We have gotten a little further with this contrib now but due to our combined lack of full PHP understanding were not entirely sure where to make the next step, if anyone with a better grasp would please input some wisdom we would really appreciate it now?
We have successfully now added our new section for attributes along with its DB entry which is like the existing weight attribute in the PRODUCTS under stock435
we believe the actual point where the stock is removed is run through the checkout_process.php file (but please correct us if wrong)
in this file is a section which deals with stock removal at the point of checkout and if the - symbol is changed for + stock is now added, change it to * and stock is multiplied by the quantity purchased, also replacing the reference to stock quantity with a set amount (99) for example and this quantity is removed, added or multiplied when checking out.
We are hoping that simply referencing the new DB entry as a quantity to multiply the quantity of items being purchased by will result in the desired effect but Im told we are also struggling because we must first reference the DB entry?
Also as ideally the stock checking system will still ensure stock is available before purchase we are considering that this additional code may have to be entered earlier in the checkout or cart filling procedure as well as in the checkout or instead of.
If anyone could please say if they would have a better idea than us about this actual part of OsCommerce we would really appreciate it please.