AustPost Improved

robax:

Hi there,

I'd really like to use this mod, but I'm having some trouble with a couple of things after transferring my working ZC site from an IIS6 server to a new IIS7 server. I did not have the mod installed on the old server but have tried it on the new one.

The popup_shipping_estimator is blank apart from the [close window] button and the Checkout displays "ERROR:Unable to obtain a valid quote from the Australia Post Server."

What is the likely cause of these issues?

If the page is blank it usually means that the file has been modified and has probably had a blank line added to the end of it.

However, you are not getting a blank page, so this probably isn't the cause of your problem.

Being unable to get a VALID quote can be caused by MANY things. Parcel too heavy. Parcel too large, no suitable shipping methods allowed, unable to contact the servers, and so forth.

robax:

Also... I don't know if this is related, but just in case:

My Paypal IPN no longer works on the new server, and CURL reports errors as well. I have posted about these things elsewhere here, but am left confused about one thing:

Do I specifically need CURL for "Austpost Improved" or should it work regardless?

I would really appreciate some comments on these two questions as it will help me determine how to go about troubleshooting this.

Regards,
Rob

Yes, the Curl problem could be related.
Whether or not the AustPost module specifically needs cURL depends on your server.

Some servers only support cURL file access, others only support the FILE method of access, and yet other servers support both.

The AustPost module will support either method, but needless to say, is it pointless having the AP module using one method if your server only supports the other.

Does that help?

Cheers
Rod

robax:

Hi there,

I'd really like to use this mod, but I'm having some trouble with a couple of things after transferring my working ZC site from an IIS6 server to a new IIS7 server. I did not have the mod installed on the old server but have tried it on the new one.

The popup_shipping_estimator is blank apart from the [close window] button and the Checkout displays "ERROR:Unable to obtain a valid quote from the Australia Post Server."

What is the likely cause of these issues?

Also... I don't know if this is related, but just in case:

My Paypal IPN no longer works on the new server, and CURL reports errors as well. I have posted about these things elsewhere here, but am left confused about one thing:

Do I specifically need CURL for "Austpost Improved" or should it work regardless?

I would really appreciate some comments on these two questions as it will help me determine how to go about troubleshooting this.

Regards,
Rob

With the Paypal, one thing that i have noticed is that if there is a checkout issue with the shop, the paypal order will not be completed, you will get the money and everything but nothing coming up in Admin panel.

Try doing a order with Bank deposit or something like that, see if that works then, if it does i would also look at your tables for Paypal and make sure all the tables were uploaded right, if there is an error in the tables or you forgot to upload the tables regarding Paypal that will also screw up the completing the order and you will get the same problem with recieving money but no order.

Hi Rod and anyone who may know how I can fix my issue.

I stuffed up my module recently by uploading newer ZC files into my admin folder. When I realised my stuff up I stopped the upload but by then some of my 1.3.7 files had been over written with the newst ZC version.

So I noticed that my Aus Post module wasn't working correctly obviously because of my earler stuff up and I re uploaded the module. The entire site is working fine except for my Aus Post module. When trying to checkout this error message comes up: "ERROR:Unable to obtain a valid quote from the Australia Post Server.
Please try again later, or contact the store owner if problems persist. Item girth outside valid ranges" so it isn't posible to complete checkout.

But my girths are fine, all the items still have the correct measurements. And one bad bad thing is that when I go to the shipping modules in admin the Aus Post one doesn't show all the 'writing?' Like the boxes to enter handling costs are there but not the headings for them. If I just go to the shipping modules page in admin before entering the Aus Post mod to edit, it doesn't show all the shipping options like registered, air, insured air, express post, etc. But when I go to edit it it does.

Any ideas where I can fix this. It's such a abad time of the year for this to happen, as usual. My site is http://easybeading.com.au

Thank you.

vivaraquel:

Please try again later, or contact the store owner if problems persist. Item girth outside valid ranges" so it isn't posible to complete checkout.

But my girths are fine,

Hmmm, either you are mistaken, or the AP module has suddenly forgotten how to perform simple math functions.

Which do you think is the most probable?

I suggest you not worry about this at the moment though, you have far more serious problems to fix 1st.

vivaraquel:

all the items still have the correct measurements.

For all I and the module knows, you may be selling elephants. Just because you use the correct measurments for these elephants doesn't mean that the girth is within the AustPost limitations.<smile>

vivaraquel:

And one bad bad thing is that when I go to the shipping modules in admin the Aus Post one doesn't show all the 'writing?' Like the boxes to enter handling costs are there but not the headings for them. If I just go to the shipping modules page in admin before entering the Aus Post mod to edit, it doesn't show all the shipping options like registered, air, insured air, express post, etc. But when I go to edit it it does.

Any ideas where I can fix this. It's such a abad time of the year for this to happen, as usual. My site is http://easybeading.com.au

Thank you.

This is what you need to take care of before looking for 'girth' or other dimensional issues.

What I would suggest is that you uninstall the Austpost module via the admin shipping options (don't worry, it won't delete any of your product data). Next, delete all of the files relating to the austpost module, then re-install it again,

This is probably going to be a LOT quicker and easier than trying to figure out exaclty which files have been overwritten or uploaded to the wrong place.

Before doing that though it may be wise to complete your aborted zencart update, because with only a partial update there is no telling what other hidden and unforeseen problems may occur.

Cheers
Rod

Delights:

With the Paypal, one thing that i have noticed is that if there is a checkout issue with the shop, the paypal order will not be completed, you will get the money and everything but nothing coming up in Admin panel.

Try doing a order with Bank deposit or something like that, see if that works then, if it does i would also look at your tables for Paypal and make sure all the tables were uploaded right, if there is an error in the tables or you forgot to upload the tables regarding Paypal that will also screw up the completing the order and you will get the same problem with receiving money but no order.

Thanks for the suggestions Delights,

Yes, paypal rcesses the order, and returns to the site. the order is then visible in the cart, but it has no products in it. I also have bank transfer payments enabled and that works fine throughout.

I'm not really conversive enough with this to know what to look for in the tables, however, I gather you're saying that the db might not have transferred correctly and as a result the orders might not be completing.

I think I can confirm that the tables and db are fine by the fact that after discovering this issue, the db was exported again and transferred back to the old server so that it could continue business. It has been working fine there ever since. I'll assume that if it was broken in the first transfer, it will have remained broken on the return - or even worse.

I'm using PHPmyAdmin to transfer the databases and that always seems to work smoothly.

I'll keep at it :) Thanks for any and all advice.
Rbo

RodG:

Does that help?

Cheers
Rod

Thanks heaps for the reply Rod.

I'm investigating the whole curl thing, but not really getting anywhere. However, I've got a test product set up and wonder if you would mind just glancing at the settings just to see if I haven't done something totally wrong?

I'll send a note via the forum here.

Regards,
Rob

robax:

Thanks for the suggestions Delights,

Yes, paypal rcesses the order, and returns to the site. the order is then visible in the cart, but it has no products in it. I also have bank transfer payments enabled and that works fine throughout.

I'm not really conversive enough with this to know what to look for in the tables, however, I gather you're saying that the db might not have transferred correctly and as a result the orders might not be completing.

I think I can confirm that the tables and db are fine by the fact that after discovering this issue, the db was exported again and transferred back to the old server so that it could continue business. It has been working fine there ever since. I'll assume that if it was broken in the first transfer, it will have remained broken on the return - or even worse.

I'm using PHPmyAdmin to transfer the databases and that always seems to work smoothly.

I'll keep at it :) Thanks for any and all advice.
Rbo

When it gives them an order number, is that order number correct or incorrect...

robax:

Thanks heaps for the reply Rod.

I'm investigating the whole curl thing, but not really getting anywhere. However, I've got a test product set up and wonder if you would mind just glancing at the settings just to see if I haven't done something totally wrong?

Regards,
Rob

I've checked out the link you sent, and am able to deduce the following information.

1. Your test product does have valid weights and dimensions.
2. At the time of testing (9.15pm SA time) the quotation requests are reaching the server, and a response is being returned.

In other words you don't have any connectivity issues.

I have also been able to confirm that you have a problem with the popup shipping estimator, but I can't determine the cause without further investigation.

Now, you may be wondering how I can confirm the shipping estimator stuff is all ok even though the popup doesn't work correctly? The answer is simple.. I proceeded to the checkout and up popped the AustPost quotes - all correct and valid. :-)

I can't explain why you would have got an "ERROR:Unable to obtain a valid quote from the Australia Post Server." when you tried a checkout unless you were

a) using using a different test product with different dimensions,
b) there was a temporary network glitch when you tried,
c) the delivery address of the login account you used at the time has an invalid postcode.
d) You switched the file access method cURL vs FILE at some stage between your testing and my testing.

It appears that your main issue at this stage is the popup shipping estimator not working (as opposed to not being able to obtain valid quotes), and I think I know what the problem may be (a bug in my code).

To confirm my suspicion (and to fix the problem) please find and locate all files named "tpl_modules_shipping_estimator.php" and delete all of them EXCEPT the one suppied with the ZenCart distribution files.

IF you uploaded your austpost files according to the documention (and default file structure) you will find only two copies of this file, the original in:

/includes/templates/templates/
and the possible troublesome one in
/includes/templates/CUSTOM/templates

As a further tip (that will help you when testing with other products) you currently have your TARE weight set at 3kgs. This means that all of your quotes will be significantly higher than they should be.
Your test product is apparently 2kgs, so with one of these in the cart you are being quoted on a 5kg package, if you have ten in the cart you will exceed the macimum weight limits.

Cheers
Rod

Fantastic :clap:

Rod, You've nailed it thoroughly on both counts:

I did not have a valid address in the testing account. But as I came across the checkout error after the popup had already failed, I thought it simply wasn't working and not think to check this aspect. Now I can see it is working in the checkout!

Regarding the popup:
I originally followed the documentation and then moved the tpl_modules_shipping_estimator.php file from CUSTOM to my own template folder. The "Close Window link displayed correctly, so I assume I had done that correctly.

However, I have now deleted them as instructed and left the default file in place and now the popup works as well!

Does that mean there is possibly a bug? I haven't seen it yet, but I read in your notes that your popup is tidier, so I'll be keen to use it.

I think the one thing that might also help a lot is if the error message in the checkout can be replaced with something like "Estimates only available to adresses in Australia".

Thank you hugely for sorting that out Rod. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help test any further updates... and thanks for the tips about Tare.
:smile:
Rob

Delights:

When it gives them an order number, is that order number correct or incorrect...

I believe it was correct, but just in case, I'm setting up a cart from-scratch right now to test this as I have to leave the working site on my old host until I get this sorted out.

I'll start a new thread with the results so that I don't fill up the Austpost thread any further with this aspect.
Thanks for the replies as well!

robax:

Fantastic :clap:

Rod, You've nailed it thoroughly on both counts:

I get lucky sometimes :-)

robax:

Regarding the popup:
I originally followed the documentation and then moved the tpl_modules_shipping_estimator.php file from CUSTOM to my own template folder. The "Close Window link displayed correctly, so I assume I had done that correctly.

You probably did do it correctly.

robax:

However, I have now deleted them as instructed and left the default file in place and now the popup works as well!

Does that mean there is possibly a bug?

Yes.

robax:

I haven't seen it yet, but I read in your notes that your popup is tidier, so I'll be keen to use it.

I assume you know how to use a text editor (NOT MSword, and preferably anything non-windows - because MS products often add characters to the ends of lines and files).

Anyway, if you load the AustPost tpl_modules_shipping estimator into an editor, and then perform a search for
"<? "

In every place except two or three, this search will show up entries that read
"<?php"

Locate those that are missing the "php" part and add it so they all read "<?php"

Save the file and re-upload it to your server (under your custom templates folder).

Unless my hunch is wrong this should get the modified version working for you.

robax:

I think the one thing that might also help a lot is if the error message in the checkout can be replaced with something like "Estimates only available to adresses in Australia".

No, I can't/won't do that, because the module does display estimates for overseas addresses. :-)

Basically, if the destination is "AU" then a postcode must also be supplied. For any other country no postcode is required (if entered it is simply ignored).

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

Basically, if the destination is "AU" then a postcode must also be supplied. For any other country no postcode is required (if entered it is simply ignored).

Cool, I'll sort out the template bits shortly

But that last point is odd, because the invalid address I said I had was simply my full home address here in New Zealand, complete with city and correct post code. My guess had been that I had to use an OZ address and so I just typed Sydney and 2050 and selected Austrlia as the country - that's what worked.

However, I think you're saying that it should in fact have provided a quote for sending to New Zealand?

Rob

robax:

Cool, I'll sort out the template bits shortly

But that last point is odd, because the invalid address I said I had was simply my full home address here in New Zealand, complete with city and correct post code. My guess had been that I had to use an OZ address and so I just typed Sydney and 2050 and selected Austrlia as the country - that's what worked.

However, I think you're saying that it should in fact have provided a quote for sending to New Zealand?

Rob

Yes, it should provide a quote for NZ, as long as you have a valid overseas delivery method enabled and that the size/weight restrictions are adhered too.

However, if your weren't logged in when you attempted the quote the module doesn't really have any idea where the parcel is destined for. The default pop-up estimator will attempt a quote to 'nowhere' and will produce an error message stating no valid quote can be obtained.
The modified module checks for this condition and forces a destination to be entered before attempting a quote. (it also displays a disclaimer message that is technically required for using the austpost servers).

As usual, I'm prettty much guessing at a possible cause, but the bottom line is that there are subtle but important differences in behavour between a logged in user, a guest user obtaining an initial quote and a guest user obtaining subsequent quotes.

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

Yes, it should provide a quote for NZ, as long as you have a valid overseas delivery method enabled and that the size/weight restrictions are adhered too.

The modified module checks for this condition and forces a destination to be entered before attempting a quote. (it also displays a disclaimer message that is technically required for using the austpost servers).

Thanks again for the pointers Rod

I first went through the template file and fixed the missing php bits as you suggested - there were two missing instances. Then I put the template file in place and cleared everything out of the browser and started an anonymous order.

This time when I clicked the estimate button in the cart it shows me the screen with the option to choose a country. This wasn't showing earlier. It still gave the error about not being able to get a quote, so I went into the admin and simply enabled all packaging options to be sure one was going to be valid. Now it displays half a dozen shipping options.

Fantastic :bigups:

With this and my curl issue resolved I can now zero in more accurately on my remaining paypal ipn issue.

Thanks again for the help.
Rob

What I would suggest is that you uninstall the Austpost module via the admin shipping options (don't worry, it won't delete any of your product data). Next, delete all of the files relating to the austpost module, then re-install it again,

This is probably going to be a LOT quicker and easier than trying to figure out exaclty which files have been overwritten or uploaded to the wrong place.

Before doing that though it may be wise to complete your aborted zencart update, because with only a partial update there is no telling what other hidden and unforeseen problems may occur.

Thanks Rod, it's working like a charm again.

Hi Guys

Me again. Just wondering if anyone is using this mod with the easy populate mod. I am needing to extract the 3 new fields lengh, hight & width into the easy populate output file.

I have asked this question in the easy populate thread, but no one has replied.

TIA

heavenlynights:

Hi Guys

Me again. Just wondering if anyone is using this mod with the easy populate mod. I am needing to extract the 3 new fields lengh, hight & width into the easy populate output file.

I have asked this question in the easy populate thread, but no one has replied.

TIA

In order to do this you'll need to modify the easy populate mod so that it is aware of the new fields. As far as I'm aware no one has done this yet.

Theory dictates that such a mod wouldn't be too difficult. I suspect that the code wouldn't look too dissimilar to that used in the collect_info.php and and its partner update_product.php (which has been modded to utilise these fields).

Cheers
Rod

heavenlynights:

Hi Guys

Me again. Just wondering if anyone is using this mod with the easy populate mod. I am needing to extract the 3 new fields lengh, hight & width into the easy populate output file.

I have asked this question in the easy populate thread, but no one has replied.

TIA

If you do a search for my username you will find there is a post where i have uploaded a file for easypopulate, this file is an editted version that has new fields added too it.

You might need to remove 2 files, (prodcts_finish , products_material) but the file also has the Length, width and also depth in there as well.

RodG:

I haven't created any mods to display this information in any of the customer/store pages primarily because personally I see very little value in it, and secondly because it would involve modifying other files that may already be modded for other reasons, (eg, by using alternate template files), thus causing whoever is installing the AustPost additional work by having to perform a merge operation.
l

Please confirm - checking I have read this correctly. Even though we specify the product's dimensions, they won't come up on the product info page on the catalog? I thought I had done something wrong when I couldn't see in the catalog the dimension info that I had put in...?

jenzi:

Please confirm - checking I have read this correctly. Even though we specify the product's dimensions, they won't come up on the product info page on the catalog? I thought I had done something wrong when I couldn't see in the catalog the dimension info that I had put in...?

That is correct. The dimensions are only used for postage calculation purposes (for the cubing rules, and to determine letter sized objects). They are not displayed on any pages other than the admin area where the data is entered.

Cheers
RodG