Customization of VirtueMart Based Stores

Evolution of web based ecommerce applications represents one of the most important priority for developers and end-users. Usually, they are harder to implement and configure by beginners webmasters due to the presence of multiple features in a certain ecommerce application.

In a previous article, the possibility to rapidly deploy an online store ( based on VirtueMart Joomla! plugin) is described, without having programming knowledge. VirtueMart is a reliable alternative for a simple implementation of any type of virtual store into Joomla! content management system.

The store configuration has two main parts: payment and users management related settings and products presentation options into Joomla! CMS front-end. For example, from the payment methods list, you are able to select the gateway that is most suitable for you (2Checkout, PayPal, PayMate and more). In essence, all other settings related to payments, like taxes, shipping methods and rates are easy to be performed. But the most sensitive part, directly related with the success of your store is the modality of products presentation in the Joomla! front-end.

If you are using a standard Joomla! installation (not the eCommerce Edition which include VirtueMart), you will have to download the VirtueMart distribution package, extract the content and install the component manually. Alongside the main VirtueMart component, in the distribution package you will find various modules and mambots that will help you to improve the presentation of your store products on the Joomla! front end.

There are available various elements that enhances the capabilities of the VirtueMart component, like the automatic scrolling of the products module in any area of the Joomla! default template, the latest added products module, the products search mambot and more. The position of these elements in the structure of the default front-end template can be easily specified by indicating the desired place for a given mambot or module using the Menu option in Joomla control panel.

You should try different positions and configurations for the individual modules in order to select the optimal distribution of VirtueMart elements in the Joomla! front end. The template must be also selected such as you will be able to define sensitive details that could influence, in a great measure, the success of your store.