Shopping Carts and E-Commerce

SLBlay · October 2nd, 2003, 4:41 PM

Hi Everybody!

Well, I am working with a client who wants an "online store", so I figured I'd better learn a bit about it!.

My choices (available at Surpass) are:
Agora shopping cart: http://www.agoracart.com/
OSCommerce http://www.oscommerce.com/

...and I have also been considering using (for general site development as well):

NetObjects Fusion 7.5 (which includes e-commerce solutions built-in) http://www.netobjects.com/index.html

I already have Microsoft FrontPage (which won't help me with the e-commerce), and can edit html directly. But am wondering what approach is best for "medium-size" development (whatever that means).

I'm leaning towards Fantastico/OSCommerce for now, but am tempted by the promise of a "simple out-of-the-box" solution from NetObjects - 'the grass is always greener'.

Any comments much appreciated!

**clove** · October 2nd, 2003, 4:59 PM

I use a 2Checkout.com version of the CGI Commerce Script. Its HIGHLY Customizable.. It also hooks into 2Checkout.com for Credit card Processing.

But those you mentioned are an all in one solution. The cgi script is really for someone who wants a site with integrated cart.. There are many of these... I tend to use this one...

SLBlay · October 2nd, 2003, 5:33 PM

Clove - Thanks for the information, I'll look into it.

I realize I will need a payment solution (like 2Checkout, PayPal), SSL, certificates etc.

I decided start off by trying out OSCommerce, for experience. I looked at their demos at:
http://www.oscommerce.com/shops
And read some useful documentation at:
http://www.oscommerce.com/community
I also stumbled on (don't ask me how!) helpInstallNew at:
http://wiki.oscommerce.com/Top

I went ahead and set up a test account in my reseller space (no registered DNS). Then, I used CPanel, Fantastico to install the OSCommerce script package - it didn't match the "helpInstallNew" steps I'd printed out, but the Q&A was pretty obvious. I got 3 pages of install printouts, it all looks good!

I expected that when I ran the php script in the top level directory I created during installation, I would see the "demo" store, then learn how to "make it mine". Well, I get the "home page" but it's not formatted like the demo, the text fonts are "plain" and all the graphics are "red-X" boxes.

Is this because I'm operating with an unregistered DNS? Any links I click go to sitefinder.verisign.com. Does that also explain the formatting/font omissions?

Does the Fantastico install load the catalog database with the demo items?

Also, how do I set permissions?

What are the (next) first steps in changing this install to my specific purpose? - just some URL pointers would be helpful.

I already searched Surmunity (all categories) for OSCommerce, Agora, Shopping Cart, ecommerce. I found and read the "OS Commerce Setup" topic.

LTL (Lots To Learn!) :ask: :pleasehelp:

**patrickb** · October 2nd, 2003, 5:42 PM

Quote:

Is this because I'm operating with an unregistered DNS? Any links I click go to sitefinder.verisign.com. Does that also explain the formatting/font omissions?

Verisign strikes again. See this post for an explanation of why you are going to verisigns site.

It looks like you have a bogus domain name setup for your account (its not registered, but you do have a domain entry in surpasses servers none the less) and the script is trying to use the listed domain to build its links with, but the domain doesn't resolve, so you get redirected to Verisign's :cen: :cen: :cen: site... I dont have any experience with the script, but it looks like you have to have a valid domain to get it to work properly... Maybe someone else here could enlighten us on that...

SLBlay · October 2nd, 2003, 5:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by clove

Oct 2 2003, 3.59 pm
I use a 2Checkout.com version of the CGI Commerce Script.
The cgi script is really for someone who wants a site with integrated cart.

Clove,

Here's what I turned up:
http://www.adamssite.com/e-commerce-templates.shtml
Which links to:
http://www.ecommercetemplates.com/default....?PARTNER=adsite

Is this what you meant? - I'll also approach it from the 2Checkout.com end.

I guess there's no doubt I need a site with an 'integrated cart', that's what I expected from any online ecommerce solution, including OSCommerce and NetObjects Fusion.

Perhaps what you're referring to is the "paying entity" integration? Excuse my lack of understanding...

**clove** · October 2nd, 2003, 6:01 PM

the best thing you can do is play with it..

it really depends if you want an amazon looking type site or not..

even if you dont have DNS yet, you can still play with your store...

SLBlay · October 2nd, 2003, 6:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by patrickb

Oct 2 2003, 4.42 pm
Verisign strikes again. See this post for an explanation of why you are going to verisigns site.

patrickb.

I think you're on the right track! Especially on the links and graphics. But I wouldn't have thought it would affect basic formatting and fonts. But what do I know!

I'll spring to register a couple of domain mames - has anyone tried web.com, for $6.95/yr?

patrickb, I especially liked your: :frust: guy! I scanned the rest of the post, and will read it more thorougly later.

The landscape is widening! Anyone remember the old "project wisdom" of:

"When you are up to your neck in alligators, it's difficult to remember that your initial objective was to drain the swamp."

Thanks!

ps - Clove, I agree, playing with it is good, but with help from patrickb, I'm finding it's not quite that simple (any way around the "Verisign" thing?)

SLBlay · October 2nd, 2003, 6:39 PM

Ooooh!

I just went into the OSCommerce admin area on my test/demo site - now I think I've found lots of toys! :thumbsup:

Spoke too soon! The "pretty menu screen" fooled me!

There are eight menu options, but they all get "trapped" by Verisign.

:order: :order: :order:

Gotta get them DNSs ordered up, and see if that fixes it.

:happyday: :happyday: :happyday:

SLBlay · October 7th, 2003, 12:15 PM

Yup! - Once the DNS for the test shop site was registered and propagated, the setup looks just like the OSCommerce demo website, and the Administration Tools work also! - now I'm investigating:

1. How the customization works (text, graphics/images, etc.)
2. The items catalog management
3. How to get paid for sales
4. Security requirements SSL / Certificates etc.

Quote:

Editing Page Texts

The text shown here can be modified in the following file, on each language basis:

[path to catalog]/includes/languages/english/index.php

That file can be edited manually, or via the Administration Tool with the Languages->English->Define or Tools->File Manager modules.

Question: Is the best way to modify scripts/text to use the "File Manager" in the product, download/modify/upload (use FTP?) or can you do it in place with Telnet/HyperTerminal/SSH?

Or, worse yet, perhaps I don't know what I'm talking about!?
Oh well, sooner or later, I'll end up knowing more about PHP. Unix and Linux I guess!

"Trial by Doing!"

October 2nd, 2003, 4:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
SLBlay Registered User Seasoned Poster Joined in Aug 2003 Lives in Homer, NY 13045 Hosted on dime29 31 posts Gave thanks: 0 Thanked 0 times	Hi Everybody! Well, I am working with a client who wants an "online store", so I figured I'd better learn a bit about it!. My choices (available at Surpass) are: Agora shopping cart: http://www.agoracart.com/ OSCommerce http://www.oscommerce.com/ ...and I have also been considering using (for general site development as well): NetObjects Fusion 7.5 (which includes e-commerce solutions built-in) http://www.netobjects.com/index.html I already have Microsoft FrontPage (which won't help me with the e-commerce), and can edit html directly. But am wondering what approach is best for "medium-size" development (whatever that means). I'm leaning towards Fantastico/OSCommerce for now, but am tempted by the promise of a "simple out-of-the-box" solution from NetObjects - 'the grass is always greener'. Any comments much appreciated! __________________ - Steve. Server: dime29. Domain Name: cosmicgeeks.com

October 2nd, 2003, 4:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
clove Surpass Fan Excelling Contributor Joined in Jul 2003 Lives in Florida Hosted on D9 833 posts Gave thanks: 0 Thanked 0 times	I use a 2Checkout.com version of the CGI Commerce Script. Its HIGHLY Customizable.. It also hooks into 2Checkout.com for Credit card Processing. But those you mentioned are an all in one solution. The cgi script is really for someone who wants a site with integrated cart.. There are many of these... I tend to use this one... __________________ Clove Surpass Reseller (2+ Years Now!!!) Various Clients on D9 Winner of 2004 Surpassies Most Prolific Award! (& still didnt get my poster hee hee)

October 2nd, 2003, 5:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
SLBlay Registered User Seasoned Poster Joined in Aug 2003 Lives in Homer, NY 13045 Hosted on dime29 31 posts Gave thanks: 0 Thanked 0 times	Clove - Thanks for the information, I'll look into it. I realize I will need a payment solution (like 2Checkout, PayPal), SSL, certificates etc. I decided start off by trying out OSCommerce, for experience. I looked at their demos at: http://www.oscommerce.com/shops And read some useful documentation at: http://www.oscommerce.com/community I also stumbled on (don't ask me how!) helpInstallNew at: http://wiki.oscommerce.com/Top I went ahead and set up a test account in my reseller space (no registered DNS). Then, I used CPanel, Fantastico to install the OSCommerce script package - it didn't match the "helpInstallNew" steps I'd printed out, but the Q&A was pretty obvious. I got 3 pages of install printouts, it all looks good! I expected that when I ran the php script in the top level directory I created during installation, I would see the "demo" store, then learn how to "make it mine". Well, I get the "home page" but it's not formatted like the demo, the text fonts are "plain" and all the graphics are "red-X" boxes. Is this because I'm operating with an unregistered DNS? Any links I click go to sitefinder.verisign.com. Does that also explain the formatting/font omissions? Does the Fantastico install load the catalog database with the demo items? Also, how do I set permissions? What are the (next) first steps in changing this install to my specific purpose? - just some URL pointers would be helpful. I already searched Surmunity (all categories) for OSCommerce, Agora, Shopping Cart, ecommerce. I found and read the "OS Commerce Setup" topic. LTL (Lots To Learn!) :ask: :pleasehelp: __________________ - Steve. Server: dime29. Domain Name: cosmicgeeks.com

October 2nd, 2003, 6:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
clove Surpass Fan Excelling Contributor Joined in Jul 2003 Lives in Florida Hosted on D9 833 posts Gave thanks: 0 Thanked 0 times	the best thing you can do is play with it.. it really depends if you want an amazon looking type site or not.. even if you dont have DNS yet, you can still play with your store... __________________ Clove Surpass Reseller (2+ Years Now!!!) Various Clients on D9 Winner of 2004 Surpassies Most Prolific Award! (& still didnt get my poster hee hee)

October 2nd, 2003, 6:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
SLBlay Registered User Seasoned Poster Joined in Aug 2003 Lives in Homer, NY 13045 Hosted on dime29 31 posts Gave thanks: 0 Thanked 0 times	Ooooh! I just went into the OSCommerce admin area on my test/demo site - now I think I've found lots of toys! :thumbsup: Spoke too soon! The "pretty menu screen" fooled me! There are eight menu options, but they all get "trapped" by Verisign. :order: :order: :order: Gotta get them DNSs ordered up, and see if that fixes it. :happyday: :happyday: :happyday: __________________ - Steve. Server: dime29. Domain Name: cosmicgeeks.com

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