CS-Cart on cloud

1-click AWS Deployment    1-click Azure Deployment

Overview

CS-Cart is an e-commerce solution that will allow you to design your own online store. You can sell your products in a specific country or even worldwide, using nothing more than your computer.By default CS-Cart comes with all-you-need for the development of your website. It has a built-in core modules for the payments on your website, the shipping, CMS system and even a beautiful default theme that you can use.here is a 30 days trial period for the CS-Cart once you install it. After that, your CS-Cart will automatically go into Free Mode, which will still allow you to use it, but with limited features. If you wish to use it’s full power and features, you will need a paid license for the application.CS-Cart is one of the best and feature-rich shopping cart solutions for developing a high-end e-commerce website of any size such as small to web store to a virtual shopping mall.

How to Manually Install CS-Cart:

 The process is a bit more complicated , but it will provide more advanced configuration options for your new website.

To Manually Install CS-Cart you will need to:

STEP

Download CS-Cart

The first step that you need to consider is to download the latest CS-Cart release. This will download an archive on your local computer, which contains all of the files that you need for the manual installation.

The important thing here is to download the latest version, as it will provide the latest features of CS-Cart and the latest bug fixes. It is always good to keep up-to-date with the application as you will use it’s full power for the development of your website.

To download the latest release, you need to access the official CS-Cart website. You can scroll down and click on the Download CS-Cart button.

CS-Cart official website

On the next page, click on the CS-Cart button to proceed with your download.

CS-Cart Download

STEP

Prepare the CS-Cart Files for Installation

Once you download your CS-Cart installation archive, you can extract the files on your local computer. This will extract all of the files and folders you need to perform the process on your account. You will then simply need to upload them all on your server.

The important thing here is to decide where you wish to install CS-Cart. For example, if you would like to install the application directly on the primary domain of your account, you will have to upload the contents of your CS-Cart website to the public_html/ directory of your account. However, this may differ, if you wish to install CS-Cart on a subdomain, subfolder, etc.

Upload Files

There are two ways of uploading your files to the server – using an FTP client, or uploading directly through your cPanel account > File Manager..

STEP

Complete the Installation

To initiate the installation process, you need to access the location of your CS-Cart installation files through your web browser. As the application is not installed yet, the system will display a message for you to inform you about that. Click on the Install button to proceed further.

Initiate install script for CS-Cart

The first step is the license agreement for the CS-Cart use. You need to accept the license and click on the Next Step button to proceed.

License Agreement during CS-Cart install

On the next page, you will be able to edit the MySQL information for your domain. You need to create a new and empty database and a user assigned to it with full privileges.

MySQL Configuration

You can create a new database and a user assigned to it via cPanel.

The options that you have are:

  • MySQL Server Host – Enter “localhost” without the quotes;
  • MySQL Database Name – Enter the name of the database you created;
  • MySQL User – Enter the user assigned to it;
  • MySQL Password – Enter the password for it.

MySQL configuration during CS-Cart install

Enter the details for the administrative user of your website. The user will allow you to edit/manage your new website so keep those details safe. The options are:

  • Administrator’s Email – Enter the email of the admin user;
  • Administrator’s Password – Enter the password for the admin user;
  • Main Language – Choose the language the admin user will use.

Admin Account setup during CS-Cart installation

Also, you can choose if you would like to install sample data on your website. Also, choose if you wish to report statistics to the CS-Cart suppor team in order to improve their product. When you are ready, click on the Install button to proceed.

Install sample data in CS-Cart

The system will initiate the installation automatically for you and apply the details that you have entered so far. It will also request that you choose the license for your store. There is a PaidTrial and a Free license that you can choose from.

Licensing mode in CS-Cart

The manual installation of CS-Cart on your account is now fully completed. You will be presented with links to your front and backend.

CS-Cart Installation Successfully Completed

You will also be able to run a setup wizard that will allow you to configure your store easily. Either way, all of the available options in the wizard can be changed later.

CS-Cart Configuration

Here you will learn how to configure your CS-Cart. The basic configuration includes selecting a payment module, shipping module, currency and store owner info.

Logging in your admin area

In order to log into your Administrator’s area, you will have to navigate to the admin login form. If your CS-Cart is installed in your public_html/shop folder, you will be able to access the admin area by going to

http://yoursite.com/shop/admincp.php

where yoursite.com is your domain name.

The default login details for your admin area are:

  • username: admin
  • password: admin

The first thing you should do when you login to your CS-Cart admin area is change your password. You will see a warning message reminding you to do so:

You should click on Change password ›› and update your password.

Store settings and information

Once you have logged into your admin area, you will notice an info box with links in your upper right corner.

Click the Settings button – this is your store’s general configuration page. In this section you can set up your Store location and contact info, basic catalog settings such as Discounts information and Users/cart settings.

Payment methods

From this section you will be able to set the payment methods you wish to use with your CS-Cart store.

Click on Payment methods on the administration info box as explained above. If you wish to enable the Credit Card payment module you will have to click on the checkbox under the AVAIL. tab on the right.

From the PROTOCOL dropdown menu you will be able to select http or https for normal or secure usage of the module.

From the MEMBERSHIP dropdown menu you will be able to select who will be able to use this payment option.

From the POS. (Position) text box you will be able to select the position of the module if there are more than one payment options enabled for your store. The lowest number will show on top of all other modules.

In the PROCESSOR tab you will be able to select the payment processor you wish to use with this payment module or you can choose Offline in order to store the information and process the payments offline.

When you select a payment processor, you should click the Update button at the bottom of the page in order to save the change.

When the change has been saved, you will notice that a Configure button will show up under the payment processor you had chosen. Clicking this button will let you configure your Payment Gateway details.

Shipping settings

CS-Cart provides multiple shipping methods. You can manage them by clicking on Shipping settings from the Administration info box.

The Shipping processors will be displayed.

Select the checkbox on the right to enable a shipping method or select the upper right checkbox in order to disable shipping in general for your store.

You can also configure the shipping module details by selecting the tab with the module name at the top.

Please note that you have to click the Update button in order to save the changes you have made.

CS-Cart Skins

How to change the skin of your CS-Cart:

In case you wish to change the skin you chose during the installation of your CS-Cart, you should login to your administration area and go to Look and feel -> Skin selector.

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You can choose the skin for your customer area and administration area. When you choose the skins you like, you should click the Update to save the changes and apply the new skins.

Banners in CS Cart

How to add a banner to your CS Cart shop:

To add a banner to your shop, you should login to your CS-Cart admin area and go to Look and feel -> Manage Ads. 10

You can add a graphic banner or a text ad. If you wish to add a graphic banner, you will be given the option to add an image to your ad. If you wish to add a text ad to your shop, you will be given the option to write the text for it.

When you are ready with your ad, you should click on Add new. This will add the banner to your shop’s home page.

How to Configure Payment Methods in CS-Cart:

Here we will review the process of adding, or configuring existing payment methods on your CS-Cart website. As an online store, receiving payments is one of the most important features that you need to set up properly. This will ensure you are getting paid for the products you are selling through your website.

To manage the payment methods in CS-Cart, you have to log in as administrator first. Click on the Administration button at the main menu and then Payment Methods.

Access Payment Methods in CS-Cart

The Payment Methods Management includes the following:

STEP

Create Payment Methods

To create a new payment method, you simply need to click on the + sign at the top-right corner of the screen.

Add payment method in CS-Cart

Edit the following details for the new payment method on your website:

  • Name – Enter the name of the new payment method;
  • Processor – Choose the online payment system that will handle the payments on your website;
  • Template – Choose the template with input fields that you wish to display;
  • Payment Category – Group different payment methods together by choosing a category;
  • Description – Enter a short description for the payment method. It will be displayed at checkout;
  • Surcharge – Enter a surcharge to be added to the total amount of the order;
  • Surcharge Title – Enter a title for the surcharge to be displayed at checkout;
  • Configure tab – The configure tab is available for online payment methods. You will be able to set the details for the specific payment method.

Payment Method details in CS-Cart

STEP

Edit Payment Methods

To edit an existing payment method on your website, you need to access the Payment Methods manager again. From the list of available payment methods, simply move the mouse cursor to the one you wish to edit. You will notice a Settings icon that you need to select and then click on Edit.

Edit payment methods in CS-Cart

Enter the details that you wish to change and click on the Save button to keep the changes.

STEP

Remove Payment Methods

To remove an existing payment method, you need to move your mouse cursor to one of the available methods in the list. Click on the Settings icon and then Delete.

Delete Payment Methods in CS-Cart

How to Manage Tax Rules in CS-Cart

Here ,will review the management of the Tax rules on your CS-Cart website. This is an important aspect of your website’s management, as you need to set specific rules for the taxing on your website.

To manage the tax rules on your CS-Cart website, you first need to log in as administrator. Click on the Administration button at the top menu and then Shipping & Taxes. Select the Taxes option.

Tax rules in CS-Cart

To Manage the Tax Rules in CS-Cart you need to learn to:

STEP

Create Tax Rules

To create a new tax rule on your website, you need to click on the + sign at the top-right corner of the screen.

Add New Tax Rule in CS-Cart

There are two tabs with available options for the configuration of the new tax rule. Let us review them:

  • General: You can enter the name of the tax rule, registration number, Priority, status, etc.;
  • Tax Rules: The actual tax rules for different countries.

Tax Rule Options in CS-Cart

STEP

Edit Tax Rules

To edit an existing tax rule on your CS-Cart website, you will have to access the Taxes manager again. You will notice a list of all tax rules on your website. Move the mouse cursor to the one you wish to edit and then click on the Settings icon. Select the Edit option to move forward.

Edit Tax Rules in CS-cart

Edit the options that you wish to change and click on the Save button to keep them.

STEP

Delete Tax Rules

To remove a tax rule from your CS-Cart website, you need to access the Taxes manager again. Move your mouse cursor to the tax rule that you wish to remove.

Delete Tax Rules in CS-Cart

Click on the Settings icon and then select Delete.

Categories and Products in CS-Cart:

Creating and Managing Categories in CS-cart

In order to create a category, you should login to your CS-Cart admin area and go to Add new category under the Catalog menu.Once there, you can choose the category location, its name and an image for it. You can also add a description for the category, choose a page title, META description and keywords, etc:

All options are self-explanatory and you shouldn’t have any problems configuring the category. When you are done, you should click Add new to create the new category.

You can modify/delete existing categories from the Manage categories option under the Catalog menu.

Creating and Managing Products in CS-cart

Creating products is similar to creating categories, the only difference being the several more settings you need to configure when adding a new product. To create a product, you should go to Add a product located under the Catalog menu.

Again, all settings are self-explanatory and you should have no problems adding a product.

To add the new product, you should click the Add new button at the bottom of the page.

You can modify/delete/clone existing products from the Manage products option under the Catalog menu.

Search Engine Friendly URLs in CS-Cart:

Enabling Search Engine Optimization in CS-Cart

To enable SEO, you should login to your CS-Cart admin area and go to Addons under the Administration menu.Once there, you should check the SEO option:

SEO (requires Apache + mod_rewrite installed)

Click on Update and the SEO module will be successfully enabled.

Modifying SEO URLs

You can modify how the SEO URLs appear in the browser from the SEO tab in the Addons section:

How to Manage Shipping Methods in CS-Cart:

Here,we will review the management of the shipping methods for your website. It is important to make sure that delivery of your products is properly handled and your clients can receive them within the timeframe you specified on your website. This is one of the most important things to have happy and returning customers.

To manage the shipping methods for your website, you will first have to log in as administrator. Click on the Administration button at the top menu and then Shipping & Taxes. Select the Shipping Methods option.

Payment Methods in CS-Cart

Managing the Shippping Methods in CS-Cart includes:

STEP

To create a new shipping methods, click on the + sign at the top-right corner of the screen.

Add New Payment Method in CS-Cart

Edit the following details:

  • Name – Enter the name of the new shipping method;
  • Icon – You can select an icon for the new shipping method. You can upload it from your local computer, from the server or from an URL;
  • Delivery time – Set the delivery time of the shipping method;
  • Weight Limit – Set the weight limit for this shipping method;
  • Rate Calculation – Choose the appropriate options for the rate calculation;
  • Shipping Service – Choose the shipping service for the method;
  • Taxes – Choose a taxing rule for the new shipping method;
  • Status – Enable or disable the new shipping method on your website.

Payment Method Options in CS-Cart

STEP

Edit Shipping Methods

To edit existing shipping methods on your website, you will have to move your mouse cursor to the one you wish to change. Click on the Settings icon and then Edit.

Edit Payment Methods in CS-Cart

Edit the options that you wish to change and click on the Save button to keep them.

STEP

Delete Shipping Methods

To delete shipping methods on your website, you will have to access to move the mouse cursor to the one you wish to remove. Click on the Settings icon and then select the Delete option.

Delete Payment Methods in CS-Cart

CS-Cart Backup:

How to backup your CS-Cart application

CS-Cart has a built-in backup functionality. To use this feature, you should go to Administration -> DB Backup/Restore. From there you can backup and restore the database of your CS-Cart application.

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The instructions are self-explanatory. All you have to do is click on Backup. The database dump will be saved in /home/youruser/public_html/cscart_folder/var/database/backup

You can restore a saved database by clicking on the Restore button. Please note that your current database will be overwritten by the restored one.You can backup your CS-Cart files by downloading them locally on your computer. You can do this using an FTP client.

How to Add Product Categories in CS-Cart:

Here we will review the process of creating or managing product categories in CS-Cart. The feature allows you to group certain products on your website together, following similarities between them. For example, if you are selling clothes, you can group them together as t-shirts, jackets, etc.

To add a new product category, simply access the administrative area of your website. Click on the Products menu and then Categories.

Product categories in CS-Cart

To create a new category, simply click on the Add Category button at the top-right corner.

Create product category in CS-Cart

There are four tabs with options for the new category that you can set. We will review each one of them for a proper configuration of your categories.

First, we will review the General tab. It provides the following options:

  • Name – Enter the name, location of the new category on your main menu, meta data, status, images, etc.;
  • Add-ons – Set the SEO title, comments, layout;
  • Layout – Set the the way your category will look;
  • Reward Points – Set any reward points for purchased products on your website.

Edit product category details in CS-Cart

Once you are ready, click on the Create button to save the new category on your website. If you wish to edit the existing categories on your website, you need to access the same Category Manager again.

Edit or delete product category in CS-Cart

From the list of available categories, you will notice a Settings button next to each one. Click on it and you will see the Edit or Delete options.

How to Manage Product Options in CS-Cart:

Here we will review the creation and management of product options in CS-Cart. Some of the products on your website will have the same characteristics, like color, size, etc. You can create such pre-defined product options and then simply apply them for newly created products.

First, you need to access the administrative area of your website. Click on the Products menu item and then Options.

Product options in CS-Cart

Click on the Add Option button at the top-right corner to create one.

Add product option in CS-Cart

There are two main categories with available options. The first one is the General tab and it provides the following:

  • Name – The name of the new option;
  • Position – Enter the position, where the new option will appear;
  • Type – The type of the new option;
  • Description – Short description for the product option;
  • Comment – Any comments that you have for the option;
  • Required – Is the option required? Specify if the customer must select this option or not.

Edit general product option details in CS-Cart

The second tab is called Variants. Here, you can enter the different variants for this option.

Edit product option variants in CS-Cart

If you wish to edit or delete any of the existing product options on your website, you need to access the Options Manager again.

Edit or delete product options in CS-Cart

From the list of available options on your website, simply click on the Settings button next to the one you wish to manage. You will notice the Edit and Delete options for it.

How to Add Products in CS-Cart:

Here we will review the process of adding or managing products on your CS-Cart website. This is one of the main features as the application is designed for online stores and you need a way of adding your products.

The first step is to create product options or product categories. This will allow you to easily add a new product after that. Log into the administrative area of your website. Click on the Products menu item and then the Products option.

Manage products in CS-Cart

Click on the Add Product button at the top-right corner of the screen.

Add product in CS-Cart

You can edit quite a lot of different options for the new product on your website. They are divided into 6 smaller sections and we will review them all for a better understanding on how to configure your new products.

The first section is the General tab. The options you have on it are:

  • Information – Enter the name of the new product, select it’s category, set a price, product status, etc.;
  • Pricing/Inventory – Set the inventory information for your product, such as quantity, list count, etc.;
  • Availability – Set specific date, when the product will be available or not;
  • Extra – Set some extra information for your product, such as description, keywords, popularity, etc.

General details for products in CS-Cart

The second tab is the Images. It allows you to upload actual images of the product, so your clients can get a better feel of it.

Image details for product in CS-Cart

Next is the SEO tab, which provides options for better optimization of your product for search engines. The options are:

  • SEO – Set the SEO title of the new product;
  • Meta Data – Enter the meta data for the new product, such as page title, meta description, etc.

SEO details for products in CS-Cart

The next tab is the Quantity Discounts. It will allow you to set a discount for bulk purchasing of the product.

Quantity discounts for products in CS-Cart

The next tab is the Add-ons. Here, you will be able to use the features of additional modules on your website. For example, you can enable commenting on the product, set it as bestselling, etc.

Addons option for products in CS-Cart

When a customer purchases this product, you can provide Reward Points for that. With those reward points, the customer will be able to purchase additional products on your website. This is a good feature that will make your website and your products more compelling for customers.

Reward points for products in CS-Cart

That is all. You simply need to click on the Create button at the top-right corner and the system will create the product for you, using the options you have set for it.

Benefits Of CS-Cart:

Built-in content management

With our ecommerce software you can build, edit and publish all kinds of web content including static pages, surveys, newsletters, contact forms, graphic and text banners, customer testimonials, and many others. Handy menu-builder makes the storefront navigation suitable and clear to your web store visitors.

Search engine optimized

CS-Cart shopping cart software presents a search engine friendly environment that engages the table less layout, customizable META tags, friendly URLs and Google sitemap. This all adds well to the proper indexing of your web store and generally develops its ranking among the popular search engines like Google, Yahoo! Search and Bing.

Customizable PHP software

CS-Cart is PHP shopping cart software that uses MySQL to store data and Smarty template engine to build the website’s look and feel. And its 100% open source code, hook-based modular architecture, modern design technologies, impressive flexibility and development API make CS-Cart a perfect platform for custom ecommerce requirements

CS-Cart Shopping Cart

CS-Cart shopping cart is a software allowing to make purchases online. It assists to build and run a online store , to put products with pictures and description, to partition them into categories, sort by price, manufacturers, etc. With the help of shopping carts customer can check the product’s information, choose the essential items for purchase and place them in the cart. The customer’s cart is a place where all the chosen products are collected.One of the main advantages of CS-Cart shopping cart is add-ons which provide for free a variety of options you would pay additional fee with another shopping cart software.

-CS-Cart is highly customizable software, it provides full access to the source code, and there are no encrypted files in it. Thanks to this it is possible to make any changes, integrations and modifications according to the users’ specific needs. CS-Cart is built using PHP and MySQL, AJAX technologies are utilized as well. Design architecture of CS-Cart is based on Smarty template engine that, along with completely CSS-based template layout, makes it very simple to change the look-and-feel of the storefront.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apart from a bundle of features and add-ons, included into the software by default, there are many add-ons and themes, created by third-party developers, which are listed in CS-Cart Marketplace (http://marketplace.cs-cart.com/)

 

Features

Key Features of CS-Cart:

✓ Unlimited number of storefronts
✓ Attractive layouts of storefronts
✓ Responsive themes with built-in layout editor (no tech skills required)
✓ Smart content management
✓ Unlimited number of products and categories
✓ Customizable product options, combinations, and variations
✓ Multiple languages and currencies
✓ 50+ built-in add-ons  (Stores and pickup points, Google export last added)
✓ 70+ built-in online payment gateways (Google Pay and Apple Pay last added)
✓ Facebook commerce and eBay synchronization
✓ Customizable one-step checkout
✓ Flexible tax management
✓ Real-Time Shipping Rates (8 trusted carriers including DHL, UPS, USPS, FedEx)
✓ Shipping management

-Major Features of  Cs-Cart:

Ready from the Start

CS-Cart is a “batteries included” solution. Right out of the box, you have all the necessary tools for a rapid start: the checkout system, built-in CMS, flexible product management, etc. Just do some basic setup, add your products, and start selling!

Eye-Candy Store

CS-Cart ships with a modern, beautifully designed storefront. Use one of the pre-installed design presets or create your own. The built-in theme editor lets you to customize the look & feel of your store with no HTML or CSS knowledge required.

Rocket-Fast

CS-Cart is faster than most e-commerce solutions on the market, with no additional tuning necessary. We invest a lot in performance and speed to deliver smooth and lag-free shopping experience to all visitors of the CS-Cart stores.

Powerful Admin Panel

The admin panel is a true gem. It is crammed with useful e-commerce features: promotion and marketing tools, integrations with major shipping and payment services, etc. Over 50 add-ons are there for you by default.

Multi-Store by Design

Multi-store management has never been easier. You can add as many storefronts as you need. The storefronts can be managed individually, each having its own design, products, and customers, or sharing the same customers or products.

Free Mode

CS-Cart is available in the Free mode, which does not require a license purchase. The Free mode can be used with no time limitations. The Free mode provides the essential set of e-commerce tools.

Mobile-Friendly

The Twigmo mobile storefront is specially designed to deliver rich shopping experience under the limitations of a mobile screen. The Twigmo mobile admin panel allows you to manage your store right from your phone or tablet.

Free Cloud-Powered Search

CS-Cart users enjoy super fast and smart product search, provided by Searchanise. This service is absolutely free and available as a built-in add-on.

videos

CS Cart: Edit Inventory

 

CS-Cart on cloud

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