I see reference to an updated OzPost Module, being 2.09, but can't find it.

Can you please provide a link ?

Cheers,
Mike

ozpost.net

It'll be avaialble from the zencart add-ons whenever the site admin makes it available.

Cheers
Rod

I am using V2.0.6 which has no paid for license, but you have blocked our IP address or done something to stop of shipping calculator from working, because when I try to install V2.0.9 is says **Remaining Days** -2
and our calculator stopped working yesterday..

PLEASE REVIEW THE CONTRIBUTION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS, as your submission
will be evaluated for compliance with these standards:
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=11

Unacceptable Submissions

1. It is not acceptable to submit crippled modules which are only teasers for paid services. ie: a "limited" module with a sales pitch for a "full featured" commercial add-on is not permitted.
2. Having "donate to me" buttons in the add-on, either admin-side or storefront-side or is not permitted. A single statement about where to send donations may be added to the documentation, but should be discrete and not plastered all over the place.
3. Connectors to commercial services, such as embedded affiliate links or referral tracking links are not permitted.
4. In the interest of protecting the end-user's privacy and identity, any sort of call-home capability is forbidden, whether disclosed or not.

Under GNU General Public License it would be nice to get the “source code” for the server. But I dont know if you would be willing to share that ?.

P.s.
I know you deserve some money for your great work, but zen-cart is free. maybe there is another way to get something from this.

p.s.
We will pay for the module this time... but most of my clients could not afford $315 (36 month subscription).

p.s.
cost quote in last email was incorrect.
36 Months : $179.95 AU : is ok. :smile: we are happy to pay this as it is the only way to do correct shipping calculations.

vandiermen:

p.s.
cost quote in last email was incorrect.
36 Months : $179.95 AU : is ok. :smile: we are happy to pay this as it is the only way to do correct shipping calculations.

Well you might be, but i am sure someone asked what this server license was for in the past and we were told something along the lines "Dont worry about it, it is nothing".

Free Zencart : Australia Post Shipping Module : has been updated and works
http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&products_id=1695

THis works through http://drc.edeliver.com.au (free)
Whereas Rods ozpost works through www.ozpost.net / www.vcsweb.com (no longer free)

:-) :-) :-) :-)

vandiermen:

Free Zencart : Australia Post Shipping Module : has been updated and works
http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&products_id=1695

THis works through http://drc.edeliver.com.au (free)
Whereas Rods ozpost works through www.ozpost.net / www.vcsweb.com (no longer free)

:-) :-) :-) :-)

Credit where it is due. Both modules are "Rods". .

Your wording implies someone else wrote the other, and folks also need to be aware of why I started using a different server (and no, it wasn't so that I could charge). The reasons were

1. The DRC server is (or was) notoriously unreliable.. often going down for days at a time, and if it happened to go down on a weekend it wouldn't be fixed until the following workday.

2. It doesn't suppply a full set of quotes. It only provides quotes for parcels.

3. It can only quote for one method at a time, which means multiple server requests need to be made for any given quote (as opposed to ozpost's method of providing all methods with a single request). This gives ozpost better performance and reliability.

So yes, although access to the drc server may not cost $$$ it doesn't come without a price.

Cheers
Rod

Delights:

but i am sure someone asked what this server license was for in the past and we were told something along the lines "Dont worry about it, it is nothing".

You realise how foolish this makes you look don't you.. How could some one have asked a question about something that never existed? Until recently (2 months ago) there was no such thing as a "Server licence", so since the question is impossible, so to is the assumed answer.

Now, if anyone had asked me anytime in the last TWO YEARS (which is how long ago austpost/ozpost stopped using the drc servers) why I made the change, the answer is exactly the same today as it was then ... The DRC servers were too unreliable (and beleive it or not, I used to cop the abuse when this happened ).

If anyone had asked me prior to June this year if the ozpost servers were ever going to be made into a paid service, I would have quite emphatically (and honestly) stated NO. This never was, and never had been the plan.

Several events occured early in July that made us/me realise that unless I was able to produce additional income I simply couldn't afford to keep the servers running (lots of other issues going on at the same time too)

This late change of plan isn't an effort to make me rich, it is/was a last ditch effort to maintain what I have already provided, and have been providing, for free, for the last few years.

IOW, the options were simple.. charge or close. Closing would screw things up for everyone, so true to form, I've made myself into a bistard and started to charge. (Can you see how this is a no win situation for ALL of US).

Anyway, like it ot not, those are the facts. Or are they?..... perhaps your insinuation is correct, and I've been 'plotting' this since I first discovered zencart 4 or 5 years ago... I've slowy but surely been leading each and every one of you into my evil snare to to trap you into paying a kings ransom so that I can live my life in luxury.

My final word to you on this is, sure, I may be a jerk for having to make the hard decision on whether to charge/continue or cease completely, and either way I was going to get grilled, but you aren't exactly doing anyone any favours either .. let us assume you were able to 'influence' enough people to boycott ozpost (which appears to be your intent, from the insinuations), exactly what would you acheive? ozpost would 'die', I'd be relieved of time and expense, but worse, the dozens of zencart (and other) users that do see the value of ozpost would be denied use of the service due to a lack of numbers. However, I assume you won't have an issue with that because you aren't using the service anyway. Still, it is pretty selfish of you in my opinion.. Only one of us has zencart and zencart users at heart here, and it most certainly isn't you.

Rod

its nice to have the oz post module as a backup I can offer if alternative shows old problems. thanks for reminding me (what a nightmare). oz post has been reliable for some time and I could not ask for better.
If there are any problems with the other module I will post a reliability comment in that forum.

RodG:

Only one of us has zencart and zencart users at heart here, and it most certainly isn't you.

Rod

You presume to know what is in my heart, that is bold, considering you don't know me from a bar of soap.

And unlike someone, i have never charged for anything i wrote and uploaded, sure the mods mighten be a complex as yours , but you are the one talking about what is in side people's hearts and to me giving out something free of charge is more Zencart worthy, after all this is an open source coding program, it isn't like Zencart charge for all the work they have done on running the site and or writing the coding.

Also isnt there some rule against releasing mods on this site that cost ?

Unacceptable Submissions

1. It is not acceptable to submit crippled modules which are only teasers for paid services. ie: a "limited" module with a sales pitch for a "full featured" commercial add-on is not permitted.
2. Having "donate to me" buttons in the add-on, either admin-side or storefront-side or is not permitted. A single statement about where to send donations may be added to the documentation, but should be discrete and not plastered all over the place.
3. Connectors to commercial services, such as embedded affiliate links or referral tracking links are not permitted.
4. In the interest of protecting the end-user's privacy and identity, any sort of call-home capability is forbidden, whether disclosed or not.

https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=11

But maybe my heart isnt zencart, but from what i read on that page, my heart seems Zenny to me.... :)

To the developer of this module,

1. What is the cost to use this module and for what period of time.

2. Also what support is offered after paying for the module.

A reply will be appreciate.

Bruce1952:

To the developer of this module,

1. What is the cost to use this module and for what period of time.
   .

Please visit the home site for this info

Bruce1952:

2. Also what support is offered after paying for the module.
   .

You'll get exactly the same support as I have been giving all users for the last 4 years or so for nothing. (which has included many hours of private discussions on how to best configure the module for specific needs, as well as implemention of user requested features and functions, and even help in the developement of small customisations for specific needs.
In addition to this some of the support funds have gone towards the setting up of dedicated servers, with failsafe redundancy (still under development).

Bruce1952:

A reply will be appreciate.

Perhaps a better question would be why would you want to support the ongoing development of the module that will help increase your sales and save you money when there is a 'free' alternative? Quite simple, the 'free' alternative is nothing more than rehashed code (also developed by me) that became obsolete due the unreliability and inefficient operation.

Yes, these issues may be fixed by someone else, and yes, someone else may be willing and able to continue the free support for the module, but personally, after developing software for over 20 years (99% being GPL/public domain), and approx 4 years with zerncart/ozpost, I have found myself in the position where I no longer have the finances nor the inclination to continue to give my services away for free (well, not all of them),

As I have said repeatedly, regardless of whether 'ozpost' continues and grows, or falters and dies depends on the support I get. With no support, it will die. plain and simple. I will be both financially and emotionally better for it.

History shows where I have taken things over the last few years, and should give an idea of where I can take things in the future. Do you really want this to be left back in the hands of an unknown? (The very original zencart/austpost module was completely broken for at least 6 months before I came along and fixed it).

I don't know if any of this is enough 'support' to encourage you to subscribe or not, but from my perspective, anyone that thinks they are doing themselves any favours by using the free obsolete code in preference to supporting the continued (and proven) development (over a number of years) of 'future proof' code, hasn't learnt from the past, and certainly aren't looking towards the future.

The motto. Forget the past, Damn the future, I want it now, for nothing!

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

You realise how foolish this makes you look don't you.. How could some one have asked a question about something that never existed? Until recently (2 months ago) there was no such thing as a "Server licence", so since the question is impossible, so to is the assumed answer.

It was actually only a few months ago when the update was released, i believe it was around July.

However i have a solution to this whole problem, you say the reason you are charging for the mod is due to cost running the server.

Several events occured early in July that made us/me realise that unless I was able to produce additional income I simply couldn't afford to keep the servers running (lots of other issues going on at the same time too)

I presume this server you are running is something that can be uploaded to another server, and i have a spare website..

https://www.onlinepremiumtrading.com is a site that is for the parent company i run, the only use for the site is company overview and alike, i would be happy to upload this server program (as long as it is free of virus and backdoors) to the server so therefore you can keep running the mod for free..

hi Rod, searched thru heaps of threads but couldn't find this info (it's probably there somewhere!).

how do i add the dimensions to my products?

There's nothing in the product listing for HxWxD, so not sure where to add dimensions to get accurate shipping quotes?

Also, is there a way to turn off the module for certain categories?

Thanks
Nathan

carlisleprinting:

hi Rod, searched thru heaps of threads but couldn't find this info (it's probably there somewhere!).

how do i add the dimensions to my products?

There's nothing in the product listing for HxWxD, so not sure where to add dimensions to get accurate shipping quotes?

Also, is there a way to turn off the module for certain categories?

Thanks
Nathan

I know this post is directed towards Rod but i can help with the first question, it is in the Admin - Edit products, towards the bottom of the page there should be 4 fields, Product Weight, Product Height, Product Width.

Delights:

You presume to know what is in my heart,
that is bold, considering you don't know me from a bar of soap.

I am making no such presumtion. I am simply stating a fact based on your writings and actions.

Delights:

And unlike someone, i have never charged for anything

After 25 years of software developement I have never charged either..
Can you promise you'll never charge for any software you develop? Not even in 20 years time?

Delights:

i wrote and uploaded, sure the mods mighten be a complex as yours , but you are the one talking about what is in side people's hearts and to me giving out something free of charge is more Zencart worthy,

So, exactly what is going to happen when you get burned out from supporting my rehashed code? Are zencart users going to be left in the cold again waiting for someone else to pick up when you've given up?

What if I decided to close ozpost.net NOW! (I'm still able to refund every cent paid, so it is possible).... Do you think those supporters are going to see you as a 'hero' for crippling their stores because my old code no longer supports thier needs? No, They'll probably want to lynch you.

What will you tell them? "Yes, I did everything in my power to make ozpost.net a non viable service because I think the person running it is a money grabbing ######, and besides, we can still use his old code even if it doesn't do what you want:.

Delights:

after all this is an open source coding program, it isn't like Zencart charge for all the work they have done on running the site and or writing the coding

It isn't for me to comment of how the zencart team manage to support themselves at the same time as developing and giving away zencart code,

I will however state that it is somehat of a numbers game... The number of zencart users across the world can be counted in the 1000's, there are only 4 developers, it only takes a very small contribution from each user to make it a viable project.

The number of zencart users in Australia can be counted in the hundreds. If there were 1000's, I'd be able to keep things viable by only asking $10 per year.

Delights:

Also isnt there some rule against releasing mods on this site that cost ?

I will once again repeat. The module doesn't cost. (The PayPal module doesn't cost either, but both require some kind of fee structure in order to make use of them). There are also other shipping modules that require paid or registered access to the servers being used.

Delights:

But maybe my heart isnt zencart,

This much is obvious.

Delights:

but from what i read on that page, my heart seems Zenny to me.... :)

I dissagree... You are still doing everything you can possibly thing of to ensure ozpost.net fails. You are NOT doing this for the good of zencart users (even though you might tell yourself otherwise).

I, on the other hand am doing all I can to ensure ozpost.net is a success, so that Australian zencart users (and others) can still have access to a RELIABLE quote server, and also to allow myself to be in a position where I can continue to offer support and development.

Seriously, I cannot fathom why you are so keem on destroying the project? Is it personal?

You said at the start that I don't know you from a bar of soap, well, although this is true, it is only just true, because as I've also stated, the number of Australian Zencart users can be counted in the dozens or low hundreds, and the majority seem to be using one version of ozpost or another. These numbers are so low that it wouldn't be too much of a stretch for me to know every single user, by name, and in many cases, by personality, so althouth I don't know exactly what bar of soap you are, I most definitly know your brand.

It is a small world. Australia is a tiny village. You are not one person expressing the views and opinons of 1000's, you are 1 of the 4 to 5 vocal people (out of a mere 200 hundred or so) that seem to have a personal issue with me to such an extent that you are prepared to ruin the service for everyone else regardless of whether they like/need it or not.

All I can say to you now, is go get your own life, stop trying to destroy mine, and above all, please don't continue to mess things up for other zencart merchants just because you have your own personal issues. You are no ones hero.

Rod.

RodG:

I am making no such presumtion. I am simply stating a fact based on your writings and actions.

After 25 years of software developement I have never charged either..
Can you promise you'll never charge for any software you develop? Not even in 20 years time?

So, exactly what is going to happen when you get burned out from supporting my rehashed code? Are zencart users going to be left in the cold again waiting for someone else to pick up when you've given up?

What if I decided to close ozpost.net NOW! (I'm still able to refund every cent paid, so it is possible).... Do you think those supporters are going to see you as a 'hero' for crippling their stores because my old code no longer supports thier needs? No, They'll probably want to lynch you.

What will you tell them? "Yes, I did everything in my power to make ozpost.net a non viable service because I think the person running it is a money grabbing ######, and besides, we can still use his old code even if it doesn't do what you want:.

It isn't for me to comment of how the zencart team manage to support themselves at the same time as developing and giving away zencart code,

I will however state that it is somehat of a numbers game... The number of zencart users across the world can be counted in the 1000's, there are only 4 developers, it only takes a very small contribution from each user to make it a viable project.

The number of zencart users in Australia can be counted in the hundreds. If there were 1000's, I'd be able to keep things viable by only asking $10 per year.

I will once again repeat. The module doesn't cost. (The PayPal module doesn't cost either, but both require some kind of fee structure in order to make use of them). There are also other shipping modules that require paid or registered access to the servers being used.

This much is obvious.

I dissagree... You are still doing everything you can possibly thing of to ensure ozpost.net fails. You are NOT doing this for the good of zencart users (even though you might tell yourself otherwise).

I, on the other hand am doing all I can to ensure ozpost.net is a success, so that Australian zencart users (and others) can still have access to a RELIABLE quote server, and also to allow myself to be in a position where I can continue to offer support and development.

Seriously, I cannot fathom why you are so keem on destroying the project? Is it personal?

You said at the start that I don't know you from a bar of soap, well, although this is true, it is only just true, because as I've also stated, the number of Australian Zencart users can be counted in the dozens or low hundreds, and the majority seem to be using one version of ozpost or another. These numbers are so low that it wouldn't be too much of a stretch for me to know every single user, by name, and in many cases, by personality, so althouth I don't know exactly what bar of soap you are, I most definitly know your brand.

It is a small world. Australia is a tiny village. You are not one person expressing the views and opinons of 1000's, you are 1 of the 4 to 5 vocal people (out of a mere 200 hundred or so) that seem to have a personal issue with me to such an extent that you are prepared to ruin the service for everyone else regardless of whether they like/need it or not.

All I can say to you now, is go get your own life, stop trying to destroy mine, and above all, please don't continue to mess things up for other zencart merchants just because you have your own personal issues. You are no ones hero.

Rod.

So that is a no to my idea about uploading it to site i have ????

Delights:

I know this post is directed towards Rod but i can help with the first question, it is in the Admin - Edit products, towards the bottom of the page there should be 4 fields, Product Weight, Product Height, Product Width.

thanks, but there's nothing there.

at the bottom of new or updating product pages are the fields:

Products URL
Products Shipping Weight
Sort Order.

no dimension boxes there at all.
running the latest zen cart - 1.3.9f