Open letter to FedEx Web Services Developers,
Thank you for providing this module. V.9 is functioning very well for me. With the old API to go offline next spring, I would like to make some urgent roadmap suggestions for this module that would hopefully improve the functionality and flexibility that many osCommerce sellers need. As the module stands some would consider it feature-poor, only in that the it is very rigid, with little room for customization per each shippers needs. Technically it seems very well crafted.
I would ask the Developers to look closely at the features and capabilities of the original FedEx Real Time Quotes module for osCommerce -2.07.2
http://addons.oscommerce.com/info/1462
This module has been improved and enhanced over the years by many contributors to provide a fairly good amount of rate customization based on the shippers needs.
Learning from FedEx Real Time Quotes, things that would improve this modules flexibility:
- Ship-Separate item designations - so that FedEx will generate per-item separate quotes when desired (heavy items, bulky items, etc...) Products not checked "Ship Separately" continue to be processed per your stores existing configuration. This field already exists in the osCommerce database for current Real Time Quote users 2.06 or later. products_ship_sep in the products table.
- Separated Surcharge entry on a per-service type, in positive or negative dollars, or +/- percentage.
- Ability to display discounted rates, or FedEx list rates, to customer
- Ability to apply tiered Ground shipping discounts based on Order Total Weight (for Ground Multi-Weight shippers)
- Insurance handling
- Add a README to the uploaded package. People like instructions.
- In Checkout_shipping, the customer should see an item count and total weight, along with an accurate quote for the entire order such as:
FedEx (Total items: 1 pcs. Total weight: 6 lbs.)
As sellers we are all FedEx Customers, and as FedEx’s customers I would think that it is in the best interest of FedEx to improve this module, especially if they expect to retain customers and grow their shipper base. If anyone else has a suggestion to make this module work better for your specific needs please post. Hopefully the Developers will pay attention and continue to improve this very nice beginning of a module. If nothing improves from the current version by next spring, when all the old API accounts are no longer functioning there could be a bit of a rough transition ahead.
Thanks for listening