Having problems with Akopia's shopping cart and since they have been bought out by Red Hat and support is going to cost $180.00 an hour, my conversations with Carlos have drawn a conclusion of getting a new shopping cart program. I am currently looking for shopping cart programs with features like akopia. I know about http://intheq.com , http://mivamerchant.com , http://theexchangeproject.org , PHPSHOP http://www.edikon.org , http://www.youreshop.com , I am a reseller so I am limited to options but am trying to assist so that my current clients will be happy and continue service.. Sugestions and IDEA'S and Links ARE most welcome.

We've had good luck with Dansie cart. Database or static file driven, seems to have a hook in to most real time processors, paypal, etc, and decent support. Last one I registered ran about $150, but that was in Dec. so it may have changed. We've got 1 client running about 1500+ items, and another one with only 5, both happy with it. Only feature I don't like about it is it doesn't automatically do sales tax based on state/providence, customer has to check if they are in the taxed region. All in all, its got a lot of bang for the buck compared to the $500+ jobs. Works great with Dreamweaver, Frontpage and hard coding. Site is http://Dansie.net

I've heard good things about http://www.mals-e.com for a Freely hosted Shopping Cart. Their pay-for service is $5/mth which I believe takes away ads.

I would read this before going with Dansie.

http://www.internetnews.com/ec-news/article/0,,4_340591,00.html

Last I checked, he "fixed" this but I still would not trust this company.

Scott

Indeed suggestions would be welcome, that darn Akopia cart seems to have a mind of it's own, only works when it decides to ...

Hmm.... I always wondered how Dansie checked.

You can always look at CommerceCGI, it was free last I looked, code was open, ton of mods available as it was based on Solena Sol's cart. Don't have the URL handy though. We looked at that one before we settled on the Dansie one. The 3 programs are compatable when using a database (flat file type).

I have found CommerceCGI (http://www.commerce-cgi.com/download/index.cgi) to be quite the nice script. Has it's own quirks of course but the ability for clients to change things themselves is sure handy.

Works from a Browser and for those that want the script on their own site, this is could be the one to start with. Anyone familiar with setting up PERL scripts can do it in about an hour - depending upon the level of customization required.

Gets high marks as a Potent Script - and Free is nice also. ;)

Thanx all for the input,

Think I'm going to use theexchangeproject , Just means I need to learn php so I can customize it.

We are using Quikstore (http://www.quikstore.com) and like it. It can be used in any language and any currency. Offers both offline and online catalog maintenance. However, there's no sql backend just plain text files. But it seems to be easy on the load anyway.

Nordic

Well theexchangeproject bombed out, still buggie. I found this cart and they seem to be on top of everything some input would be great if you have used it or some good information on it. http://zelerate.org

Hey, that's not bad. I like the fact that although it uses Cookies, they are "End of Session" and don't stick around.

I didn't like how on page 4 of 6 (Billing Information) if you enter incorrect information, or forget to fill in something, you get returned to the page and must re-input everything again.

There are only two methods of payments (CC & Coupons) which covers the marjority of payments, but it would be nice to have Money Orders & Certified Check options as well.

No idea what's involved for setup and administrating but from a User's point-of-view (and the fact that it's Free) it looks like a decent one to have.

Did you ever take a look at the CommerceCGI script, Newbie? It's right up there with the Zelerate one.

CommerceCGI somehow hits virtuals website. I still am very impressed with zelerate. They also have manuals in PDF while I cannot install this on my own, My supplier would have too.

This shopping cart is truly awesome. It only costs $15.00, but should be selling for $150! Ties right into PayPal as well as other gateways. I have used it and really like it.

John

Originally posted by Newbie
CommerceCGI somehow hits virtuals website.Not sure I know what you mean?

John
Do you have a URL for the cart?

The URL went to virtuals website. Now I just clicked it again and it's going to the right place. I know I have checked it more then once so I know I wasn't dreaming.

Well I have Zelerate mostly installed already and they do both free and pay services. I am pretty happy so far with them. http://zelerate.com http://zelerate.org they just released a new version 1.2.2 Feb 2001 so they are keeping up and looks like they are going to keep it going.

I don't know about the root install you'll have to ask Carlos of Wizardshosting.com how much of a pain it was or is to get it going.

I think I am the tester of software, so many things get put on, changed or deleted. Big Kudos to Carlos.

Originally posted by wsdhnet
This shopping cart is truly awesome. It only costs $15.00, but should be selling for $150! Ties right into PayPal as well as other gateways. I have used it and really like it.

John

I wouldn't use paypal for anything in the world to collect money from. Yea it maybe easy to set-up but go through the steps it takes to actually pay for a item from a clients perspective. I believe you have to sign up for an account along the way just to pay for something with a Credit Card. <I could be wrong because that was back in early 2000 so things may have changed>

BTW, John I am a value added reseller. My client has a merchant account and terminal thus no need to do any instant Auth.

I use PayPal for 90% of my CC collections. All the customer needs to do to purchase is enter their name, address and CC info. No more stressful than any order form. MOF will work with those merchants using terminals as well. In fact, it will scramble the credit card number adding another layer of security.

John

<scratch> You use it 90% of the time but you have on the top of your page telling everyone to goto Charge.com and sign up?? I think paypal has changed their policy in reguards to using them with your hosting company you might look at that John.

Originally posted by wsdhnet
I use PayPal for 90% of my CC collections. All the customer needs to do to purchase is enter their name, address and CC info. No more stressful than any order form. MOF will work with those merchants using terminals as well. In fact, it will scramble the credit card number adding another layer of security.

John