Frequently Asked Sales Questions

See also:
FAQ for purchasing problems

1. What kind of reader are these manuals written for?
The Users Manuals are written for a non-technical user or html web designer who has had their store installed for them (and I list web hosts who install for you for free). The reader should be comfortable using their web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. The Administrative Module that the book covers is simply a specialized website that allows you to make changes to your website by clicking links and typing in the answers. Web developers who are willing to to edit a single line of php code are given explicit directions such as "Search for this word, and change it to that." Everyone has their own comfort level and skill level. Each chapter has a "difficulty rating" and any advanced topics are clearly labeled.

The Technical Manual is written for a web developer with some HTML programming experience who wants to install and configure their store. It is best if he or she has experience using an "FTP Client" or other program that allows them to upload files and change file permissions. It is recommended that readers have some familiarity with the concepts of another scripting language, such as JavaScript. Web developers who use this book should be willing to search for multiple lines of code and change or add code before or after it. If that idea doesn't cause you anxiety and distress, then this book is for you.

2. What does "osCommerce" mean, and why is the osCommerce program free?
"osCommerce" means "Open Source Commerce." Open Source means it is a community project of a group of volunteer programmers who donate their work to the common good. There are many famous and free open source programs: Netscape Navigator; the Apache web server that serves most of your Internet needs; Linux and UNIX operating systems, even the language PHP and MySQL. Many people believe that a synergy takes place in open source which creates a better product than a single company could do alone.

Open Source software is free because the community of volunteers want to advance their field for the joy of programming and for the good of the world, in this case the advancement of the field of electronic commerce. Donations are often accepted by open source development projects, though not required. Pithy Productions is a community sponsor of the osCommerce project.

3. I am an osCommerce user in (Country). Will the Ebook work for me?
The books are written in very simple English with many screenshots and simple instructions. The computer commands for osCommerce are the same whether you read English, Spanish or German. So if you can read simple English this book will probably meet your needs.

4. I paid for my Ebook; now how do I download it?
Please check the mailbox for the email address you used when you registered. The Order Receipt in that mailbox will confirm the price you paid and includes a link and instructions to download the product. This email is sent as soon as we receive verification of payment; this is normally within 10 minutes but may be up to 1-2 hours when their verifications get backed up.

5. I am a MACINTOSH (or LINUX) user. Will the electronic books work for me?
- If you are a MACINTOSH user you're in luck! All of our ebooks are compatible with MACINTOSH.

- If you are a LINUX user, the best solution is to purchase the paperback.

6. I prefer to read a book printed on paper. Will I be able to print my Ebook?
Yes. It will print in full color, unlike the paperbacks, but some cheap printers that cannot "scale to fit page" may have difficulty.

If you cannot get the ebook to print on your printer, we offer the upgrade to paperback for a fraction of the cost of just purchasing an additional paperback. We will apply your entire purchase price of the Ebook to the paperback.

7. What is the difference between osCommerce Forums or Wiki Documentation and these manuals?
Most of the solutions offered on forums are geared for experienced programmers who know the PHP and MySQL programming languages. Their answers can appear cryptic, especially when a "newbie" or new user asks the basic questions that they MUST ask to learn the program. While it is possible to learn the program this way, it might also drive you to suicide.

8. Do you accept any other payment methods? Expedited shipping? Foreign Shipping?
Yes! If you order directly from Amazon.com you may use ANY of the many payment methods that Amazon accepts, have the paperback shipped to a foreign country and/or on an expedited basis. Amazon carries ALL of our paperback manuals.

9. Do you have an Affiliate Program or Wholesale Discounts?
We are moving strictly to a wholesale program after two years of dealing with affiliates. If you can sell larger quantities, you may be interested in our Wholesale program. Wholesale purchasers buy minimum lots of 10 books at very good prices and provide their customers download and support from their own websites. We have an excellent "Wholesalers Starter Kit" with some excellent incentives to get started. Please contact us for more information.

We welcome your questions for this FAQ so you can help others understand osCommerce and our books better. Please submit your own question for the FAQ.