Order API - is this how I use it?

[Mister.44]

I have a client that wants to have the ability for the client to enter in
some custom information for items bought. Specifically, they want people to
be able to order items and have then have them custom engraved, with a few
different options and a custom message.

http://www.babycup.com/engraving.htm and http://www.silvergallery.com/ both
have examples of the functionality that they need. (not in ShopSite)

Now I am familiar with most of the workings of ShopSite, maybe 70%
proficient, but I have never used Order API and I am not sure if this is
engraving functionality would be something perfect for the API feature or
not. If not, do you have any suggestions on how I do it?

For the record, I have a super PERL CGI guy who can help me make a script,
but I need to know if this is how it works. And again, if not, any
suggestions on HOW to do this?

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[Rob]

You have a few options:

1. You can use Custom Checkout fields in the checkout page if you are using
ShopSite Pro. You can have as many fields as you would like, but these
fields would appear regardless of what products are in the cart. These
fields get carried over to the order upon checkout.

2. You can use ordering options on a per product basis for options such as
preference, gift wrap, etc... and you can use a text entry box on a per
product basis for customers to enter custom text. Note that only one textbox
is allowed per product. You can get around this by having this textbox on
the catalog page / more info page in multiple entries all with the same
field name, which will then be concatenated once in the cart. Or you can get
more advanced and have the "add to cart" button go to a cgi/php script that
processes your custom text fields, and puts them into a format the merchant
can use into the custom textbox entry field in ShopSite.

3. You can use some advanced javascript on the checkout page to detect for
certain items needing customization, and then output custom checkout fields
as appropriate, or make them hidden variables if not needed.

An Order API script would only be used to process an order after it has been
placed. For your situation, I do not think an order API would be helpful.

Rob

"Mister.44" <robot44@robot44.com> wrote in message
news:dhh5mf$chc$1@eval.shopsite.com...

I have a client that wants to have the ability for the client to enter in
some custom information for items bought. Specifically, they want people to
be able to order items and have then have them custom engraved, with a few
different options and a custom message.

http://www.babycup.com/engraving.htm and http://www.silvergallery.com/
both have examples of the functionality that they need. (not in ShopSite)

Now I am familiar with most of the workings of ShopSite, maybe 70%
proficient, but I have never used Order API and I am not sure if this is
engraving functionality would be something perfect for the API feature or
not. If not, do you have any suggestions on how I do it?

For the record, I have a super PERL CGI guy who can help me make a script,
but I need to know if this is how it works. And again, if not, any
suggestions on HOW to do this?