Zen Cart

Zen Cart is an open source shopping cart that is easy to set-up and manage. Completely automated, Zen Cart allows to run your web store without HTML knowledge. The store has an online admin area where you can add/edit/delete products with a click of your mouse. This PHP script includes built-in features like gift certificates, product text fields, banner ad managers, newsletter and more.

Cost: The script itself is free to download, and there are no monthly fees. If you plan on accepting credit cards directly through the shopping cart, you will want to purchase a secure certificate. (Go Daddy sells them for less than $30 per year).

Supported payment types: LinkPoint API, YourPay API, Authorize.net AIM, Authorize.net SIM, PayPal, C.O.D. (cash on delivery), checks, and also money orders.

You can also set the cart to collect (not process) credit card information to process manually through your merchant account.

Supported shipping options: UPS, USPS, free shipping, flat rate, table rates.

My thoughts: I have installed and customized Zen Cart dozens of times and it is by far my favorite shopping cart. What I love best about the cart is that it is so easy for my clients to use and manage on their own (helping them avoid costly maintenance fees).

The admin area includes an editor allowing you to change text on pages without messing with HTML. Compared to similar shopping carts, Zen Cart is easy to install and customize. But if you run into trouble or need help customizing the design of the shopping cart, please contact me for a quote.

Where to download: Visit their website to download for free.

Many web hosts (including HostGator, whom I use) include Zen Cart with their hosting plans. Just click on the script in your control panel (usually listed under Fantastico) and they install it for you.

Free ZenCart Tutorials

How to install ZenCart
How to install ZenCart at GoDaddy
How to install ZenCart at HostGator
How to install a new ZenCart template
How to change the background color in ZenCart
How to edit the header image in ZenCart
More ZenCart tutorials