Modular Structure

HostedStore is based on a modular structure that allows features to be easily turned on or off based on the needs of the store. All modules are included with the HostedStore license so there is not an added cost for using any of the features. Each of the modules is detailed in its own section below.

A set of code hook points is provided to enable developers to make their own modules that enhance HostedStore by adding new functionality or altering current functionality. More details are provided on the extensibility page. A list of modules currently available can be found in the module directory.

Address Books

Address books simplify and speed up the checkout process. Rather than type frequently used shipping addresses each time a purchase is made, customers can select an entry from their address book. Customers choose a unique name to identify each address book entry. All entries are saved regardless of how frequently each is used. An address book entry named Billing is automatically added for the customer when their store account is created.

More details are provided on the address book page.

Affiliates

Purchases can be associated with individuals, affiliates, who provided a hyperlink with a special code that led the customer to the store. Affiliates can each have their own compensation plan based on fixed dollar values or percentage of sales.

This module is flexible so it can also be used for other purposes such as tracking special marketing campaigns. Suppose advertising is purchased in another company's email newletter and the success of that advertising needs to be determined. Simply create an affiliate ID that is used only for that email campaign.

More details are provided on the affiliate management page.

Shopping Lists

Customers can save past orders as a shopping list which can be used for future purchases. This feature is convenient for customers that frequently order the same items. A monthly vitamin and nutritional supplement order and a company that purchases the same desk, chair, lamp, etc for each new employee are two examples.

A shopping list is saved with a unique name chosen by the customer so it can be easily identified at a later date. Lists can be updated with modified quantities of individual items in case needs for recurring orders changes.

More details are provided on the shopping lists page.

Wish Lists

Wish lists allow customers to store products for future purchase by themselves or others. Customers can make their wish list publicly searchable or keep it private and email a link to it to their friends and family. Details of current wish list contents and items purchased from the wish list can be viewed in the customer account area.

More details are provided on the wish lists page.

Promotions

Special promotional discounts can be assigned individual ID codes that can be distributed to a customer or a group of customers. Promotions can apply to a specific product or shipping charges. Minimum number of ordered items, subtotal, and shipping charges can all be set to restrict whether or not a promotion can be applied to an order. The promotions module can be used for simple promotions or for highly complex promotions with many restrictions.

The flexibility of the promotions module also allows it to be used for other purposes - just because it is named promotions certainly does not mean that has to be its sole use. Coupons, trackable marketing campaigns, contest prizes, rewards systems, etc - the possibilities are endless.

More details are provided on the promotion management page.