More features - customization in Powershop

[SimCoWeb]

If you want a solid alternative to the 'freebie' shops out there then consider Powershop (www.upowershop.com). Many of the carts listed here are ok for modest sales but lack the power of others. Plus, because they are free they lack the consistent and continuous development of new features and components.

This cart system is available for Powweb customers at just $135 installed (regular $199 installed) and features:

* Integrates with 25 of the top merchant providers including PayPal
* Offer discounts and coupons
* Calculates real time shipping with UPS and USPS
* Connects directly with your UPS Online Tools and FedEx Online account
* Complete customization of the cart templates
* Provide product options, Option based pricing, and volume pricing
* Uses MySQL database OR text database, your choice
* Uses up to 3 images per product
* Has multiple administrators if wanted
* Uses inventory countdown for product availability
* and much more

Full demo at the site.

[stevel]

Hmph. osCommerce can do all that and more, and development is rapid. It may not be consistent, I'll grant you...

On the other hand, there's a lot to be said for an easy-to-set-up package that has all these features built in.

[SimCoWeb]

True, OS commerce has plenty of features. It's great for those who wish for their site to look like every other OS commerce shop ;)

[natural]

If you put some effort in modifying the look of your site it won't look like every other oscommerce shop out there.
Take a look at www.sunshine4health.com

[tacimala]

Nice looking site natural. SlimCo, here is another example of a fully redesigned osCommerce site: His Kingdom Kards (http://www.hiskingdomkards.com)

[natural]

Thank you Tacimala :)

You did a great job on your site.

[SimCoWeb]

Those are two good examples and nicely done...but were they able to be designed in that fashion by the novice web site owner who knows nothing of PHP? And, if not, what would the typical novice owner who is budget minded be able to do with their design changes in a normal fashion? I've been to the OSC forums...seen the questions, problems, etc. Most of the users have trouble figuring out how they edit one of the blocks let alone create a complete design as you've pointed out.

With Powershop, they simply create any style page they wish, insert 3 simple tags where they wish the cart to show up and they're done. No code to wander through, PHP to learn, or blocks to figure out.

It's just an alternative idea for those seeking a simpler method of creating a custom cart. OSC is a good system for the turnkey store requiring little modification to get up and running. Powershop is integrated with 25 merchant providers like Card International, Wells Fargo, B of A, etc. which OSC does not support. So, it's just choices...not slamming :)

[natural]

I am a novice user, and I managed to do it somehow without using any template contributions. :confused:

[Jade Dragon]

This forum is OSC AND eCommerce ~ although the title says Open Source e-commerce I do not see a reason that other software may be posted as an option for other people to consider.

OSCommerce is not the end all and be all of shopping carts it is merely another option although a free option it is no better or worse than MANY other software available to use. (this from a person who has worked with OSC for over 2 1/2 years and am a big fan of it.) Actually there are many things I find Lacking in OSC, but that is another story.


SimCo was pointing out another option for a shopping cart. For a person who does not have the time or desire for the steep learning curve of OSC may want a different solution even IF it costs money to set up. I see no problem with posting other shopping cart options in this forum.

Please do not slam other softwares just because they are non-free options.

Please do not slam free softwares just because they are free does not mean that they are inferior.

All shopping carts, no matter who the developers are, will require some work to set up, whether that entails cutomization or just product upload...does not matter.

/Mod voice.

Have a good day.

=)
Jade

[natural]

Jade,

With all due respect, I was not slamming the software, but simply giving my opinion regarding SimCoWeb's post.
True, OS commerce has plenty of features. It's great for those who wish for their site to look like every other OS commerce shop ;)
It is not true, that every oscommerce shop looks the same and I just wnated to give an example, and I believe that it was Tacimala's point as well.

On the other hand, I do believe that there is a multitude of people who wish to have their shops setup by somebody else and are willing to pay the price.

/user voice ;)