Ajax Checkout Form

**brian.mark** · #1 (**permalink**) 04-19-2007, 02:59 PM

Has anyone implemented an Ajax Checkout Form? If so, any tips or examples that could be posted would be appreciated. I haven't been happy with what I've written so far.

Brian.

kgun · #2 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 07:05 AM

I think you find what you need in a Good AJAX book. Most of them have an added code library. You can even download the code without buying the books.

You should be aware of an excellent AJAX library, zXML 1.0.2 that can be downloaded from Nicholas C. Zakas's (couauthor of "Professional AJAX, 2nd Edition") home page.

That library may save you hours of coding since it has includes for cross browser compatibility that is important when you use JS. The code examples from the book is not only available in PHP.

Take the time to study what is included in that library before you make an AJAX driven web site. Since XML is an important part of any AJAX driven site, you are perhaps aware of the libxml library (extension).

**brian.mark** · #3 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 03:52 PM

AJAX isn't a problem. I can code that just fine.

What I'm looking for is an idea of what it should look like or what items to create functionality wise. Examples of someone actually using an AJAX checkout are what I want, not coding examples.

Brian.

kgun · #4 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 05:24 PM

Then do you restrict the problem, too much, since it is an AJAX Checkout form?

Aren't you looking for a general form with AJAX functionality, e.g. validating each field against (the database on) the webserver (in the background) without completing the form and loadig the complete page?

Viewed against the background of the post title, I am a little confused.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian.mark

AJAX isn't a problem. I can code that just fine.

What I'm looking for is an idea of what it should look like or what items to create functionality wise. Examples of someone actually using an AJAX checkout are what I want, not coding examples.
Brian.

My boldings.

Then I would study a lot of general check out forms, get an idea of fields and functionality and then use AJAX functionality to make them (more) interactive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian.mark

Has anyone implemented an Ajax Checkout Form?

No, I have not.

Steven1976a · #5 (**permalink**) 04-21-2007, 03:21 AM

Hi Brian,

We are implementing an ajax shopping cart on to our new jewelry website. Ive seen it in use but its not available to view at the moment. I am very impressed with it in terms with what i have seen before. Ill explain a few points that I like although i dont know if all points are directly related to the Ajax script in the cart

Calculations - All the calculations for the totals in the cart refresh extrememly quick when quanitities are changed.

Discounts - We have different levels of discount available. For example 500$ we give 20% discount. This is shown in the cart to encourage extra spending. When the customer reaches that level the 20% discount will go and then next level of discount comes in for example "dont forget a further discount of 5% at 800$" and then finally if they reach that as a special customer you..........

Because of the ajax people can adjust the totals they have purchased in their shopping cart very easily and instantly without the page refreshing to try and reach the discount levels. So hopefully by using the ajax it will help encourage higher sales.

Our shipping costs have also been built into the shopping cart also i think with Ajax although I forget how it relates to the ajax.

Not much for you to go off but a start.

**brian.mark** · #6 (**permalink**) 04-23-2007, 11:20 AM

Thanks, Steven. That's much more what I was looking for.

Brian.

Steven1976a · #7 (**permalink**) 04-29-2007, 02:06 AM

Our new website has been dragging on for ages and one of the main reasons we are told is because of cross browser problems using the Ajax in the shopping cart.

I have no idea how ajax works and therefore I wanted to know is this common that there will be cross browser problems? Are there standards to make it work on all browsers or will this always be a problem as new browser versions are released?

I think the problem we were having is that some browsers are not reading the calculations properly so the total is not correct in a certain browser (not sure which browser).

Steven1976a · #8 (**permalink**) 04-29-2007, 02:20 AM

The www.gap.com website is using ajax may be worth looking at.

I like the "quick look" option if you hover over a product and then it takes you to the bigger product picture. I like the fact that if you dont select say for example a size a very clear indication is put on the screen telling you to select size. On other sites i think for your average shopper the option of selecting sizes, colours etc..... can be confusing for some.

Steven1976a · #9 (**permalink**) 04-29-2007, 02:26 AM

Following on to my last posting i started adding items to the shopping cart. I love the features where by all the promotions kick in. I put one t-shirt in the basket and it was on buy 2 get 1 free and the promo drops down under the on screen shopping cart and then another promo kicked in saying "Complete the look, this short sleve t-shirt would look great with this outfit"

Its basically taking the "Recommended products" so many sites show under the product picture to the next step in my eyes