ORCA online store

[Steve]

Regarding http://reeltalk.orcaonline.org/viewtopi ... =1&t=21751

Looks to me as if you can't even browse through the store departments unless you've created a account. That's fine if you've read about this in Reel News or Reel Talk. However, if you're not aware of this requirement, it's a turn-off.
The process seems backwards to me. Most store sites allow you to browse, add items to a cart, and then create an account. If this can't be done, at least post a clear warning on the store page for all those potential buyers who haven't had the advantage of reading those instructions.

[Wayne B.]

Steve...I agree. I missed the notifications about getting into our store. Seems like the store is open but the doors are locked.

[john elder]

It's a work in progress and it needs a clickable link to the account page where you can either log in if you already have an account (it's not the same as Reel Talk!--gotta make a new one with new password) or register if not been there. It wants a 12 letter password with stuff, so would recommend you use the suggested safari password or whoever you use, if the offer one.

use the link in this post to register or log in if you are already in:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=21710

patience! it's coming!

[Paul M]

I see that problem. We need a bit more time to get an expert to change the way that works. I believe that restriction was implemented recently because some orders for memberships and other stuff were placed online without shipping addresses and were therefore undeliverable. The store account process is intended to eliminate that problem but I agree you should be able to browse to see what’s available without having to be a member or have an account. Obviously we don’t want to disappoint existing members, potential members or other customers. This is a new system that also supports free online access for ORCA members only to digitized library files. Member authentication is handled via your store account. We will try to improve the system. Your feedback and patience is appreciated.

Paul Manuel

[Paul M]

FWIW - I changed the wording on the "dead-end" page to explain why someone might have landed there and how to get to where they want to go. We will be getting expert help to figure out where the viewing restriction is controlled and adjust to make it more user friendly.

[Steve]

I changed the wording on the "dead-end" page

I don't see any differences. Go to the top of this page and click on "Services." Or go to the ORCA Home Page. Go to "Store." A "My Account" button shows up while hovering over "Store," but almost no one in his right mind will click on that right away. Instead, he'll click on "Store" and be taken to another page with 8 illustrated categories of items. He will click on one of these and go nowhere.

The point is that it should be made abundantly clear BEFOREHAND that one must register for an account BEFORE trying to browse a store category. All it needs temporarily is a banner announcement at the top of [https://www.orcaonline.org/services/] or [https://www.orcaonline.org/orca-store/], preferably both. Something in big, bold letters like "You must register for and log into an account to browse the store categories."

It's hard to imagine any non-members who might arrive from, say, Facebook, who would not immediately give up on using the Store under current conditions.

By the way, what I see at the top of the Home Page is this, with a "piece" of the Store cart showing. There are some problems here.

[Paul M]

The screen layout issue is a hardware/software compatibility issue with the Wordpress software as configured. A full screen Windows PC is the ideal set up. “Small glass” and greater iOS support would be nice.

[wrong99]

Looks normal on my PC.
Mark

[Paul M]

Works fine on my big screen iMac and Windows laptop. iPhone and narrow window views have issues. It’s HTML so layout is context sensitive and it was developed for PC windows. Give us time and it will get better.

[Steve]

Paul, thanks for the 12/6 advice. But...signing in to My Account is no problem. When one (I) goes to the Store page with its 8 illustrated categories, one (I) can't browse any category. The links don't go anywhere, so one (I) can't buy anything. That's been my major glitch since I started complaining.

[Paul M]

I was having the same issue but found that going through My_Account>Subscription>Store gets me into all the products. People with direct links to products like the new patch (and your book) have been ordering online. New expert technical assistance was just put under contract and we are all looking forward to seeing improved access.

[Steve]

going through My_Account>Subscription>Store gets me into all the products.

Been there, done that..no dice. R U using a left-handed mouse?

[Paul M]

Actually I am...

[Midway Tommy D]

R U using a left-handed mouse?

Actually I am...

Gol' Dang! I learnt somethin' new today, didn't know one could switch the buttons around.

Thanks guys!