AUSTPost module

Hey Rod,
I was just wondering how hard it would be to include the business Jumbo express satchels in this mod?

imperialis:

Hey Rod,
I was just wondering how hard it would be to include the business Jumbo express satchels in this mod?

I dunno. Firstly I'll need to find out what the "business jumbo express is". A cursory glance and a quick search for "jumbo" on the austpost website wasn't very helpful.

Perhaps if you can send me a link or other details I'll be able to provide a better answer.

Cheers
Rod

Hey Rod,
They the Jumbo Express satchel are satchels only available to auspost business account holders, they come in 3kg and 5kg satchels they are alot bigger than the normal 3kg satchels measurements from memory are 40cm x 50cm I'd have to check the exact measurements so they work out cheaper to send for me to WA, SA, NT etc

Hi,

I have a query with the way the postage rates are calculated. Are they supposed to work out exactly the same as when you use the Aust Post calculator on their website.

We had some trouble with the modue as it was not calculating the correct rates eg 1 item calculated at $88 to post when it was supposed to be around the $16 mark.

We worked this out by changing the weights of the items to kilograms (as originally were put in as grams even though grams was the choses weight).

This seemed to fix it a bit but the rates still dont work out the same as on the Australia Post website. There is an average of a couple of dollars difference both more and less depending on the postcode put in when comparing with the Australia Post caculator.

Can anyone shed some light as to why this happens?

Anna

imperialis:

Hey Rod,
They the Jumbo Express satchel are satchels only available to auspost business account holders, they come in 3kg and 5kg satchels they are alot bigger than the normal 3kg satchels measurements from memory are 40cm x 50cm I'd have to check the exact measurements so they work out cheaper to send for me to WA, SA, NT etc

Unless this information (along with the pricing) can be found on the AustPost website or in their .pdf's, then there won't be much chance of me including them in the AP module.

Cheers
Rod

annav:

Hi,

I have a query with the way the postage rates are calculated. Are they supposed to work out exactly the same as when you use the Aust Post calculator on their website.

Yes. In fact both the Australia post module and the Australia post website obtain their data from the exact same source (http://drc.edeliver.com.au).

We had some trouble with the modue as it was not calculating the correct rates eg 1 item calculated at $88 to post when it was supposed to be around the $16 mark.

We worked this out by changing the weights of the items to kilograms (as originally were put in as grams even though grams was the choses weight).

I'll bet you forgot to change the TARE weight.

This seemed to fix it a bit but the rates still dont work out the same as on the Australia Post website. There is an average of a couple of dollars difference both more and less depending on the postcode put in when comparing with the Australia Post caculator.

Can anyone shed some light as to why this happens?

Anna

I'll bet you forgot to account for the TARE weight.

Cheers
Rod

The tare weight for both small & large parcels was changed to 0.0. What is it supposed to be.

Anna

annav:

The tare weight for both small & large parcels was changed to 0.0.

And it was still over quoting?

annav:

What is it supposed to be.

Anna

That depends on the weight of your packaging (tare weight = packaging weight).

Most of our smaller products will fit in #2 padded bags, which weigh a little under 20gms, so for these we use "0:20"
Our larger items, or multiple items in the same order generally fit a #5 bag, which weighs something under 200gm, so for this we use "0:200".

Important: This assumes that the Australia post module (and all of the products) set to be weighed in grams.

If you change the AP module to use "kgs" the setting above will be interpreted as 20kgs and 200kgs respectively (and depending on other settings this may cause multiple boxes/parcels to be quoted for, rather than outright rejected), so if this is your case you'll need to adjust the tares to read "0:0.020" and "0:0.200". (using the same examples as above).

Of course, if you are selling large/heavy items your packaging may weigh considerably more than 20/200gms, in which case you should use whatever weights are the most suitable for you. In other words, it is "supposed to be" whatever is right for your particular situation.

There are two important rules when using the AP shipping modules.

1. All weights must be consistant. Don't attempt to mix gms & kgs. Choose one or the other.
2. All weights must be as accurate as possible. A few gms here and there may not seem like a big deal, and in most cases it isn't, but if/when people start ordering multiple items in order to combine shipping costs these "small" differences can easily push any given parcel over into the next price bracket (or worse, not push them over, thus underquoting actual costs).

The item dimensions are not as important (unless dealing with letter sized OR very large, but light items), but it is wise to be as accurate as possible.

Bottom line, the accuracy of the Australia post module is only as good as the data that you give it (which includes the tare weights).

Cheers
Rod

It still doesn't work.

One item which costs $7.20 to post in Sydney calculates at $6.30 (which includes my handling fee!).

The same item going from Sydney to Perth according to Australia Post website costs $18.85 (Parcel Weight: Up to 4 kg , via cubing rule) even though item weighs between 1-2 kg but here it calculates it at $15.69. Where that odd number of cents - 69c- comes from I have no idea.

Anna

annav:

It still doesn't work.

One item which costs $7.20 to post in Sydney calculates at $6.30 (which includes my handling fee!).

The same item going from Sydney to Perth according to Australia Post website costs $18.85 (Parcel Weight: Up to 4 kg , via cubing rule) even though item weighs between 1-2 kg but here it calculates it at $15.69. Where that odd number of cents - 69c- comes from I have no idea.

Anna

Please supply a link to the item that you are using for testing.

Thnx
RodG

Hi, here is the link.

http://www.toycrazy.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=5

The game weighs in the 1-2kg category range and dimensions from memory are 40x30x10cm.

Anna

annav:

Hi, here is the link.

http://www.toycrazy.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=5

The game weighs in the 1-2kg category range and dimensions from memory are 40x30x10cm.

Anna

Thanks.
I've just had a really good look at things, and to be perfectly honest with you, I can't explain what is going on.

The data (weights/dimensions) of this product are certainly within acceptable limits, and this data is being correctly sent to the servers.

I've even added a test product to our own store using the same weights and dimensions, and we are getting perfectly legitimate results (unlike you).

OK, so now we both know what the cause of the problem isn't (invalid item data), it is time to start figuring out what else can cause this problem. As I said, I can't explain the very strange results that you are getting (especially those odd cents), but after looking at the program code, I can only see one possible place that can even remotely cause this symptom, and that is the tax/GST calculations (because this is the only place that will actually reduce the figures obtained from the servers (zencart itself re-adds the GST component during checkout).

Even though this is the only possible place that I can see that could cause a problem like you are having, there are a couple of flaws to this theory.

1. The difference in quotations varies by more than the 10% GST
2. Changing the Tax/GST toggle doesn't affect the displayed quotations for non logged in users (there is a reason for this that probably doesn't need explaining here).

Anyway, although I'm far from confident that it will fix things for you, I would like you to check to see if the Tax option has been enabled, and if so, disable it. See if that makes a difference.

Oh, until you get the 'base postage' rates working ok I would also suggest that you set all your handling fees to zero (that, or toggle the option to display the handling fees with the postage costs). This'll make debugging a little easier.

The only other possible things I can think of is that you have somehow got a corrupt file (unlikely), or perhaps the files have been manually edited?
If either of these are likely you'll need to restore the original files from the distribution archive. The important file (the one that does all the 'work') is:
/includes/modules/shipping/austpost.php

Hopefully this will be of some help, but as I said, at this stage, I really don't know what is going on. It has certainly piqued my interest though :-)

Cheers
RodG

Hello Rod,

I have just installed Austpost in Zencart 1.3.8 and I seem to also be experiencing incorrect calculations. I have set all handling fees to zero, and tares and packing stuff to 0:0 and max size to 20 using kg consistently (although I haven't yet changed zencart from lbs to kgs but I don't believe this has any significance) and using austpost it gives $5.81 to ship 6.8kgs from 4129 to 4129 standard and $7.98 for express. The Australia Post calculator says $7.20 and $9.90 for express.

http://drc.edeliver.com.au/ratecalc.asp?Pickup_Postcode=4129&Destination_Postcode=4129&Country=AU&Weight=6800&Height=100&Width=100&Length=100&Quantity=1&Service_Type=STANDARD

gives $7.20

Then tried 4129 to 5118, same weight 6.8 (lbs). Austpost estimate shipping standard post $16.60 with express $37.48. Australia Post Web Site gives standard $20.60 and express $46.50.

I changed the tax option to not registered fr GST, Zencart/AustPost still gives strange answers.

Perhaps there is a corruption in the distributed package, where can I get a "virgin"one to check? A bit remote, but maybe?? Sounds a little bit like the problem anna is having.

Cheers
Ian

Well, the best laid plans of men and mice. I calculated the ratio of the difference to the zancart/austpost answer and came up with a nearly constant 24%. Funny, then I realized, Currency!!!. Made the Aussie $ the default currency and did a currency update and BINGO it works. I hope this helps others who may be puzzled by this.

Cheers,

Ian

IanP:

Well, the best laid plans of men and mice. I calculated the ratio of the difference to the zancart/austpost answer and came up with a nearly constant 24%. Funny, then I realized, Currency!!!. Made the Aussie $ the default currency and did a currency update and BINGO it works. I hope this helps others who may be puzzled by this.

Cheers,

Ian

What a great find. Well done. This particular problem really did have me stumped. Currency was the one thing I hadn't thought of. <duh>

Hopefully if annav is still following this thread she can confirm that hers is also the same problem.

Cheers
Rod

IanP:

Hello Rod,

I haven't yet changed zencart from lbs to kgs but I don't believe this has any significance)

Cheers
Ian

I know you have already solved the mystery of incorrect calculations, but I thought I'd confirm that your belief regarding lbs/kgs is perfectly correct.
It is a textual/visual display only. The cart itself uses raw numbers.

Cheers
Rod

HI Rod,
hoping you can help. I have used your AustPost mod on a few sites and it works great. i am helping out a friend who has problems with your mod. This site is on a different server to my sites.

I have set up a test product with a weight of 22gm. (dimensions not set in the product)
http://www.fashionamour.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28_29&products_id=171

i have tried enabling/disable cURL but made no diffference.

For one product (postcode 4563) the shipping estimator shows prepaid satchel: $5.30/express satchel: $7.40
Australia Post site estimate is: $5.50/$7.70

two products ; estimator & Australia Post same as above

Three Products; estimator: 3kg pre paid $9.30/express 3kg $10.50
Australia Post site estimate: 3kg pre paid $9.60/express 3kg $10.90

Four products and i get the dreded

'Australia PostERROR:Unable to obtain a valid quote from the Australia Post Server.
You may still checkout using this method and we will contact you with postage costs as soon as possible." error.

get the same error for all Over seas estimates.

Here are my mod settings

Dispatch Postcode
4563

Shipping Methods:

Letters (Aust), Letters (O/seas), Regular Parcel, Insured Parcel (Aust), Registered (Aust), Registered (O/seas), Express (Aust), Express (O/seas), Cash on Delivery, AIR, Insured AIR, SEA, Insured SEA, ECI Documents, ECI Merchandise, 500gm Satchels, 3kg Satchels, 500gm Express Satchels, 3kg Express Satchels

Handling Fee - regular parcel
0

Handling Fee - Registered post
0

Handling Fee - Express post
0

Handling Fee - Overseas post
0

Handling Fee - Letters
0

Handling Fee - Prepaid Satchels
0

Handling Fee - Prepaid Express Satchels
0

Handling Fee - ECI Documents
0

Handling Fee - ECI Merchandise
0

Handling Fee - COD
0

Handling Fee - Insured parcels
0

Hide Handling Fees
No

Default Parcel Dimensions
10,10,10

Parcel Weight format
gms

Hide parcel rates if letter sized
No

Use cURL
No

Postage Delay (days).
1

Sort order of display.
0

Tax Class
--none--

Shipping/Packaging Settings:

Country of Origin Australia
Postal Code 4563
Enter the Maximum Package Weight you will ship 20000
Package Tare Small to Medium - added percentage:weight 0:20
Larger packages - added packaging percentage:weight 0:40
Display Number of Boxes and Weight Status 0
Order Free Shipping 0 Weight Status 1
Shipping Estimator Display Settings for Shopping Cart 1
Display Order Comments on Admin Invoice 1
Display Order Comments on Admin Packing Slip 1

Currency is default AUD

Hope i've included all relevant info. Just can't work this one out at all. Thanks again,

Cheers,
Mark.

..Gotta be cold down in SA doesn't it?I'm freezing up in sunny QLD!

Also have uninstalled/reinstalled the Mod...
Running out of ideas fast :-(

marknew:

Also have uninstalled/reinstalled the Mod...
Running out of ideas fast :-(

Please try loading
/includes/modules/shipping/austpost.php into a text editor.
Locate the line that reads

$SERVER = "http://austpost.vcsweb.com" ;

Replace it with
$SERVER = "http://drc.edeliver.com.au" ;

Save the file and try again.

Leave everything else the same as it currently stands.

Let me know the effect of this change. (if any).

Cheers
Rod

changed that. Now for one product I get;

Australia Post 5 - Incl $0.00 P&H. $0.00
Australia Post 2 - Incl $0.00 P&H. $0.00
Australia Post 7 - Incl $0.00 Cash on Delivery. $4.20
Australia Post 5 - Incl $4.20
Australia Post 6 - Incl $0.00 Registered. $4.20
Australia Post 2 $7.70

4 products:

Australia Post 7 - Incl $0.00 Cash on Delivery. $7.75
Australia Post 6 - Incl $0.00 Registered. $7.75
Australia Post 5 - Incl $7.75
Australia Post 2 $10.90