Multiple Store, Multiple Owners

[wastrilith2k]

Ok, after reviewing many multiple store options, here is the concept I have come up with. I want to be able to have virtually unlimited stores in a database. One database. I don't want to use the 'copy all tables and all files for every store' option, as this wastes space and also makes upgrades a hassle. So, here is my plan:

 

- Have one database. Add a table for stores. This has the ID of the store and the URL. That is all that should really be needed (needs to account for leaving the www out of the URL though).

- Append the store ID as a column to all tables which would need separate data. I would not append it to the customers as the customer might shop at more than one store. Instead, there is another table that holds customer-to-store data, which customers have signed on at what stores. Any previously provided data can therefore be populated when the customer signs up at another store. This will also include a field to show if they are signed up for the newsletter at that store or not.

- The stores will have some directories that are not centralized - images mainly. The main dir for the URL would hold an index file that assigns a value to a store_id variable and then pull in the main index.

- The tep_db_query function will need to be modified to include a condition of WHERE store_id = $store_id. This will be somewhat difficult as it will involve accounting for at least the following conditions: No previous criteria for the query, appending to previous criteria, and if there is a sort or anything after the criteria.

 

With these changes, there could be a separate admin and store, all independent of each other but running from the same set of files and with separate appearances and products. The admin script would also be able to be written and if information needed to be run on all stores, the store ID for that quesry would be "*".

Aside from this would be installation. When first setting up a store, tis is when the tables would be created. Aside from this, it is all just inserting records into the table and then copying a few files into the stores dir.

My intention with this would be to be able to set up stores at a low cost without any product limitation (might review this at a later date to determine if someone is using the majority of the space) and set them up quickly and efficiently and allow for custom appearance on each. I also would possibly charge a small percentage of sales, hence my need for being able to run sales reports by store. I also will be letting them take payments directly and would like to have a way to have returns/refunds processed through the site.

Another options, which may already exist, is for the store to be able to include the tracking number when the order is sent so that the customer is able to check their order status.

 

Please let me know what feedback you have and if anyone else has tried this. Also, I am wondering if it is even possible to modify tep_db_query to the extent needed. If not, I can search through ALL the references to it. I would appreciate any feedback on this as it is an idea I am thoroughly excited about.

 

James

wastrilith2k

[chiefwes]

It sounds like a wonderful idea to me.

 

I have my US/Canada store up and running. I am in the process this week of putting up my EU/UK stores. This type of enhancement would be perfect in my situation.

 

Wes

[wastrilith2k]

It sounds like a wonderful idea to me.

 

I have my US/Canada store up and running.  I am in the process this week of putting up my EU/UK stores.  This type of enhancement would be perfect in my situation.

 

Wes

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I've heard from another contributor that has something with most of this functionality in it. I am trying to get a working download link and when I get it, I'll let you know.

 

James

[Aodhan]

I've heard from another contributor that has something with most of this functionality in it.  I am trying to get a working download link and when I get it, I'll let you know. 

 

James

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Virtual Mall link

 

I did that back just before MS1, and it has since been updated and integrated by eCartz. It has a lot of the functionality you are looking for (store ID, one database install), and could probably be easily modified.

 

Aodhan

[wastrilith2k]

I decided that what I am going to do is take a loaded version, tweak it with my own customizations, and then apply the above method of administration. My only issue then is going to be to make a mall admin to limit the number of products a customer can have, but this I intend to do by creating a package definition table and then have the number of products per package linked in that. I can then also offer discounts for long term customers, etc. I hope to do this using Paypal subscriptions. Has anyone used Paypal Subscriptions before? Does the subscription have to be the same amount every month? I've read through their documentation and don't remember it listed.

 

Hope to incite some good ideas!!!

 

James

[tedbooks]

there is a contribution called multistore multi shop that can be modified to do most of what you want.i suggest you start there because it is very well thought of and is inline with your store_id concept

you must do some modification to allow you to share most of the files. not very hard

i am working on something like this and moved most of the store design to the css file so each store can have their own design by just having diffrent css file.i also move the buttons to css to make it easier.

you have to use diffrent language files for each store.

i have also converted the oscaffillatecontribution so i can use it to bill each store a percentage of their sale.

i use the same infoboxes for all stores but i think just adding another table would allow turning the boxes on/off for individual store or if you create diffrent class for each infobox then you might be able to make them invisable using css

if you want to take a look let me know

[wastrilith2k]

Another contrib I've looked at is on http://www.systemsmanager.net which has a full mall system with some contribs added and a sign up method built in. I didn't do a great deal of research into it, but I'll probably look at it more in the future...

 

James