| This page deals
with supplemental shipping methods. We assume you have a "base"
method, usually the most economical, that you have set up in
your virtualCART
configuration. That's fine, but sometimes the customer wants
something in a hurry, and so we have supplemental methods.
That best way
to do this to avoid clutter in the cart is to let the customer
select how they want something shipped. That's where a page
like this on your site is invaluable. You just put up a button
followed by a brief description of the shipping method, and
tell the customer to select their preferred delivery method.
For examples of International shipping options go here.
s
e l e c t d e l i v e r y o p t i o
n :
Even
though this option is our default, we offer it as a choice anyway
to avoid confusing people. We have this set up to charge shipping
at our "base" rate multiplied by 1 (do nothing). The item code
for this is:
<input
type="hidden" name="item" value="b-2400^=shipping=^UPS Ground^base*1">
Notice
that we use a "special" part number of =shipping= to
tell the cart that this is no ordinary catalog item, but a
shipping option. The next field is UPS Ground that
is the option label which is used when displaying the cart
contents, and is also sent to you as part of the order to
let you know how to ship it. The final field tells the cart
how to change the shipping cost. This example uses the "multiplier"
method. The format MUST be the word "base" followed by "*"
followed by the number to multiply the base rate by.
This
shipping option uses the same general format as the above
example. The only significant difference is the fee calculation.
Our item variable is set to:
value="b-2400^=shipping=^UPS
2nd day air^base+10.00"
This
option uses the "addition" method. 10.00 is added to whatever
the base shipping rate is calculated to be. Your use for this
paragraph on your shipping page would be to detail the two
day service and any caveats you may place on it.
This
shipping option outlines the flat fee option. Using:
value="b-2400^=shipping=^FedEx
Overnight^flat14.50"
will
result in the cart displaying a flat $14.50 cost for a FedEx
Package. Again, be sure to explain to services here that some
items may result in additional charges, and that you'll email
them with information about any additional fees. We can't
realistically take everything into account (but we try!).
Notice also the word "flat" followed by the fee. Use the EXACT
syntax, or unexpected output may occur.
This
shipping option uses the "multiplier" option again to show
how to charge a percentage based surcharge over your default
shipping rate. Using:
value="b-2400^=shipping=^Airborne
Express^base*1.3"
will
result in the cart displaying the default rate plus 30%. Of
course all the rate plans and numbers are just examples. Hopefully,
you can use these shipping variables to build a good, flexible
suite of cart tracked shipping options for your services.
If you don't see exactly what you need, you can email us to
request a new method. In most cases, it will be free (for
paying services), especially if we feel it will benefit our
other merchants and enhance the value of the cart.
Here are a couple
more buttons you might want to use, but be sure to make them
"input type=image" rather than just plain "img" if you want
to use them as shipping options. We created all these buttons.
If you need something different, or need a great logo, drop
us a line. We have some very satisfied customers.
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