Thread

Hi

I am thinking of switching my website to use the ExpressionEngine CMS and framework - so far I am very impressed by the functionality.

Before I commit to changing, I’m wondering if anyone could answer the following query:

My website allows users to purchase membership of groups, and receive access to members only content for that group.  For example, a Film group may cost £5 and a Sport group may cost £10.

A user of my website is able to purchase the film group membership and access the groups’ content, however the film content is unavailable until they purchase access to this group separately.

So my queries are:

1.  Is it possible to assign multiple member groups to a user?
2.  Is EE packaged with any kind of e-commerce software, which enables purchasing membership products etc.?
3.  When you send out a mass email via the Mailing List module, are a list of email addresses stored of who was sent the message or can this be easily programmed in?

Thanks

Hi ab92012,

Thank you for your interest in ExpressionEngine and welcome to the Forums!

ExpressionEngine certainly able to handle your needs, but in a slightly modified approach.

1.  Is it possible to assign multiple member groups to a user?

Not at this time, however for your needs consider your content separate from the members that will access it.

Rather than purchase membership to a particular group, the patrons subscribe to a channel of content. In effect, they would be able to pay for access to Sports content, and later Film, for example.

2.  Is EE packaged with any kind of e-commerce software, which enables purchasing membership products etc.?

Indeed, ExpressionEngine includes the Simple Commerce Module. SCM can handle standard inventory, digital products and subscription features, but only supports payment via PayPal.

If you need to accept payment through other gateways, look into CartThrob, BrilliantRetail, or Store.

3.  When you send out a mass email via the Mailing List module, are a list of email addresses stored of who was sent the message or can this be easily programmed in?

Absolutely. The Mailing List Module stores who is subscribed to which lists and you can assign lists to Member Groups is desired.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Cheers,

Hi Dan

Thanks for your reply.

So in effect, a user could subscribe to both Film and Sport as separate products.  The user will then be able to view content from both areas of the site?

I’m not sure how that would allow them access to 2 member groups / content types.

Does the Simple Commerce Module have the ability to add an expiry date to a subscription?  For example, I want all my subscriptions to end on the 30th June 2013 (last day of financial year, most users subscribe September time due to the way the product works - i.e. the user joins a club, society or group for an academic year).  When 30th June 2013 hits, all current subscriptions expire and the user will have to renew.

Thanks

Hey ab92012,

Simple commerce is actually really, really simple, so the subscription feature of expiring is not included, but you might want to check out the Add-On Membrr. It’s an awesome way of managing subscriptions.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Cheers,

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

Is it possible to automatically add users who subscribe to a mailing list?

On the “Communicate” screen in the admin panel, I need to be able to email certain subscribers.  At the moment it’s only display member groups.  Which of course, a user may only be assigned 1.

Thanks

Hello ab92012,

I am not sure what you mean. Subscribe to what? There are no subscriptions on ExpressionEngine.

If you mean through Membrr, I am not sure about that. I know this does not exist in ExpressionEngine, at least not as is.

Please let me know if I can be of more help.

Cheers,