CCGV - refactoring

[David M. Graham]

This is the discussion thread for EOS CC/GV refactoring.

The current CCGV system is, frankly, a mess. 

Coupons are inflexible and fail to offer an organized path to code expansion.

The Gift Voucher system is schizophrenic, offering the capabilities of both gift certificates and a refund manager. 

These logical flaws derive at least in part from the ability to sort order total modules, combined with the omission of facilities for pre-total handling.  This  needs to be remedied, which we will do by adding order modules to manage transaction adjustors such as coupons, gift certificates, store credits and other new additions.

Discount facilities will consist of:

Gift Certificates (NOT Vouchers!) - a type of product, and managed as such with an order module to manage application of the amount BEFORE reaching payment modules.

Coupons:  expanded system allowing for multiple coupon types implemented via plugins.  Include group support, membership attachment and more.

Vouchers:  instruments used for store credits which may include refunds or a managers discretionary adjustment, etc.

Specials:  Pricing already implemented, backend will be reconstructed.

Sales:  will become the focal point of discount generation with the ability to build coupons, designate specials, attach one or more events, and front end provisions for coupon distribution, and more.



 

[David M. Graham]

The starting page for coupon design is located at http://www.oscommerceuniversity.com/wiki/index.php/DiscountManager

[David M. Graham]

Following discussion with Tom O'Neill, I have posted an updated data design for the coupon system.

This includes structural diagrams and SQL creation code.  These should open the way to the substantial increases in operational capabilities needed from this critical marketing system.

Please have a look at these revisions and post your comments here.

David

[inetbiz]

David, will my suggestion to move coupon, Gift Cert redemption be moved to the view cart screen then display the applied discount on pre-checkout?

[David M. Graham]

Denver,

The suggestion will not be moved.

But, as the checkout process redesign is not complete, the fields may be.

David

[inetbiz]

Might take a look at other big ecommerce projects. Coupon code redemption is in cart view. The repeated problem that I found with creloaded cart were customers complaining they were entering in the coupon code AND the credit card data at the same time and complain that their credit card did not go through. They were of a mindset that it was a multi-part form post.

[David M. Graham]

Denver,

If you reparse my previous response you will see that your suggestion is not rejected,  just replied to literally.

First, you asked if we would move your suggestion.   Being in a rather literal state at the time, I told you no.  Your suggestion is fine where it is.

Second - there is no "view cart" screen in the checkout .   Would I agree that there should be?  Probably.

David

[HoosierWeb]

having coupon redemption at checkout (and each checkout page) is a great idea.. which we have done here
https://www.huset-shop.com/shopping_cart.php
it does require you to be logged in/created an account before it shows you the box on the shopping cart page.. but is very handy as they see the total prior to entering credit card/payment info

which in reality, price total should be shown as much as possible at every step.. before confirming the order page

[David M. Graham]

Jason, I tend to agree with each of these points.  But I think this exceeds the scope of a coupon system redesign.  I'll open a thread and matching wiki documents on a checkout system redesign to support these efforts.

David

[David M. Graham]

Denver,

Looking at the form issue, I suspect you mean a multiple select rather than multi-part form.  Am I incorrect?

David

[David M. Graham]

I have posted new changes to the Discount Manager design, which at least partially flesh out the direction in which it is currently going.

You can see those in the  discount manager design documents..  Further changes will be reflected in a checkout process design document, which now exists but lacks significant content.

David

[David M. Graham]

By the way, Jason - https://www.huset-shop.com is a great looking site.  Well done.

David