Saturday, January 31, 2015

ProStores — Is That All There Is?




After 5 years serving the ProStores eCommerce Community it's with a sad heart that I say goodbye to a platform that has served us well. It had its bugs, it was admittedly dated, but—as many of us who are moving into new platforms have discovered—it had its virtues and strengths as well that have been hard to replace.

Fauxlaroids.com, as well as this blog, had become a resource to many merchants and Tech Support Agents for web design, SSML code solutions, and tutorials on how to configure various aspects of the platform. It was pleasure putting these resources together, and a joy to know that so many benefited from the long evening hours spent creating them. 

But time stands still for no man (or technology), so let us raise a symbolic glass to an old friend as it sails off into the night.


PlatinumWebGroup.com Web Design Graphics Imaging SEO Bigcommerce Partner


Thursday, January 29, 2015

ProStores Tutorial 8:
Frequently Used & Other Handy Code

ATTENTION: ProStore is closing on February 1st 2015. The proprietary SSML code will be obsolete at that time, but this tutorial included some handy HTML code examples as well.


Design Images: Displays an image uploaded to the Store Version images directory (Support > File Management "/images/store_versionX/"):
    <ss:image source="$storeVersion.images['imagefilename.jpg']" />




URL Image Link: Displays an image hosted on another website:
    <img src="http://media.typetees.com/product/636x636/2167-store.jpg">
Click HERE to view the image at its original location.




Left Align CSS: Aligns images to left with the Page Builder:
    .img-align, .image-container td{text-align:left !important;}
Place this code within the style tags, <style> </style>, in the Header template.




SSML Link to Template: Creates a link to a User Defined Template:
    <ss:link source="$storeVersion.templates['Links_CLB']">Links</ss:link>
Links_CLB is the name of the template (case sensitive) and Links is the link text.




SSML Link to a Specific Category: Creates a link to a specified category:
    <ss:link source="$catalog.categories['CategoryName']"/>
image~ or ~
    <ss:link source="$catalog.categories['CategoryName']">Category Name</ss:link>
EXAMPLE: <ss:link source="$catalog.categories['Cups + Mugs']"/> renders as Cups + Mugs




SSML Link to Product: Creates a link to a specific product using the Product Number:
    <ss:link source="$store.products[####]"/>
image~ or ~
    <ss:link source="$store.products[####]">AnchorText</ss:link>
EXAMPLE: <ss:link source="$store.products[126]"/> renders as Golden Mug


PlatinumWebGroup.com Web Design Graphics Imaging SEO Bigcommerce Partner


SSML to display Product Images: Displays the image of a specific product using the Product Number:
    <ss:image source="$store.products[####].thumbnailImage" alt="xxx" border="0"/>
image~ or ~
    <ss:image source="$store.products[####].photoImage" alt="xxx" border="0"/>
EXAMPLE: <ss:image source="$store.products[126].thumbnailImage" alt="Golden Mug Image" border="0"/> renders as
Golden Mug Image




Link with Image: Creates an Image/Button link:

SSML Example:
    <ss:link source="$storeVersion.homePage">
    <ss:image source="$storeVersion.images['Enter.gif']" alt="Home" border="0"/>
    </ss:link>

    Home
HTML Example:
    <a href="http://www.fauxlaroids.com/servlet/StoreFront">
    <img src="http://www.fauxlaroids.com/images/Running_Hybrid_Blue/Enter.gif">
    </a>

    Home
The image file Enter.gif would need to be uploaded at Support > Upload Images > Store Design Images.




Link to an external Web Page opening in a new window (or tab):
    <a href="http://media.typetees.com/product/636x636/2167-store.jpg" target="_blank">HERE</a>
Click HERE to view.




Link to download an informational PDF File:
    <a href="http://www.fauxlaroids.com/Garlic_Bruschetta_Recipe.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>
The file, Garlic_Bruschetta_Recipe.pdf, would be uploaded to the store's root directory at Support > Upload Files.

Click HERE to see this code in use.



PlatinumWebGroup.com Web Design Graphics Imaging SEO Bigcommerce Partner


Email Link: Code to display email as a link:
    SSML: <ss:link source="$store.email"/> which renders as: Info@Fauxlaroids.com<ss:link source="info@fauxlaroids.com">Information</ss:link> which renders as: Information
    SSML (with Image): <ss:link source="$store.email"><ss:image source="$storeVersion.images['email_icon.jpg']" border="0" align="top"/></ss:link>
    which renders as:
    HTML: <a href="mailto:your_email_address">E-mail Me!</a> which renders as: E-mail Me!

    HTML (with Image): <a href="mailto:glenn@fauxlaroids.com"><ss:image source="$storeVersion.images['email_icon.jpg']" border="0"/></a>
    which renders as:


Manufacturers Logo: Code which displays the Manufacturers logo and links to a Search Results page of that Manufacturers products (must enter the filename of the manufacturer's logo image at Product > Manufacturers > List. The image needs to be uploaded to your store images directory):
    <ss:link source="$store.oems[$product.oem.name]" title="$product.oem.name"><ss:image source="$product.oem.logo" alt="$product.oem.name" border="0" /></ss:link>




Store Logo: Displays your store logo
    <ss:image source="$storeVersion.storeLogo" border="0"/>



PlatinumWebGroup.com Web Design Graphics Imaging SEO Bigcommerce Partner


Customer Phone & Email: Displays the customer's Phone & Email when added to the Invoice Template (Store Design > Page Template Manager > Invoice -- the grey text below is the already in the template):
    BILL TO:<br />
    <ss:value source="$invoice.customer.firstName"/> <ss:value source="$invoice.customer.lastName"/><br />
    <ss:value source="$invoice.billToStreet"/><br />
    <ss:if test="$invoice.billToStreet2">
    <ss:value source="$invoice.billToStreet2"/><br />
    </ss:if>
    <ss:value source="$invoice.billToCity"/> <ss:value source="$invoice.billToState"/> <ss:value source="$invoice.billToPostalCode"/> <ss:value source="$invoice.billToCountry"/><br />
    Phone: <ss:value source="$invoice.billToPhone"/><br />
    Email: <ss:value source="$invoice.customer.email"/><br />

    SHIP TO:<br />
    <ss:value source="$invoice.recipient"/><br />
    <ss:value source="$invoice.shipToStreet"/><br />
    <ss:if test="$invoice.shipToStreet2">
    <ss:value source="$invoice.shipToStreet2"/><br />
    </ss:if>
    <ss:value source="$invoice.shipToCity"/> <ss:value source="$invoice.shipToState"/> <ss:value source="$invoice.shipToPostalCode"/> <ss:value source="$invoice.shipToCountry"/><br />
    Phone: <ss:value source="$invoice.shipToPhone"/><br />




This code displays the item condition on the Product Detail page as designated in Product Information > Basic Information > Condition: (New/Used). It can be added to the Product Detail template below the SKU code and will display on the Specifications tab along with the Manufacturer, SKU, ISBN, etc. (Code in grey below is the existing SKU & ISBN code)
    <tr><td>SKU:</td>
    <td width="100%">
    <b><ss:if test="$product.sku">
    <ss:value source="$product.sku"/>
    <ss:else/>
    N/A
    </ss:if></b>
    </td></tr>
    <tr><td colspan="2">
    <ss:if test="$product.condition == ProductConditionType.USED">
    Condition: <b>Used</b>
    <ss:else/>
    Condition: <b>New</b>
    </ss:if>
    </td></tr>
    <ss:if test="$product.Isbn">
    <tr><td>ISBN:</td>
    <td><b><ss:value source="$product.Isbn"/></b></td></tr></ss:if>




Sale Items: Calls up a search results page with sale items (see the SALE image in the left column on this page):
    <ss:link source="$templateSet.cataloglist"><ss:param name="category" value="sale"/>SALE</ss:link>

    Sample Link: SALE
PlatinumWebGroup.com Web Design Graphics Imaging SEO Bigcommerce Partner

Sunday, January 25, 2015

ProStores EOL Reissuing SSL certificates

Attention ProStores Merchants - Only 6 Days Left to EOL

Reissuing SSL certificates purchased through ProStores

Merchants with valid GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium SSL certificates may be able to have their SSL certificate reissued for use with a new hosting or ecommerce provider for the remainder of the certificate’s validity period. Not all hosting providers will allow or support externally purchased certificates. Merchants should contact their new provider to confirm they will allow the installation of an externally purchased GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium SSL certificate in their environment.
Review the two options below for one that best meets your needs.

Option 1: Leverage free SSL re-issue process through Certs 4 Less

A number of SSL certificate resellers can help you navigate this SSL reissuing process. One such reseller is Certs 4 Less.
Certs 4 Less is a Platinum Partner for Symantec, GeoTrust, Thawte and RapidSSLS. As a SSL certificate reseller for these popular brands, they are in a position to simplify and streamline the process to reissue a GeoTrust SSL certificate for installation in a new hosting environment. Certs 4 Less will facilitate most of the steps noted above in Option 1 through their control panel on behalf of the SSL Certificate owner.
There is no cost, risk or obligation to the certificate owner for using the Certs 4 Less service. Instead Certs 4 Less is offering this free service for the opportunity to earn your business once the certificate is due for renewal.
To learn more about the Certs 4 Less SSL migration support options, complete their web form with as much information as possible at:
A Certs 4 Less representative will contact you soon after you submit the form. No commitment is required with form submission, and Certs 4 Less will not take any action with your SSL certificate until you understand and agree to the process.
Additional Certs 4 Less contact information:
Support phone #: 1-888-818-0444
Support email: transfer@certs4less.com

Option 2: Do it yourself

Important note: If you choose the self-service option to re-issue your SSL certificate, support and renewal options for the SSL certificate will still expire on 2/1/2015 when the ProStores platform closes. Working with Certs 4 Less as noted in Option 1 will eliminate the risk of losing support and renewal services on your SSL after 2/1/2015.
Follow these steps to reissue a valid GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium SSL Certificate:
1. Confirm your new hosting provider will allow you to deploy a GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium SSL certificate in their environment
2. Once confirmed they will support the external SSL, obtain a new Certificate Signing Request (CSR) as it is required to complete the reissue process
3. If you want the ProStores storefront to resolve secure pages without warning messages after the certificate is re-issued, contact ProStores tech support via web ticket and request “SSL removal from ProStores account in preparation for SSL reissue”. Requests are processed within 24 hours, Monday-Friday. Requests must be submitting in writing to insure accurate processing. This step will not be valid after January 31, 2015 when your online store has been shutdown. This step can also be skipped if you do not need the ProStores checkout pages to resolve without errors after the certificate is reissued.
4. Confirm removal of your dedicated SSL certificate and automatic use of the ProStores shared SSL certificate by navigating to a secure page in the checkout flow of your storefront. The URL should change from your custom domain to “https://store01.prostores.com/servlet/xxxx....” or “https://store02.prostores.com/servlet/xxxx....” or “https://store03.prostores.com/servlet/xxxx....”. This step will not be valid after January 31, 2015 when your online store has been shutdown. This step can also be skipped if you do not need your ProStores storefront secure pages to resolve after the certificate is reissued.
5. Go to the GeoTrust User Authentication page:
6. Enter Fully qualified domain name or common name (i.e. mydomain.com or www.mydomain.com depending how the order was submitted) or Order ID for the most recent SSL purchase
7. Enter the email address used for most recent GeoTrust SSL purchase
8. Enter 5-digit number displayed in the image
9. Click Continue
10. A list of all certificates that meet the Common Name and contact e-mail criteria will appear
11. Click the Request Access button next to the order being reissued under the View Order Information column
12. A Order Information Request email will be sent to the contact email address provided at the SSL purchase time within minutes
13. Upon receipt of the Order Information Request email from GeoTrust, click the "To continue, please visit" link in the email to access the Manage Order page that lists the details of the certificate order
14. Click the “Reissue Certificate” link on the left-hand side of the page
15. Copy and paste the new CSR (Certificate Signing Request) provided by your new hosting company or ecommerce provider into the blank Certificate Signing Requirement field on the Reissue Certificate page. Contact your new hosting company for instructions on creating a new CSR for their environment. They may need to create it for you upon request. Click on the Generate CSR link (http://www.geotrust.com/quickssl/csr/) for more help on generating CSRs for several hosting companies
16. Check the box to agree to the SSL Certificate Subscriber Agreement
17. Click the Submit button to complete the reissue process
18. Provide your new hosting provider or service provider the new information provided to you
Contact GeoTrust support at 1-866-436-8787 or 1-520-477-3152, if you encounter problems with any of the steps related to the GeoTrust interface
If you have questions about these two SSL migration options, you can contact the ProStores tech support team at 1-866-643-4929, option 1, through January 31, 2015.

PlatinumWebGroup.com Web Design Graphics Imaging SEO Bigcommerce Partner

ProStores EOL & eNom Dedicated Domain Names

Attention ProStores Merchants - Only 6 Days Left to EOL

Transfer Your ProStores Dedicated Domain to a New Registrar

(Required only for some ProStores accounts)
ProStores dedicated domain services are administered by the accredited registrar, eNom. A ProStores dedicated domain is one where you might have:
• Purchased and registered a custom domain through ProStores
• Transferred an existing domain to ProStores to serve as registrar and host
The ProStores eCommerce platform, and the ProStores/eNom domain registrar service under the ProStores 'domain reseller account' will cease operation after January 31, 2015. If your domain is currently registered with ProStores/eNom and you wish to keep it, you must transfer this ProStores dedicated domain to a new registrar byJanuary 31, 2015. It is highly recommended that you take action to obtain full domain access and control as soon as possible, and that you initiate the domain transfer at least 15 days before shutdown to ensure that there is enough lead time to address any possible complications that might delay the transfer.
1. Merchants can transfer their dedicated domain to any registrar they wish. Often the easiest and fastest solution is to transfer your domain to your new eCommerce provider.
One registrar, eNom, can offer a no cost, quick and easy solution to migrate your dedicated domain from a ProStores domain registrar account to a new eNom account where the merchant retains ownership and is allowed full access and control of the domain. To learn more about this process to move a ProStores dedicated domain to a private eNom account, please contact eNom:
eNom Technical/Customer Support:    1-425-974-4689
eNom Support Ticket:https://www.enomcentral.com/contact.aspx

2. Transfer your domain to the new registrar as soon as possible. When you are ready to make the transfer, ask the ProStores customer service team to unlock your domain so the transfer can be processed by your new registrar. Note: ProStores support will cease after January 31, 2015. eNom Customer Support listed above can assist you any time before and after January 31, 2015.
3. When the transfer is complete, your domain can be configured to continue to point to your current store until your new store is open for business.
Changing your DNS records takes only a few minutes to complete, but can take at least 48 hours to fully propagate across the Internet.

PlatinumWebGroup.com Web Design Graphics Imaging SEO Bigcommerce Partner