removing need for an address when creating account in 2.3.3?

[vampirehunter]

is there a plugin for this?

 

i would like to remove the need for a customer to enter their address when signing up on the create account page

 

i think the fields are mandatory, how do i remove these?

 

thanks

[npn2531]

Open catalog/create_account.php find code similar to:

 

if (strlen($postcode) < ENTRY_POSTCODE_MIN_LENGTH) {
  $error = true;
  $messageStack->add('create_account', ENTRY_POST_CODE_ERROR);
   }

 

Change 'true' to 'false', or simply delete the entire block of code. In this case it would remove the requirement to enter a postal code.

[♥14steve14]

Assuming I am reading this right, when do you want to collect the customers address, assuming that you post items.

[vampirehunter]

Hi

It's mainly to speed up the sign up process.

 

The user will put the address if they want to do so later on.

 

I've seen this on a few sites.

 

They can put in their address in the checkout when it's mandatory.

 

Unless it is bad practice?

I'm taking ideas from sites that are quite new and popular.

 

Maybe I'm wrong in implementing it but it's an idea I'm exploring.

[npn2531]

The easier it is to sign up the more people will sign up. Presenting people sort of interested in your site with a full page of forms is a good way to run them off. I think removing the requirements can be a great way to draw people in.

 

We just tried an experiment where we presented on create_account.php an offer of a free product if an order for something else was placed 'today'. We programmed OSCommerce to place the free item in their cart when they arrived at create_account_success.php. Our new customer accounts created went up by a factor of 3 within days. When we removed that offer new account sign-ups dropped back to normal levels.

 

That told us there were lots of potential customers who opened up create_account.php and then left the site without filling in the forms. We are going to refine that experiment and one of the ideas we are considering is doing what you are considering, removing all requirements but the email, but with the offer of the free product. Then when they add the email and go to create_account_success.php as normal, they will see the free product in their cart. To get that free product they are going to have to place an order and enter in their address, but filling out the address form will have a more immediate, tangible reward, (the free product) and the form will be shorter because they have already entered their email.

 

The other advantage to removing address and/or phone requirement is that unless they order we don't need that info. We are marketing to everyone via email exclusively.

[MrPhil]

That's an interesting approach. I could see requesting large amounts of data up front turning off potential customers. Asking them for it a little at a time could work, but there's a chance they'll say, "Hey, they want MORE info? When is this going to end?" I would at least tell them how much more information will be needed before any order can be completed, and would they like to enter it now or later? Don't leave them wondering how much more (or what kind of) information they'll have to give in the future, and let them get it over with now. Also make it clear which of the information they give can be changed in the future. Some customers will be afraid that once they enter something, it's locked in there forever. How such information will be used (privacy) is also good to tell them.

[npn2531]

Good points. Some sort of progress bar would help, and a disclosure somewhere.

[vampirehunter]

i found 2 different plugins which make the address fields and some other ones to be able to be turned off via admin.

i will try use them as then you can always turn them on if needed later on.

[jeu4328]

i found 2 different plugins which make the address fields and some other ones to be able to be turned off via admin.

i will try use them as then you can always turn them on if needed later on.

 

Do either of the plug ins that you found work? If so, could you please add a link to the one that is easiest to install and works the best?

 

Thank you, Jewell

[jeu4328]

Open catalog/create_account.php find code similar to:

 

if (strlen($postcode) < ENTRY_POSTCODE_MIN_LENGTH) {
 $error = true;
 $messageStack->add('create_account', ENTRY_POST_CODE_ERROR);
}

 

Change 'true' to 'false', or simply delete the entire block of code. In this case it would remove the requirement to enter a postal code.

 

This doesn't seem to make any difference when I make this change. What will the results be? Will the asterisks which indicate that it is a required field disappear? They are still visible in my store.

 

Thank you,

Jewell