Adding a Lettering Preview Component to Website

They have: 2 posts

Joined: Apr 2008

I have a customer that needs a component added to their existing website. They are a sign company and would like customers to be able to design their sign, preview their sign and then send it all to the cart. I have tried to figure this out but I am not that advanced in the programming of databases. Quite frankly I don't know where to start! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Whether you want to point me in the right direction or if you want to design this yourself. We can pay you if you design this.

We would really prefer not to copy everyone else's but use the same idea. If we have to do the same thing then that is fine.

Here are a few examples of sites out there with this concept:

http://www.speedysigns.com/lettering/lettering_tool.asp (most common)
http://www.signspecialist.com/lettering/lettering.html
http://www.uncleroys.com/design-signs.php?signtype=vinyl
http://www.greatlettering.com/designlettering.aspx
http://www.javasigns.com/tools/lt/4362

I understand that these examples are using different programming, I am just looking for the concept. I don't want to use the look of the site just the concept.

JeevesBond's picture

He has: 3,956 posts

Joined: Jun 2002

You're certainly approaching this with the right attitude, not wanting to directly copy others ideas is a good thing. Smiling

One other thing you might try is using a CMS or shopping cart, then building the sign writer as a module (or add-on). Then at least the payment bit is finished. You'll also be able to solicit offers from specialists who work with that software. For example: Drupal has a couple of e-Commerce modules, and you can request paid services.

Bear in mind I'm a total Drupal fan boy, so you should check around and find some e-Commerce software you like. All of them should have some way of getting professional services. Some popular ones are: http://www.oscommerce.com/ and http://www.zencart.com/ There's also a site dedicated to letting people test different CMS' although you'll want to check they have an e-Commerce module before committing to one.

That work is definitely something you'll need to contract out. Particularly if you've never done any PHP stuff before (and have the pressure of a deadline). Hope this helps. Smiling

a Padded Cell our articles site!

They have: 2 posts

Joined: Apr 2008

Thank you very much for your help. I will be doing my research now! Smiling

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