CRE Loaded

An all-inclusive and easy to use e-commerce solution, combining powerful online store software and a full-featured shopping cart program.

Integration with CRE Loaded is made by placing sale tracking script into the confirmation page. To obtain the values of OrderID and TotalSale, snippet connects to CRE Loaded database and retrieves the values from there.

How to integrate PostAffiliatePro with CRE Loaded

Locate file ‘checkout_success.php’

Find and open file ‘checkout_success.php’

Find correct place for integration in file

Inside file ‘checkout_success.php‘ find these lines:

// load all enabled checkout success modulesrequire(DIR_WS_CLASSES . 'checkout_success.php');

Insert code

Before these lines insert this code:

 //--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  // Post Affiliate Pro code
  // The code below will get the order_id and total value of recent order
  // from the database and displays invisible image that registers the sale
  // for affiliate (if some affiliate referred this visitor)
  //--------------------------------------------------------------------------

  // get order id
  $sql = "select orders_id from ".TABLE_ORDERS.
         " where customers_id='".(int)$customer_id.
         "' order by date_purchased desc limit 1";
  $pap_orders_query = tep_db_query($sql);
  $pap_orders = tep_db_fetch_array($pap_orders_query);
  $pap_order_id = $pap_orders['orders_id'];

  // get total amount of order
  $sql = "select value from ".TABLE_ORDERS_TOTAL.
         " where orders_id='".(int)$pap_order_id.
         "' and class='ot_subtotal'";
  $pap_orders_total_query = tep_db_query($sql);
  $pap_orders_total = tep_db_fetch_array($pap_orders_total_query);
  $pap_total_value = $pap_orders_total['value'];

  // draw invisible image to register sale
  if($pap_total_value != "" && $pap_order_id != "")
  {
    $pap_sale_img = '<img src="https://URL_TO_PostAffiliatePro/scripts/sale.php?TotalCost='.$pap_total_value.'&OrderID='.$pap_order_id.'" width=1 height=1>';
  }

  //--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  // END of Post Affiliate Pro code
  //--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Locate template

Find and open file ‘/templates/content/checkout_success.tpl.php‘

Find correct place for integration

In this file find:

</table></form>

After this line insert this code:

<?php
//--------------------------------------------------------------------------
// START of Post Affiliate Pro code
//--------------------------------------------------------------------------
echo $pap_sale_img;
//--------------------------------------------------------------------------
// END of Post Affiliate Pro code
//--------------------------------------------------------------------------
?>

You are ready

Your CRE Loaded shopping cart is integrated now. Every time customer enters the order confirmation page the tracking code is called and it will register a sale for referring affiliate.

Note: Tested on CRE Loaded 6.2 Pro B2B 6.2.06

What is CRE Loaded?

CRE Loaded is a comprehensive e-commerce software solution designed to provide businesses with a complete “Ecommerce Ecosystem.” Combining a stable shopping cart program with an online store solution, it empowers merchants to create fully functional storefronts, manage product images and descriptions, process orders, and handle inventory seamlessly. Recognized as one of the world’s most powerful open-source shopping cart and online store solutions, CRE Loaded offers a robust platform for businesses aiming to establish or enhance their online presence.

CRE Loaded’s journey is meticulously documented in the book “INSIDE CRE Loaded: Vol.1 The Essential Blueprints” by David Graham and Kerry Watson. Originating from osCommerce, a well-known open-source e-commerce platform, CRE Loaded expanded upon its predecessor by adding significant functionalities and improvements. This evolution transformed it into a powerful tool tailored for complex e-commerce operations, addressing the growing needs of online retailers for more advanced features and customization options.

Targeted primarily at online store owners seeking efficient e-commerce management solutions, CRE Loaded focuses on simplifying store administration and optimizing business operations. Its features benefit businesses by offering:

• Group Pricing: Customize pricing strategies for different customer groups to maximize sales and customer satisfaction.
• Bulk Management Tasks: Streamline processes such as product uploads and updates, saving valuable time and resources.
• Migration Services: Facilitate the smooth transition from other platforms to CRE Loaded without data loss.
• Offline Work Capabilities: Allows for store management tasks to be completed offline, enhancing flexibility and accessibility.

By addressing these key areas, CRE Loaded aims to provide a platform that not only manages but also enhances the overall e-commerce experience for both merchants and customers.

Main Features of CRE Loaded

CRE Loaded boasts an array of features designed to cater to the diverse needs of online businesses:

• Quantity Price Breaks: Offer discounts based on the quantity of items purchased, encouraging bulk orders.
• Separate Price per Customer: Set individual pricing strategies for specific customers or groups.
• Mandatory Login Requirements: Enhance security and gather customer data by requiring login before purchase.
• Account Approval Options: Control who can create accounts and access certain areas of the store.
• Group Access for Content: Restrict or grant access to content based on customer groups.
• B2B Template Compatibility: Utilize templates designed for business-to-business interactions.
• Enhanced Data Management Features: Improve data handling for inventory, orders, and customer information.

These features are aimed at providing flexibility, security, and efficiency, making CRE Loaded a versatile solution for various business models.

Pricing Options for CRE Loaded

The pricing structure of CRE Loaded is designed to reflect its comprehensive offerings:

• B2B Package: Priced at $595, this package includes the full suite of B2B features tailored for business-centric operations.
• Upgrades: Available at $250, allowing existing users to access the latest enhancements and features.
• Ongoing Updates: An additional fee of $195 applies for 12 months of updates beyond the initial three-month period included with the purchase.

While the initial pricing includes a rich set of features, some users have expressed concerns regarding the additional costs for updates and ongoing support, which are crucial for maintaining security and functionality in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.

User Insights on CRE Loaded

Understanding user experiences is essential for evaluating any software solution. Here’s what users are saying about CRE Loaded:

Pros:

• Feature-Rich Platform: Offers a wide array of tools and functionalities that cater to various business needs.
• Support for Non-Technical Users: Designed to be accessible for users without extensive technical expertise.
• Flexibility in Management: Allows for extensive customization and control over store operations.
• Enhancements Over osCommerce: Builds upon the foundation of osCommerce with significant improvements.

Cons:

• Complexity: The abundance of features can make the platform overwhelming for some users.
• Insufficient Manuals: Documentation may not be comprehensive enough for users to fully leverage the platform.
• Design Limitations: Some users find the design templates and customization options limited.
• Persistent Bugs: Reports of ongoing technical issues that can affect store performance.
• Unfavorable Pricing/Support Balance: Concerns over the cost of updates and the level of customer support provided.

Overall Experience:

The user experience with CRE Loaded appears to be mixed. While some appreciate the platform’s capabilities and enhancements over other solutions, others struggle with its complexity and the cost associated with maintaining and updating the software.

These resources can help potential users gain a better understanding of what to expect and how to maximize the platform’s potential.

Alternatives to CRE Loaded

While CRE Loaded offers a robust set of features, it’s important to consider alternatives to find the best fit for your business needs:

• Shopify: A user-friendly platform known for its ease of use and extensive app integrations.
• WooCommerce: A flexible, open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress users.
• BigCommerce: Offers scalability and a comprehensive set of built-in features.
• Squarespace: Known for its stunning templates and simplicity in building visually appealing stores.
• Wix: Provides an intuitive drag-and-drop website builder with e-commerce capabilities.
• PrestaShop: An open-source platform offering customization and a strong community support.
• Magento: Suitable for large businesses requiring extensive customization and scalability.
• OpenCart: A free, open-source platform that’s easy to use and customize.
• Volusion: Offers an all-in-one solution with built-in SEO and marketing tools.
• Shift4Shop: Formerly 3dcart, it provides a comprehensive set of features without transaction fees.