Hi all, this is my first post at Viart!
 
I note that there are lots of US based shipping options already with this software, but no UK based ones.
 
I want to use Interlink (http://www.interlinkexpress.com/) and wondered if anyone can give me some pointers on how to do this please?
 
My ultimate aim is to have the Viart software check the weight of a shopping cart and calculate the shipping according to Interlink rates. I.e anything up to 20kg is £6 and anything between 21kg and 30kg is £10 etc....
 
I hope you can advise me.
 
Many thanks.
 
Jay

Hello Jay
 
I use interlink - I am not aware that you can link Viart software to them.
 
We just give this as a delivery option and use Interlink's own software and printer for labelling and tracking.
 
To do the shipping calculations, set up Shipping Module : [ Administration > Shipping Modules] United Kingdom.
 
Add a shipping methos for the 0-20kg weight and complete the rest of the form as required.
 
Repeat this for 20.01kg - 30kg etc....
 
Then the appropriate price will show in checkout on the presumtion that you have added weights to your products - do allow a marging for packaging - remember that the prices you show will normally be net of VAT, if that is how you do your product pricing.
 
I hope that gets you started.
 
Chris
Bristol

Hi Chris,
 
Many thanks for taking the time to look at my post and respond. Glad to see UK folks using this script!
 
So, would these be the correct steps for using Interlink (or indeed any UK based courier)?
 
1. Add a NEW shipping module
2. Check the Active box
3. Call it a suitable name (i.e Interlink)
4. Put these notes in the Notes section!
5. Leave the Fuel Surcharge box blank
6. Leave the Script and External URL fields blank
7. Put the Interlink Tracking URL in Tracking URL (http://www.interlinkexpress.com/tracking/index.jsp)
8. I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO NEXT?
 
Any help would be much appreciated.
 
Jay

You now need to go to PRODUCTS>SHIPPING METHODS - and click on SHIPPING METHODS against the module you have created : click New Shipping Type and create a type for each weight band as I described earlier.
 
The appropriate type will show in the checkout - I also use Royal Mail so the customer norally gets choices.
 
Also - take care with shipping to places like IOM and NI - you will need separate shipping types for these due to the high costs.
 
I am intrigued to learn whether your set up will track the order with Interlink - will pleased to know the outcome on this.
 
Jay - there are more UK users than you realise - and it is a UK software company
 
Chris

Hi Chris
 
Once again, many thanks for your help!
 
I have now done the following and cannot get the cart to show a shipping ammount when I checkout:
 
1. Add a NEW shipping module
2. Check the Active box
3. Call it a suitable name (i.e Interlink) 4. Put these notes in the Notes section!
5. Leave the Fuel Surcharge box blank
6. Leave the Script and External URL fields blank 7. Put the Interlink Tracking URL in Tracking URL (http://www.interlinkexpress.com/tracking/index.jsp)
8. Click Update so it saves these settings
9. In the Interlink shipping setting, click on Shipping Types
10. Choose New Shipping Type
11. Check Is Active
12. Settings as follows:
 
Shipping Order: 100
Estimated Time for Shipping: 120 hours
Shipping code: 017
Shipping Description: Within 5 Days
Total Goods Cost: 0.10 to 49.00
Total Products Weight (kg): 1.0000 - 20.0000
Is Shipping Taxable: Checked this box
Use this shipping type....: Unchecked this box
Added United Kingdon to Use This Type For Countries In List
 
13. Click on Update to save settings
14. Test the system by adding some products which I have defined with weights and go to Checkout
 
But I see no shipping ammount
 
Please can you help further?
 
Thanks
 
Jay

EDIT - WORKS NOW - see below:
 
Hi Chris
 
Once again, many thanks for your help!
 
I have now done the following and cannot get the cart to show a shipping ammount when I checkout:
 
1. Add a NEW shipping module
2. Check the Active box
3. Call it a suitable name (i.e Interlink) 4. Put these notes in the Notes section!
5. Leave the Fuel Surcharge box blank
6. Leave the Script and External URL fields blank 7. Put the Interlink Tracking URL in Tracking URL (http://www.interlinkexpress.com/tracking/index.jsp)
8. Click Update so it saves these settings
9. In the Interlink shipping setting, click on Shipping Types
10. Choose New Shipping Type
11. Check Is Active
12. Settings as follows:
 
Shipping Order: 100
Estimated Time for Shipping: 120 hours
Shipping code: 017
Shipping Description: Within 5 Days
Total Goods Cost: 0.10 to 49.00
Total Products Weight (kg): 1.0000 - 20.0000
Is Shipping Taxable: Checked this box
Use this shipping type....: Unchecked this box
Added United Kingdon to Use This Type For Countries In List
*ENSURE THAT THE STATES CHECK BOX IS STILL CHECKED *
 
13. Click on Update to save settings
14. Now place an order from the store front - 3 products in total = 3kg in total / £2.01 inc VAT
15. Click on Checkout
16. PROBLEM = Postage calculated at £16 + VAT when really it should only be £5 + VAT
17. I went back to Shipping Methods and added Qaunitity = 1 - 50 and HEY PRESTO! It all started working. I now add up to 20kg and shippingis £5. I add over 20kg and shipping changed to £6!
 
So these leads me to my next bunch of questions:
 
1. Can I actually see what happens by going through the entire order process with my setup (inc PayPal payment) without actually taking any real payments?
 
2. I guess with the way I have set up shipping, I now have the tedious manual task of checking orders every day and raising individual shipments with Interlink?
 
3. Can I use my set-up to ship abroad?
 
Thanks
 
Jay

Jay, some thoughts for you:
 
Total Goods Cost: 0.10 to 49.00 : should be MIN 0
... MAX should be 49.99 if the next price level starts at 50.00
 
What have you put it:
Shipping Cost Per Order [ ] ?
or are you putting the amount in the box Per Weight (kg)[ ]?
 
Q1. You can go to the payment page
Q2. Yes - we do large volumes and our despatch clerk finds it quite easy
Q3. Yes new shipping module for EU Other and then a Shipping Method for each country. We ship across the EU
 
Chris