USPS Advanced Released

[Viking Coders]

We are pleased to annouce the release of USPS Advanced. This module operates in the same manner as our FedEx Advanced (http://vikingcoders.com/go.mv?ID=BROK_FEDEX) and UPS Custom Integration (http://vikingcoders.com/go.mv?ID=BROK_UPS_CUSTOM) modules, i.e. configurability out the wazoo. This is an early release, so there's no documentation at present but if you're familiar with our other shipping modules, you will grasp the concepts quite quickly. And we have suitably reduced the price for an introductory period.

The module is currently available for compiled Merchant 4 (4.14 and above, not 5) only but we'll work on a 5.x version should the demand be there. Unfortunately you will need to register with USPS webtools and upgrade to their production server--how this is in any way efficient for them or their customers is hard to imagine, but them's the rules. If you have already done this for the inbuilt Merchant USPS module or for our earlier (and simpler) USPS Domestic and USPS International, you can use that ID.

http://vikingcoders.com/go.mv?ID=VC_USPSADVANCED

[klassic]

Sweet. It is about time :)

[klassic]

Is this just domestic, or domestic and international? It doesn't say.

[Viking Coders]

Whoops, both. I'll add that it.

[nevadamet]

Is there (or will there) be an upgrade path for those who have the VC domestic and international USPS modules?

[Viking Coders]

Yes, if the purchase was within the past 30 days. Just contact us via sales@

Another question we've been getting is with regard to the forthcoming rate changes from USPS. We don't expect any changes being required to either USPS Advanced or USPS Domestic/International but if something does change, we will, of course, release updates for those modules.

[ntxinc]

We are very much in need of this module for MIVA 5. Hopefully others will follow suit, and I am sure they will. I miss Viking in my MIVA 5 stores... :D

[east coast]

Yes, I am also very much in need of this module for MIVA 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope to see it out very soon.

[emione]

Another question we've been getting is with regard to the forthcoming rate changes from USPS. We don't expect any changes being required to either USPS Advanced or USPS Domestic/International but if something does change, we will, of course, release updates for those modules.

Does the module allow the shipping choice names to be renamed?
I ask since USPS is changing the names of some of the services, for example Global Priority is changing to Priority Mail International.

[Viking Coders]

Yes, you can change the names that are displayed to customers. We're still looking into whether this will require module updates across the board or not. There are several different versions of the USPS API notifications floating around and some pertain to the Label API rather than rate calculation (something that has caused confusion in the past). There also appears to be contradictory information in them, e.g. mentioning that you can still use the V2 rates as long as the items are not oversized Priority. At this point my guess is that the international changes will require a module update but that domestic would be optional. (Those shipping large packages by Priority and/or using First Class would need it.)

Needless to say though, we will be looking to integrate these changes into USPS Advanced.

[dotCOM_host]

Bret,

Can you let us all know whether you are working on v5 of this module, and if so, if you have an ETA on when it might be available?

[dotCOM_host]

Ah, I think you guys just answered my question - just received your newsletter minutes ago. For those not on Viking Coders' mailing list, here's the important tidbit of info:

"USPS Advanced is also being worked on to deal with the forthcoming USPS
API changes and a 5.x version."

So there you have it. It's "coming soon to a MIVA store near you!" :-)

[Viking Coders]

OK Remik, I'll forgive you now for invoking the dreaded ETA, the most despicable acronym known to the world of software developers. Yes, it's coming soon.

[dotCOM_host]

Tell me about it... every time we deal with developers and they tell us something will take 4 weeks to write, we prepare for at least 3 months before we see the first beta release. :-) Ha ha... I'm sure you are swamped with a lot of development work, updates to existing modules, etc.

So, would you say you'll get it done by next Friday? :cool: :rolleyes: :eek: :rolleyes: :cool:

(DARFC!!)

[adam2003w]

Let me know when the miva 5 version is availabe!