New User Questions

I am VERY new To Zen Cart. In fact, I've never even seen it or installed it yet. I am currently running OS Commerce RC 2.2a on my site and it's been messed up since 9/28. Moving to a new host didn't help.
So I'm considering moving to Zen cart [latest version]
Some questions.
1- My site sells digital downloads and that is all. I have over 21,000 products. Is there an easy way to get all these products into the db?
On my OSC site, I had a custom script that did it for me. Can I have something written for me that will do it in Zen? OR is there something
off the shelf that will do it?

2- From time to time I'll want to run coupon specials. Will I be able to set a maximum amount a coupon is good for?

3- Will OSC add-ons work with Zen?

Thank you in advance,
PGelsman https://www.justmanuals.com

1. There is an add-on called easy populate that will import a spreadsheet version into the database. You can also try apsona shop manager which will do the same thing a bit more easily. There are also commercial shop managers out there that are not free that have enhanced functionality.

2. Coupons have a fixed amount or a percentage discount. If they are fixed amount a person can use up to that amount so that is effectively maximum spend. You can read https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=336

3. No they won't. You'd need to get them 'translated'. Usually, this is not a huge issue because the structure of Os and Zen is still quite similar but it would involve some coding skills. Many of the main modules have already been adapted for Zen or replaced with alternatives. Have a look through the 'Free Software Addons' to see if what you need is there.

Finally, I'd just install a version of Zen so that you can have a play with it. It is pretty quick easy and free to do.

Easy Populate has versions for Zen Cart in Free Addons (v1.2.5.4 is reputed to be the most stable). There are several posts that describe the process of massaging other cart systems' database content to import to Zen Cart, and I think some osC-to-ZC mods. Look in Free Addons.

Not sure about coupon maximums as I don't use them.

osC addons will not work directly with Zen Cart; some can be adapted by applying function renaming rules as described in forum posts, while some would have to be rewritten. Many have already been rewritten/adapted, or else new mods have been written specifically for Zen Cart. Again, look through Free Addons.

niccol:

1. There is an add-on called easy populate that will import a spreadsheet version into the database. You can also try apsona shop manager which will do the same thing a bit more easily. There are also commercial shop managers out there that are not free that have enhanced functionality.

I'm familiar with EP, I have it on my OSC site and it is NOT user friendly or easy to use. I don't want it on my new Zen cart.
I have custom scripts that I had written for me in OSC that I would want to port over to Zen

2. Coupons have a fixed amount or a percentage discount. If they are fixed amount a person can use up to that amount so that is effectively maximum spend. You can read https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=336

Ok, that is satisfactory

3. No they won't. You'd need to get them 'translated'. Usually, this is not a huge issue because the structure of Os and Zen is still quite similar but it would involve some coding skills. Many of the main modules have already been adapted for Zen or replaced with alternatives. Have a look through the 'Free Software Addons' to see if what you need is there.

I would want my scripts recoded for use with Zen

Finally, I'd just install a version of Zen so that you can have a play with it. It is pretty quick easy and free to do.

I'm not a programmer, I wouldn't know how to do it, but thank you for your input. It has been helpful

Now, another question, how much should it cost me to get a new cart setup with Zen? Ballpark figure. AND, is it allowed here to ask for a programmer to pay to get me setup?

Thank you,
PGelsman

The key to getting ZC (indeed any sophisticated CMS) working efficiently is to make sure you choose a good hosting company - one that knows eCommerce and ZC in particular. I can advise you via PM of two companies (one in North America, the other in the UK) who know their stuff and provide impeccable service and support.

These companies will even install ZC for you (just native ZC - no add-ons) free of charge... BUT I would suggest you do the install yourself, so you get a good idea of the procedure. It is very easy - no "programming" knowledge necessary.

As far as code writing is concerned, Zencart works with oDesk and you could put up a "help wanted" request there.

The forum is full of people who have excellent skills, and some take on private work. Look for people who have a lot of posts and show evidence of knowing their stuff.

It is always a good idea to ask on this forum what people's experiences are with certain service providers BEFORE you hire someone.

The forum does not permit users to openly solicit business - that is not its purpose - it is here for people to contribute collectively to the use and development of the program.

You will find this to be a fantastic repository of help and advice, and the development team also manage to find time to participate.

Welcome aboard... you will not regret any decision to migrate to ZC.