What is the best way to handle my shipping needs?

I am currently in the process of evaluating ZenCart (1.3.9), and need to know if Zencart can handle my shipping needs, and if so what is the easiest way to set up the shipping which maybe a little unique. Shipping costs are calculated at a flat-rate per item charge of X, plus a single handling charge of Y for the entire order, regardless of what the item is.

Both the per item charge (X) and the per order charge (Y) are determined on where the order is being shipped, and the shipping method (standard, expiated, priority). In addition, some locations have may only have the expiated shipping option, while other locations may only have standard and priority shipping.

For example: Lets say that they ordered 3 items for standard delivery in the lower 48contiguous states (US), which would be $0.85 per item, plus $2.75 per order. While priority delivery would be $1.25 per item and $10.50 per order. On the other hand, priority shipping to the UK is $2.65 per item, plus $25.55 per order, with expiated and standard shipping not an option.

I have started by creating the groups such as 'Lower 48', 'Non-Contig', 'Europe' etc in "Zone Definitions". Do I need to create separate groups for each shipping method such as 'Lower 48 -priority', 'Lower 48 standard' or is there a way within the shipping module to specify what the price per book and the order charge is going to be for each zone, based on what delivery method they have requested. If so, which shipping method do I need to use? If on the other hand, I am headed in completely
the wrong direction, let me know that too. ;)

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

• Daniel

Complicated shipping configurations are possible in ZC - and many of these configs can be achieved with "clever" use of existing shipping modules. But it can take an incredibly long time to fathom out how to do this - especially if you are new to ZC.

There are some "paid-for" solutions, and we use (for some sites) a mod by CEON called Advanced Shipper. This has never failed us, and we have clients with some very complex shipping needs. Take a look at dev.ceon.net

PS: this is not an endorsement of Advanced Shipper, nor an advert for it. As we use the module, and find that it works extremely well, it may be useful in your situation.

I second the opinion of Schoolboy, Advanced Shipping from Ceon really is the one stop solution for all shipping methods. I cannot fault it.
Posted via Mobile Device

Thank you both for your suggestions. I am looking at that now and deciding if I need to puchase just the shipping module, or if I need to pick up the other two options used by their demo as well. I am thinking that I may just need the advanced shipper and the advanced zones.