uk2.net ecommerce package opinions

[justballs]

We are about to start creating our ecommerce site and currently subscribe to the uk2 service as it seems relatively easy menu system. Does anyone have experience of this service, or are there better alternatives / recommendations. thanks.

[awebapart.com]

The UK2 ecommerce system is a rebranded version of Pinnacle Cart (http://www.pinnaclecart.com), which means that it is not a UK2 proprietary system - which is a good thing.

Because the system is not a UK2 proprietary system, this does give you the advantage that you are not fully locked in to UK2 service, although do check what the contract term is. For instance if you outgrow the service and decide to move to your own custom semi-bespoke system in the future, you can buy Pinnacle Cart and use it as a base for your own system hosted elsewhere.

This is something you cannot do so easily with the likes of ekmpowershop, easywebstore, or 1and1 eShop which have proprietary systems, since you would have to change the underlying ecommerce system completely as part of your move. It is also one of the reasons we used osCommerce as the base for the online shop section of our hosted managed ecommerce service (http://www.awebapart.com), so that clients would find it easier to move away from our service to their own custom semi-bespoke osCommerce system if they needed to - and equally to make it easier for clients who are fed up with their own custom semi-bespoke osCommerce system to move to us too!

Pinnacle Cart certainly looks better than epages (http://www.epages.de/en), another system which is often rebranded and used as the ecommerce system provided by other hosting companies (e.g. 123-reg.co.uk, BT eShop).

Since Pinnacle Cart is developed by a US company, you might see some Americanisms in it (cart rather than basket, some US shipping company calculators, etc).

[stugster]

Hi Mate,

I don't have experience with the software itself, only of UK2.

A few years ago, UK2 were experiencing some major problems in their Customer Service skills. Now, I have to say, they're probably one of the best larger-companies in the hosting industry.

I should also mention that they introduced a new Managing Director, who is doing wonders for the company.

[Page]

I looked at this set up and then ended up with cs-cart for a couple of specific features and the fact that they did even answer my sales enquiry email.

From memory you are not tied in with them on any contract. You could do worse than buy a month - have a good play - and then ask the same question with a better understanding.

It was a close call between pinnacle and cs-cart.

[Dwebs-Ltd]

I have UK2's MD on my MSN list, great guy; i can't knock the big improvements they have made in the past 2 years, huge step forward and brought themselves up to date.

But i really would look at what the ecommerce system offers if it doesn't support what you need look at something else there are plenty out there e.g. cubecart, zencart etc

[stugster]

UK2 are really showing their commitment to their customers now, not only through service, but through special offers as well.

The e-commerce package is available on a trial basis absolutely free for 14 days - if that's not commitment to their software, please tell me what is!

After this time, if the software isn't for you, at least you know that avenue is no longer an option!

[cdorling]

We're in a similar position to original poster, we already use UK2 as host using old ecbuilder software and have recently investigated many carts, incl. uk2's own ecommerce. After poor customer service last week, I emailed the MD, had an almost immediate reply, and have now had all my questions answered. One thing I can add is that they are currently busy taking over an american company (? more than 1), they have a lot on, and are not planning to upgrade their pinnacle cart to the latest version for at least 6 months (they may even miss out on that update completely), which is a shame as I think v3.5 offers some improvements. If it's important to you, with uk2 you can't ftp (changes have to be made online) & Pinnacle 3.4 also doesn't give product names in the url or 1 click checkout. 3.5 does (I'm not allowed to post the url, just bear in mind you will not be getting the 3.5 additions shown on the pinnacle site).

I came on here to ask the importance of product name sin urls, so it's a new post for me...

[Paramount Embroidery]

Pinnacle Cart is up there with the best. It's now on version 3.53 but I don't think that UK2 is running the latest version. The reason I think this is because the UK2 skin by Garis Graphics does not work with version 3.5X onwards.

All the Americanisms can be changes in Admin. Version 3.5 had lots of features added to make the cart language and country friendly.

If you want to buy this cart outright then P.M me because I am a reseller so I can save you a lot of money.

[hondo]

I too can only speak as I find. I took up an account with uk2 recently. I had a problem last week and reaised a ticket. i got a response asking 1 simple question which i answered then nothing...for 8 days. I have managed to get so far since kicking up a bit a response from a mmber of the support team stating that since the abancdoned the catchall service on the 23 Aug 2007 they have had a large number of tickets to deal with. This level of service when they promise less than 24 Hour Turnaround of problems is really not acceptable. I for one do not find them of any use if they cannot support their client base. I wouldnt mind but I went to them after leaving fasthosts....Im beginning to think Im the Jinx....lol...
anyway chaps....best of luck with your ventures...


Dave

[stugster]

Hi Dave,

Sounds like you've had a rough time. I cannot understand why this would be, as from my experience, their support has always been top-notch.

Send me a PM with your account name and details of the problems, I'll personally see to it tomorrow morning that someone contacts you about the issue.

I promise UK2 support is not like this in general! Perhaps you slipped through their net or something?

[sailboatvn]

guys, as far as i know UK2 has introduced their new e-commerce system. I've never hosted with UK2.net before but buying quite a few domains from them with very reasonable prices.

More about UK2 ecommerce system can be found in these links:

1. uk2 {dot} net/ecommerce/
2 sailboatvn {dot} com/category/tradingeye/

[lolly]

Hi Everyone, this is my first time posting, sorry it had to be about the rubbish comapny.

Below is my experience with them, I will just stick to my US web hosting, I get response within 30min- 1hr of contacting them. 3ix is my hosting company. I only tried UK2 because I wanted a proper ecommerce website with inventary and all.

I tried their e-commerce service, and I decide I dont like their website builder, very boring templates and all, package was £10 a month
I proceeded to ask for refund, boom. They refused to refund claiming the £10 is for price of domain, however they have refused to send me domain certificate with details and all.
In addition to that they have taken £19.99 from my account even though I have cancelled their service.
It's a nightmare, cant get in touch with then via phone, and they are refusing to reply my mails.
I think I will have to report this company.
please people dont sign up with uk2.
Does anybody have their MD's email as I need to get my money back ASAP.

[stugster]

Lolly,

Please send me a PM with a summary of when and what happened and an email address to contact you on.

I'll get someone from UK2 to have a look for you.

[fisicx]

Sorry to hear about your problems with UK2. I've been with them for about 14 years and never had a problem. I agree that customer support was very flakey but is it much better now - I get issues resolved within hours rather than days.

As to the domain certificate, these are now issued by nominet, just login and you can download the cert.

If you raise a support ticket with accounts you will get a refund, it just takes a little time that's all.

[Stampy]

Lolly,

Please send me a PM with a summary of when and what happened and an email address to contact you on.

I'll get someone from UK2 to have a look for you.

Do you have this much influence with many companies, or just UK2? :D

[stugster]

It's all about how you tickle them ;)