Frequently Asked Questions

What is the OptionCart catalog?
The OptionCart catalog is a PHP/mySQL driven system that lets online store owners add categories and products to a password protected administration area. After those products are added, their web site instantly displays the items, and connects to a Mals-E shopping cart so customers can purchase items instantly. It's a very easy, no-hassle approach to creating a great e-commerce system in a snap. TOP

In the Basic Catalog, customers can search for products by category or keyword. In the Deluxe Catalog, customers can also search by price, and store owners can track quantities of items and display products in a multi-column format. Both versions include full installation and catalog setup. (A Mals-E shopping cart setup, which is necessary for the catalog to function, is not included, but can be added for an additional amount.) A web host that gives PHP and mySQL access is required. TOP

Do I need anything other than the OptionCart Catalog to start taking online orders?
Yes. To use OptionCart, you also need an account with the Mals-E shopping cart. (Their basic cart is free.) You can set this up yourself, or we can do this for you for an additional fee. You'll also need to make sure that your web hosts allows you to use PHP and mySQL (and preferably phpMyAdmin) on your site. If that host does not, we recommend Page-Zone for a good hosting solution. TOP

Can I get this catalog as a download and install it myself?
Yes. The OptionCart catalog is now provided as both a download and as a system that is set up for you. See our purchasing page for details. TOP

I downloaded the catalog a few minutes ago and still haven't received my files. How do I get my catalog? 
Because we manually create unlock codes for each domain, we manually process your domain information and set up your download area. So you should expect to wait a few hours for your information. If you need further assistance, please contact us at support@optioncart.com. TOP

I am a web professional and would like to use OptionCart on all of my clients' site. Can I just use the files provided and install it myself on other sites?
Yes. You can purchase the downloadable catalog and install that yourself on your clients' sites if you wish. You just have to purchase a new license for each additional site that you use the catalog on. TOP

Can I change my catalog page?
Yes. The catalog page has been created as a template based system, which means it is easily updateable. Please read our template instructions for details and a sample. TOP

I'd like to make modifications to my product layouts or changes to the navigation bar or search boxes. Can I do that?
Because OptionCart is created in PHP and mySQL, if you or your site developer has experience coding in PHP, you can modify your PHP files if you want to change any part of your catalog. We've included a few free customization ideas that you are welcome to use for your catalog.

Please note that customizations are not included with your installation costs, and we cannot support any modifications that are made by individuals other than our programmers, whether they are new modifications or ones based on information from our customization page. However, if you do need customizations, please feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to have a PHP programmer send you a quote for the modifications you need. TOP

Can I contact you if I need assistance setting up my products?
Yes. Catalog users receive free email support if they have any questions about the operation of their catalog. Please note that catalog or layout customizations, your design updates or fixes for modifications you might have made to your catalog files are not supported. TOP

Are there hidden fees involved with your catalog?
No. There are no additional fees, other than the up front setup costs, involved with the catalog. TOP

Do I lose my catalog if I change hosts?
No. The catalog is portable, so you can take it with you if you switch to another host with PHP and mySQL capabilities, provided you are using the catalog on the same domain name and you have made a backup copy of your database. If you are comfortable doing this yourself, you are welcome to do so, by using the host change instructions. If need assistance in moving your catalog files and database to your new host, we can do that for you for a fee. TOP

How do I integrate my catalog with my current web site?
If you have purchased a general installation, you can just use the link www.yoursite.com/catalog.htm to take your site visitors right to your online catalog. If you need more information, we provide customization services to help you set up your site with full integration. TOP

How secure is the administration area and passwords?
The administration area is as secure as the server you post it on. It is protected by a password, which should deter most web hackers. If you are concerned about the data you are entering, you should contact your web host regarding a secure server. TOP

How do I back up my information?
You can back up your files using the same method you use to back up your current web site pages. Just copy them from the server onto your hard drive or data disk. To back up your database, your best bet is to use phpMyAdmin to save your files. It's a very easy way to save your info incase of a problem on the server. For more information, see our phpMyAdmin instructions. TOP

Can I add text files to the database?
Yes. Developers who can work with mySQL can insert text files through the database. The item and option tables are relational (and in the deluxe version the item and inventory tables are relational as well), so you must include the ID number of each item in the option (or inventory) table. There is a very basic guide that you can use if you want to upload the items yourself. Be forewarned - adding either categories or items is fairly simple. But adding associated options is much trickier.

If you'd like to add a large amount of items in a text file, but are having problems with this, we can add them for you for a small fee. Contact us for details. TOP

I opened, changed and saved my catalog page in FrontPage, and now my system isn't working. What do I do now?
Some WYSIWYG editors, such as FrontPage, don't work well with PHP code. It's best to use a text editor such as NotePad to view or edit the pages in our catalog system. If you have opened and saved pages in an editor, try adding the original files and see if that takes care of the problem. Always make sure you have saved the original files that were uploaded when your system was set up. For more information on using FrontPage with OptionCart, please read our FrontPage help files. TOP

The "Continue Shopping" link in the Mals shopping cart is not working - it tells customers that there are no products matching this criteria. How do I fix this?
Most likely, you'll need to update your Mals-E cart configuration. To do this:

• Log in to your Mals-E account.
• Select "Cart Set-Up".
• Select "Button Styles and Behaviour".
• Make sure the box marked "Append cart content vars" is selected.
• Save your configuration. TOP

The inventory quantities are not decreasing when someone places an order. What can I do to make this work?
The inventory maintenance revolves around the HTTP Call feature of Mals, which isn't available with all payment processors. For a list of payment processors and instructions on setting up your inventory control system through Mals, please read our inventory instructions. TOP

The inventory control system is working when someone pays by credit cards, checks or money orders, but not with PayPal. What do I do? 
The PayPal setup through Mals doesn't access the HTTP call page. And so it doesn't access your finish page and therefore cannot decrement your inventory quantities. There is a way around this, though. Please read our inventory instructions for assistance. TOP

Can I use the catalog with any cart other than Mals-E?
At this time, the Option-Cart Catalog is designed only for use with the Mals-E shopping cart. You must set up a free account with this cart to use the Option-Cart Catalog. You may, however, customize the catalog to fit a different shopping cart, though this isn't a service included with the download. TOP

I need an order management system to print out my packing slips and tally information. Can your system do this?
OptionCart is designed as a product database only, so it does not allow you to keep track of ordering information. However, the Mals-E cart has a really terrific product called MOrders, which does track order information. You'll need a Premium Account with Mals to use this system. It's a great system for keeping track of your orders, and even exports into a Access or Excel for ease of use. TOP

I've looked over this page but still can't find an answer to my questions. What do I do now?
View our installation instructions for more assistance. Or, contact us at support@optioncart.com and we'll be happy to help you! TOP