Non Features
Non-features are features that we are consciously omitting from phpShop. We are trying to keep things as simple as possible and by keeping this list we remind ourselves to avoid the temptation of adding extra features we do not need.
Customer Accounts
We will not allow customers to register with the store. Every time a customer purchases they must reenter their information. This may seem like a step backwards, but we truly believe we have made the right decision on this one. There are ways for customers to have their browsers auto-fill in forms when they browse the web. Also, when using certain payment methods (i.e. PayPal and Google Checkout) the customer information is already stored on their accounts there.
There are probably a few reasons why it would be a benefit to have customer accounts:
- Customers can view previous orders.
- Customers can access special areas of the site.
- Site administrator can manage the customer list, sending newsletters ,etc.
We believe that we can address these using alternate solutions:
- Customers can view previous orders by providing order data, such as, order number, email address, etc.
- Special areas of the site are not likely a necessity for all web sites, therefore, not a must have.
- We will capture orders and therefore have customers information in the orders, using the customer email address as the primary key. Therefore, you will still be able to send newsletters.
Of course, this decision of ours does not mean that some enterprising developing could not develop a plugin to allow customer registrations... :-)
