If you want to showcase your products without enabling direct purchases, you can set up your online store as a catalog-only store. This allows visitors to browse through your products, view details, and contact you for inquiries without being able to complete purchases online. Here’s how to configure your store in OzSpeed hPanel to function as a catalog.
Step 1: Log in to hPanel #
- Visit OzSpeed hPanel and log in with your credentials.
- Access the Online Store section from the main dashboard.
Step 2: Disable the Shopping Cart Functionality #
How to Disable: #
- Go to Store Settings > General Settings.
- Locate the Shopping Cart or Checkout Options section.
- Toggle the shopping cart functionality to Off or select the Catalog Mode option if available.
- Save your changes.
Tip: #
- Disabling the shopping cart removes the “Add to Cart” and “Checkout” buttons from your product pages.
Step 3: Customize the Product Display #
Configure Product Pages: #
- Navigate to Products > Manage Products.
- Click on each product to edit its display settings.
- In the Visibility Settings, ensure the following:
- Product Details: Enable so visitors can view product descriptions, images, and specifications.
- Pricing: Decide whether to hide or show prices. If showing prices, consider labeling them as “Starting From” or “Contact for Pricing.”
- Save the changes.
Example Product Display: #
- Visible: Name, description, image gallery, specifications.
- Hidden: “Buy Now,” “Add to Cart,” or checkout buttons.
Step 4: Add an Inquiry Button #
Allow visitors to contact you directly for more information about products.
How to Add an Inquiry Button: #
- Go to Website Settings > Custom Elements.
- Add a Button element to your product pages.
- Link the button to a contact form or an email address. Example:htmlCopy code
<a href="/contact-us" class="inquiry-button">Inquire Now</a> - Save and publish the changes.
Tip: #
- Customize the button text to “Request a Quote,” “Ask for Details,” or “Inquire Now” for clarity.
Step 5: Configure Contact Form or Email Integration #
Create a Contact Form: #
- Go to Forms > Create Form in hPanel.
- Add fields for user inquiries, such as:
- Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Product Name (optional dropdown or text field)
- Message
- Save the form and integrate it into your product or catalog pages.
Direct Email Option: #
- If using an email link, configure it to pre-fill the subject line with the product name:htmlCopy code
<a href="mailto:info@yourdomain.com?subject=Product Inquiry: Product Name">Email Us</a>
Step 6: Update Store Navigation and Messaging #
Update Navigation: #
- Go to Website Settings > Menu Editor.
- Update the navigation menu to reflect the catalog mode by renaming the store link to Product Catalog or Browse Products.
Add Messaging: #
- Add a banner or notification on your homepage or catalog page to inform visitors about the catalog-only functionality. Example:plaintextCopy code
"This is a product catalog. To make a purchase, please contact us directly."
Step 7: Test the Catalog #
Thoroughly test your catalog setup to ensure all features are working as intended.
What to Check: #
- Ensure the shopping cart and checkout buttons are hidden.
- Verify that the inquiry button links to the correct contact form or email.
- Check for responsiveness across desktop and mobile devices.
- Ensure product pages display all relevant details without enabling purchases.
Step 8: Monitor Visitor Inquiries #
Use the inquiry form or email to track customer requests.
How to Monitor: #
- Go to Forms > Submissions to view inquiries from the form.
- Set up an email notification for new submissions.
- Regularly check your inbox or CRM for email-based inquiries.
Tip: #
- Respond promptly to inquiries to maintain customer interest and improve satisfaction.
Troubleshooting Tips #
- Add to Cart Still Visible:
- Double-check the Shopping Cart settings in Store Settings.
- Clear your website cache and refresh the page.
- Inquiry Button Not Displaying:
- Ensure the button is properly added to the product pages and linked to a valid contact form or email address.
- Missing Product Information:
- Review your product visibility settings to ensure all necessary details are enabled.
Additional Tips: #
- Highlight Your Best Products: Use featured sections on your homepage or catalog page to showcase your top-selling or most popular items.
- Add Filters and Sorting: Enhance the browsing experience by enabling filters for categories, price ranges, or product types.
- Include Downloadable Brochures: Offer PDF brochures or datasheets for visitors to download for more information about your products.
