Product Options... and more

[Nigel]

I'm doing a site for a medical equipment company and have a couple of database questions (no MySQL forum section so posting it here). I'm using the BSM database as a starting point and modifying that where necessary.

Some equipment comes with size options, but the types of sizes vary by equipment. For instance, it might be small, medium, large for some pieces; and then numerical sizes for others, 1, 1.5, 2, etc. Should I just use one table for these mixed sizes? Then I assume I'd use a lookup table to assign sizes to products using the manage relational tables SB. Similarly with colors?

Is all the order and order details data inserted automatically by eCart during the checkout process?

OK... straying from the database topic a bit, my client ships via UPS and wants to include a tracking number with their receipt. Is it possible, or do I need to complete the transaction and then connect independently to UPS to get that? Any tips appreciated.

Thanks!

-Nigel

[Ray Borduin]

A lookup table is the way to go with complicated color and size options.

Order details are inserted automatically (or you have that option anyway).

You would have to complete the transaction and actually ship the product before a tracking number would be assigned. Presumably at the time you ship the order you would enter that information and could send an email shipping confirmation with the tracking number at that time.

[Nigel]

Thanks Ray.

Hmmm... some of the items will be dropped shipped from the manufacturers, that could be a problem, maybe in that case the shipper should send the notification directly.

Thanks again.