eCart 5 - getting started

First try with eCart 5. Currently going through all the tutorials and resource material.

Question 1: I have a product page built, database populated and formatted with the Dataassist repeating table. Is this the best way to start, ad if so - what is the next step to add eCart functionality?

Question 2: Would it be better to start with a blank page, add required first steps for eCart, and then add the products at a later point in the process?

The goal is so that the application and cart are as simplified as possible. Products list page, add to cart button on each product. User accounts and guest checkout, PayPal interface where all secure info and transactions are on PayPal.

If you would please just point me i the right direction and I can take it from there.

1) Yes, use Data Bridge to Create the product catalog pages. Products Results and Details.

the next step is to create the eCart object, then add the eCart add To cart buttons to the Results and Details pages

2) I find it better to create the Catalog pages first, then add eCart.

Se the Integrating eCart and Data Bridge tutorial for details.

Thanks Jason, that worked perfectly. I added the Object and the Add to Cart button, and everything showed up as it should on the cart page.

A couple more things if you please and I think I will be all set.

1. First, I did not see the option for Universal Email in the checkout wizard. I have version 4 installed.

2. Second - I don't want any card processing on the site. I would like to send to PayPal shopper name and details, and order details, items, prices and totals and have the PayPal page the receives this info then complete the transaction and redirect back to the site. In the wizard, would I choose the "No Gateway" option?

If that solution is not possible, it would be acceptable to just send the total amount of the order to PayPal to complete the transaction.

Please advise! So far I'm finding this tool very easy to use - and smart. You've thought of things that are included I wouldn't think would e in there - such as automatically creating the order tables in the database. Very nice touch.

If you are using a Remote Checkout method like PayPal Payments Standard, there will not be an option to send the reciwt using Universal Email, that Option is only available using a Local Checkout method like PayPal Payments pro.

Payments p[ro is 2 services:
1) Direct Payments (The User enters credit card details on your site)
2) Express Chekout (The user is directed to paypals site to select payment method, and is then returned to your site to confirm the transaction)

If you want to allow only checkout through paypal, and still send a Receipt using UE, Select to use paypal payments pro as the checkout method, and remove the credit card form on the checkout page that is created and only use the Checkout with Express checkout button.