I'm looking to implement a Open Source (PHP/MySQL) based online shop. At this stage I'm just looking for a general 'show of hands' related to which preexisting solutions I should be looking at. So far I've (very) briefly looked at osCommerce and VirtueMart. ...what are your opinions on these and what other solutions should I consider? Thanks
osCommerce... Edit: add link to current review thread for an osCommerce based store As an example of a production osC platform reference the thread in the review section: Review
osCommerce is old gold.. But VirtueMart is also cool and easy to play with if you are a Joomla API king.
I had a client, who want OS solition. Then we thought together, and came to idea, then better to develop personally, depends on needs. All depends on what are you going to sell, and what functions do you need. Current scripts (also commercial solitions) have many functions, but people want unique view, unique services, etc. Then there are 2 ways - embed you code into existing solutions or write from scratch exact that you need. With scalability possible. First variant is possible - but it requires, that programmer must know architecture of script, and how it works. This work need much time. As usual, payment for modification and extending of some script is not much, that's why it's added like a crutch, and after 3-5 such additions (generally by different programmers - guys ) the whole system function with errors. Just story from experience If you shop brings you good money income, you can spend 2k-5k for good solution, if no - on first stagers you can use oscommerce or what i know - zencard - seem like this, try google ~Alex
I agree with you intoex. I really dislike they way osc is structured on the inside but I've dealt with and have completed several projects just because the functionality is what I've looked for in a ecommerce system. I would suggest anyone starting out to go with oscommerce because it has so many features, easy to use and there are many contributions to extend the shop. But be warned, customizing osc (because of it's internal structure) can be a drag but definately not impossible.
I've already been down the custom (PHP/MySQL) shop route and quite simply I'm looking for a simpler, packaged option (the shop I need to build is simple)... I'll add Zen Cart to the list of contenders...
if you were thinking of oscommerce....then look at CRE Loaded. There are not too many major differences between Zen and CRE but it is another option for you to look at.
there really are only two big choices for Open sourse carts (PHP) and they are Zencart and CRE loaded OSCommerce . This is of course my opinion not fact
Nice discussion. Among ZenCart and OSCommerce shopping carts, which is simpler to customize and use? (Assuming small number of shopping items, say less than 100). thanks.