Good & Trusted Templates

[d4funky1]

Hi,

 

I already have a modified version of oscommerce running but feel the need for a more professional look to my site as it is still pretty box standard:

 

http://www.fancydressretail.co.uk

 

Can anyone advise on 3 issues:

 

1, If i purchase a template is the possibilty of adding the code to my existing site plausable of would i have to upload a full set and overwrite my existing files?

 

2, where would anyone recommend purchasing a template?

 

3, Are all contributions compatible with these bought templates?

 

Many Thanks

D4

Edited June 21, 2007 by d4funky1

[Bvrettski]

I'm by no means an authority on this and , like you, am seeking some help in this matter.

 

I purchased a template from Template Monster only to find out that it was not compatible with my hosts php version.

It was a complete osCommerce install package so there was little possibility of uploading just the necessary files to my existing and up-to-date osCommerce install.

 

I would hope someone could tell me if there are "add- on" templates and where we might find/buy them.

 

Templates seem to be one of the weak spots of oscommerce. Unlike Joomla which has a module, component and template installer built into the admin, osCommerce seems to be an upload /replace approach making template developers create a complete install of the OSC package.

 

If anyone can lend their insights it would be much appreciated.

[Guest]

I'm by no means an authority on this and , like you, am seeking some help in this matter.

 

I purchased a template from Template Monster only to find out that it was not compatible with my hosts php version.

It was a complete osCommerce install package so there was little possibility of uploading just the necessary files to my existing and up-to-date osCommerce install.

 

I would hope someone could tell me if there are "add- on" templates and where we might find/buy them.

 

Templates seem to be one of the weak spots of oscommerce. Unlike Joomla which has a module, component and template installer built into the admin, osCommerce seems to be an upload /replace approach making template developers create a complete install of the OSC package.

 

If anyone can lend their insights it would be much appreciated.

that's exactly the reason why you should go here for templates:

http://www.oscommerce.com/community/contributions/category,8

and check the several store design threads in the tips and tricks forum.

 

because these modules were done by members of this community who understand osc to say the least. Once you familiarize yourself with the osc framework you will have a very good judgment about osc templates.

 

What you see as a weakness for osc not having a built-in template framework I see it as a strength and flexibility. Imagine what would had happened if the stock osc was bundled with BTS.

Edited June 22, 2007 by enigma1

[Bvrettski]

"What you see as a weakness for osc not having a built-in template framework I see it as a strength and flexibility. Imagine what would had happened if the stock osc was bundled with BTS. "

 

Perhaps if your coming fro ma programmers or coders point of view yes I can understand how the "openess" of the system would be a plus. From a novice users standpoint its a roadblock to getting beyond the default look of oscommerce. From my perspective as a Commercial Artist is sorely lacking from the position that if your store looks generic it ain't gonna sell. I'm a hack at coding....at best.... but I muddle my way through. I'm just more interested in getting an end result that looks good and attracts customers. I don't want to spend time fumbling with additional installs when I can be working on the design...it's what I do best and what I enjoy most...to me coding is like pulling teeth but we each have our lots in life...and the finer points of oscommerce modification keeps a good deal of people in business.

 

Thanks for the help. I'll check into it......and I'll still be hoping for a better, more intuitive way of creating the stores front end.

 

Brett

[ozEworks]

Phillip

 

I think you are running a CRE loaded store.

 

When you buy an osCommerce template you are buying the osCommerce code. So you are buying how well they have integrated the design. With pure MS2.2 this is usually done very very badly by the likes of Template Monster. With CRE templates you hope they used BTS. In which case you could possible copy the BTS template to your site.

 

But I always advise about using templates as is simply because they tend to look like templates and don't give a feel for the culture of the store itself. Like osCommerce, I feel a template is a good starting point but you have to make chances to make it your own.

 

So why not just change what you have that replace it?