How to Configure Your Online Store in Zen Cart

Home » Knowledge Base » Design Tools » Zen Cart » How to Configure Your Online Store in Zen Cart

Configuring your online store with Zen Cart is quite simple, and in this article, we share the steps you can take to get the most out of the platform.

 

1. Install Zen Cart

The first step is to install Zen Cart. The platform is free to use with all AwardSpace hosting plans, and it is easy to install.

 

2. Log in to Zen Cart

Once you install Zen Cart, you should log in to the admin panel to start configuring your online store.

 

3. Configure the Basic Store Settings

You can start the process by setting up your store information, language, and currency preferences.

To set your store information, via the admin panel, head to Configuration->My Store:

My Store Section in Zen Cart Admin Panel

From there, you can add key details such as:

  • Store Name
  • Email for official correspondence.
  • Country and zip code.
  • Store address
  • Phone numbers

 

To set your currency preferences via the admin panel, head to Localization->Currencies:

Currencies settings in Zen Cart Admin Panel

 

To set your language preferences, head to Localization->Languages:

Language Settings in Zen Cart Admin Panel

 

4. Add Product Categories and Products

Now that your basic details are filled, you can start adding products and distributing them into various categories.

To add a new product category, head to Catalog->Products/Categories:

Configure products and categories in Zen Cart

 

You can add a new individual product by opening each category and clicking the blue New Product button.

Check our comprehensive guide on how to add products to Zen Cart.

 

5. Configure Payment Options

Zen Cart supports various payment methods. To configure them, via the admin panel, go to Modules -> Payment:

Payment Settings in the Zen Cart admin panel

 

Once there, you can enable and configure settings such as:

  • PayPal
  • Stripe
  • Authorize.Net
  • Bank Transfer
  • Cash on Delivery

 

6. Set Up Shipping Options

Zen Cart allows you to tweak various shipping options. To access these, head to Modules->Shipping:

Shipping options in Zen Cart

 

Once there, you can access and enable/disable settings such as:

  • Flat Rate
  • Table Rate
  • Free Shipping
  • Carrier Integrations

From this page, you can also define shipping zones, rates, and rules based on region and order value.

 

7. Configure Tax Settings

There are several configurations that you can set up right away. To access them, head to:

  • Location/Taxes -> Zones to define geographical tax zones.
  • Location/Taxes -> Tax Classes to categorize your taxable products.
  • Locations/Taxes -> Tax Rates to assign rates to specific zones and classes.

Locations and Taxes settings in Zen Cart

 

8. Customize Store Design

Zen Cart allows you to customize your online store via various design options. To access them, head to:

  • Tools -> Template Selection to choose your layout theme
  • Tools-> Layout Boxes Controller to manage your sidebar and box content:

Customize the layout of your Zen Cart store

 

9. Improve Store Security

To keep your store safe, do the following:

  • Rename your admin directory to something other than Admin to reduce the risk of brute-force attacks.
  • Enable SSL and  HTTPS on your domain.
  • Install CATCHA and configure login attempt limits.

 

Conclusion – How to Configure Your Online Store in Zen Cart

Now you know how to configure your online store in Zen Cart – the platform offers numerous customization options, and its versatility makes it an excellent choice for merchants looking for control and security for their online store.

Was this post helpful?

i

Relevant tags:

Connect

Latest posts:

How to Customize the Dashboard in SuiteCRM

SuiteCRM is a versatile CMS that allows you to customise the dashboard in numerous ways. The platform lets you tailor your workspace, so you can see relevatnt data and tools for your role and the role of your colleagues. In this article, we share how to customise the...

How to Manage Modules in SuiteCRM

SuiteCRM is a flexible platform that allows you to customise all aspects of the system just the way they work best for you. One of the ways that this is made possible is by using the SuiteCRM modules - handy tools that help you customise the platform, so you get the...

How to Add Dashlets to SuiteCRM

SuiteCRM is a handy and versatile CRM that provides you with tons of customisation options that help you manage your business easily and effectively. One of CRM's great features is the inclusion of dashlets, which are simple widgets that display specific data or...

How to Log in to SuiteCRM

After you install SuiteCRM, you can log in to the CMS and start managing various business processes. To be able to log in, you need to open the SuiteCRM admin login page, type in your credentials and then open the platform's admin panel. In this article, we share how...

How to Install SuiteCRM

SuiteCRM is a versatile platform that allows you to manage various aspects of your business - relations with potential customers, clients and sales forecasting. The platform is easy to use and comes with many features that allow you to deal with your business...



Create a website for free!


Free forever

Our Support Team is Here to Help

 

If you need any questions answered, don't hesitate and contact us. Click the button below and follow the instructions. You can expect an answer within an hour.

 

Contact AwardSpace

 

iNewest knowledge base articles

How to Customize the Dashboard in SuiteCRM

SuiteCRM is a versatile CMS that allows you to customise the dashboard in numerous ways. The platform lets you tailor your workspace, so you can see relevatnt data and tools for your role and the role of your colleagues. In this article, we share how to customise the...

How to Manage Modules in SuiteCRM

SuiteCRM is a flexible platform that allows you to customise all aspects of the system just the way they work best for you. One of the ways that this is made possible is by using the SuiteCRM modules - handy tools that help you customise the platform, so you get the...

How to Add Dashlets to SuiteCRM

SuiteCRM is a handy and versatile CRM that provides you with tons of customisation options that help you manage your business easily and effectively. One of CRM's great features is the inclusion of dashlets, which are simple widgets that display specific data or...

How to Log in to SuiteCRM

After you install SuiteCRM, you can log in to the CMS and start managing various business processes. To be able to log in, you need to open the SuiteCRM admin login page, type in your credentials and then open the platform's admin panel. In this article, we share how...

How to Install SuiteCRM

SuiteCRM is a versatile platform that allows you to manage various aspects of your business - relations with potential customers, clients and sales forecasting. The platform is easy to use and comes with many features that allow you to deal with your business...

How to Log in to Zenphoto

Zenphoto is a handy CMS that helps you build a beautiful and fully functional gallery website. The app is widely used, thanks to its ease of use and great versatility. In another article, we shared how you can install Zenphoto on any of the AwardSpace hosting plans,...

Even more web tutorials

Check out our web hosting knowledge base and the WordPress tutorials to learn more, and be better prepared for your website creation and maintenance journey.