creating download links & shipping method query with products attributes

[michaelkf]

I am new to osCommerce, and am setting up a store with version 2.3.1. I am selling software products with the primary delivery method to be by download, but want customers to have an option to receive a CD package if desired. In all cases I want to create a single download link for all sales, and to optionally provide the package shipment if selected. So far with osCommerce I am successfully creating download links after the sale and the shipping method query during checkout, but with some problems.

 

As far as I can tell, creating download links, and producing the shipping method query during checkout is controlled by setting up appropriate products attributes. In order to create the download link the customer must select a product attribute which specifies the download filename in the Filename field. And in order to produce the shipping method query during checkout, the customer must select at least one product attribute which does NOT specify a filename in the Filename field. In order to "always" create the download link, I created a single value attribute which specifies the download in the Filename field. And in order to provide shipping if desired, I am using another attribute with two values: one which does NOT specify a filename (shipping), and one which DOES specify a filename (no shipping).

 

This works for the most part, but one of the problems is that if the customer selects the "no shipping" option with the second attribute, then the store produces "two" download links which is not necessary or desired. I want just a single download link. Evidently, the store will produce a separate download link for each selected attribute which specifies the filename in the Filename field.

 

In some of my products I have a third attribute which has nothing to do with product delivery, and is having a similar undesired affect. If I fill the Filename field, yet another download link is produced, and if I do not fill the Filename field it will produce the shipping method query during checkout at times when that is not desired.

 

Can someone tell me if I understand these features correctly; and/or, whether there is a better approach to what I am trying to do; and/or, whether there is an add-on which addresses this issue?

 

Thanks much!

michaelkf

[michaelkf]

I am hoping to get a reply. Perhaps I should consolidate my information above into a more specific question.

 

I am using osCommerce 2.3.1. It seems that controlling whether a download link is created and/or whether shipping options are available during checkout is done primarily by how one sets up product attributes; either with or without specifying a filename download.

 

Is that true? If so, is there an add-on available that can improve the behavior of the core 2.3.1 product?

 

thanks,

michaelkf