Shopsmith Fix Your Order System Rant

[swampgator]

Unrelated to the back orders, admin and I have been discussing some ideas of how to correct some of the order system problem. It's possible that the process will be changed where you can use the same shopping cart while ou use multiple computers. Say, you start a cart while at the library, at home or visiting a relative. Then you move to another computer or come back later to complete your order but can't find your cart or the stuff in the cart. We are kicking around some ideas of how to correct this.

Now, what other problems are being experienced? I'll think about them and see if the programmers can make it happen. The basic system is very old and using COBOL, a very old language, but is layered with various other internet communication languages. We have to figure out where to make the changes so it works and not bothersome to you. So, if you wish to PM me with your problems/frustrations, I'll be happy to work on a solution. It may not be very quick, but we'll work on it.

Just wanted all to know that admin is listening and cares.

[dickg1]

If I am not mistaken, Shopsmith puts a cookie on your computer when you sign in. Seems like that is the key to the shopping cart issue.

Cobol would be source of the data files structure. Is that the problem, updating the files with Cobol?

Dick

[swampgator]

I proposed to not rely on the cookie for the shopping cart. From my experience, it would be better to use the user's ID + an order/invoice number to start the cart. That way, no matter if the cookie is erased, the user logs on with a different computer or what, when the user logs on, the user ID will be part of the record and the shopping cart will be available to empty, modify or close the purchase. Not sure where that will be written, but I suppose it won't be in COBOL as it was explained to me that it was where the main records are.

I'm looking for any other problems that you have so I can analyze and suggest. Thanks for making the order process or search process easier.

[SDSSmith]

I proposed to not rely on the cookie for the shopping cart. From my experience, it would be better to use the user's ID + an order/invoice number to start the cart. That way, no matter if the cookie is erased, the user logs on with a different computer or what, when the user logs on, the user ID will be part of the record and the shopping cart will be available to empty, modify or close the purchase. Not sure where that will be written, but I suppose it won't be in COBOL as it was explained to me that it was where the main records are.

I'm looking for any other problems that you have so I can analyze and suggest. Thanks for making the order process or search process easier.

Not sure about using the order number, but using phone number, user name and/or zip code would be something I could remember.

[swampgator]

Sorry, I was speaking solely of software. I was not considering the phone orders. If someone is on line, then a cookie is only good on one machine, and only if some type of software cleaned it off. Every one who is logged onto to the website has some sort of customer ID in the files. When a logged on customer is making up a shopping cart, it would be very easy to read the website date and time, customer logon ID, and initiate a new invoice using whatever argument the computer tables and code have already set up. It could be either sequential or random. I hope this helps explain my point.

[wiredone]

Well, Swampgator, that's great that they're listening. BUT are they only listening to the convenient parts? Or all of the different issues?
there were alot of concerns that were voiced in this thread, and many had nothing to do with technical website issues.
Some had to do with salesman attitudes and some with shipping policies and the like.
My major points of contention were an unprofessional salesperson, unnecessarily high shipping prices and rigid shipping practices.

Robert

[ss50th]

Shipping costs: In some cases the actual charge of the shipping company is not the only factor in the total cost. Some companies have individual cost centers for each department and the total cost in shipping can include the packaging, cost of the personnel, actual freight charge, etc. One company had codes to enter when using the copy machines so the expense could be assigned to an individual department.

[dusty]

Shipping costs: In some cases the actual charge of the shipping company is not the only factor in the total cost. Some companies have individual cost centers for each department and the total cost in shipping can include the packaging, cost of the personnel, actual freight charge, etc. One company had codes to enter when using the copy machines so the expense could be assigned to an individual department.

I believe it is typical in larger operations to have cost centers for each of their major work areas. By doing this, they can accumulate the "real cost" of doing business. The sum of all real cost then becomes the manufacturing cost for that particular product.

In other operations, the various costs are really just WAGs.

Shopsmith charges for shipping and they charge for handling. Shipping costs are probably real costs (based on past experience and today's shipping rates).

Handling costs are a different story and I am not quite to gracious there. I have an outstanding order right now that is going to cost $12.49 for shipping and handling.

Two years ago I bought the same two items PLUS an additional 6 items that cost an additional $55. That order only cost me $10.99 to ship. Less expensive and fewer items cost $1.50 more for shipping and handling.

Go Figure.

[swampgator]

Not sure about using the order number, but using phone number, user name and/or zip code would be something I could remember.

Arrrgggghhhh! You raised a good point. The folks who take the orders over the phone must use some other means to place an order. Now, need to get my bottle of Ibuprofen and do some more thinking. Hmmmmm! Thanks for that thought.

[dusty]

I'm going to test the system today. I have an outstanding online order that has not shipped (at least according to online status) and I am going to call this morning in an attempt to add three items to that order.

We'll see. I'll deal with whoever answers the phone. Wish me luck. I really want these items. I don't really NEED these items but I want them.