1. Open the english.php file located in the /includes/languages/ directory.
2. Find this section of code:

   define('BOX_HEADING_BESTSELLERS', 'Bestsellers');

3. and modify the define statement as needed:

   define('BOX_HEADING_BESTSELLERS', 'Our Most Popular Kits');

   ** Be sure to keep the single quote marks in your new define statement.
   

4. Save the modified english.php file to your override folder.  This will be /includes/languages/CUSTOM/ where CUSTOM represents the name of your current template folder.

More Zen Cart:

1. Change name of Categories sidebox Heading in Zen Cart
2. Change name of More Information sidebox Heading in Zen Cart
3. Update Page Heading of Page 2, Page 3 or Page 4 in More Information sidebox
4. Change name of Page 2 Link in More Information Sidebox
5. Change title bar in browser from "Zen Cart!, The Art of E-commerce"

Firstly, make sure that the products are in fact marked as Free Products in Zen Cart.  Go to Zen Cart Admin > Catalog > Categories/Products and select the product.  Check that the Product is Free is set to Yes.

It is then easy to modify the bestsellers query to exclude free products when generating the best selling products for the sidebox.

To exclude Free Products from the Bestsellers Sidebox in Zen Cart:

1. Open the best_sellers.php file located in the /includes/modules/sideboxes/ directory.
2. Find this section of code (around line 34):

   $best_sellers_query = "select distinct p.products_id, pd.products_name, p.products_ordered
    from " . TABLE_PRODUCTS . " p, " . TABLE_PRODUCTS_DESCRIPTION . " pd, "
    . TABLE_PRODUCTS_TO_CATEGORIES . " p2c, " . TABLE_CATEGORIES . " c
    where p.products_status = '1'
    and p.products_ordered > 0
    and p.products_id = pd.products_id
    and pd.language_id = '" . (int)$_SESSION['languages_id'] . "'
    and p.products_id = p2c.products_id
    and p2c.categories_id = c.categories_id
    and '" . (int)$current_category_id . "' in (c.categories_id, c.parent_id)
    order by p.products_ordered desc, pd.products_name
    limit " . MAX_DISPLAY_BESTSELLERS;

3. and modify to include the Master Category ID you wish to exclude:

   $best_sellers_query = "select distinct p.products_id, pd.products_name, p.products_ordered
    from " . TABLE_PRODUCTS . " p, " . TABLE_PRODUCTS_DESCRIPTION . " pd, "
    . TABLE_PRODUCTS_TO_CATEGORIES . " p2c, " . TABLE_CATEGORIES . " c
    where p.products_status = '1'
    and p.products_ordered > 0
    and p.products_id = pd.products_id
    and pd.language_id = '" . (int)$_SESSION['languages_id'] . "'
    and p.products_id = p2c.products_id
    and p2c.categories_id = c.categories_id
    and '" . (int)$current_category_id . "' in (c.categories_id, c.parent_id)
    and p.product_is_free !=1
    order by p.products_ordered desc, pd.products_name
    limit " . MAX_DISPLAY_BESTSELLERS;

4. Also, find this section of code (around line 51):

   $best_sellers_query = "select distinct p.products_id, pd.products_name, p.products_ordered
    from " . TABLE_PRODUCTS . " p, " . TABLE_PRODUCTS_DESCRIPTION . " pd
    where p.products_status = '1'
    and p.products_ordered > 0
    and p.products_id = pd.products_id
    and pd.language_id = '" . (int)$_SESSION['languages_id'] . "'
    order by p.products_ordered desc, pd.products_name
    limit " . MAX_DISPLAY_BESTSELLERS;

5. And modify to include the Master Category ID you wish to exclude:

   $best_sellers_query = "select distinct p.products_id, pd.products_name, p.products_ordered
    from " . TABLE_PRODUCTS . " p, " . TABLE_PRODUCTS_DESCRIPTION . " pd
    where p.products_status = '1'
    and p.products_ordered > 0
    and p.products_id = pd.products_id
    and pd.language_id = '" . (int)$_SESSION['languages_id'] . "'
    and p.product_is_free !=1
    order by p.products_ordered desc, pd.products_name
    limit " . MAX_DISPLAY_BESTSELLERS;

   
   

6. Save the modified best_sellers.php file to your override folder.  This will be /includes/modules/sideboxes/CUSTOM/ where CUSTOM represents the name of your current template folder.

More Zen Cart:

1. How do I remove Gift Certificates from the Bestsellers Sidebox in Zen Cart?
2. Set a sort order for the Featured Products Centerbox on Zen Cart Home Page
3. Bestsellers – Zen Cart Sidebox
4. New Products in Zen Cart
5. Change name of Bestsellers sidebox Heading in Zen Cart

So, what can you do if you would like to remove gift certificates from being displayed as a best seller?  Providing the gift certificate items are all in the same category, it is easy to modify the bestsellers query to ignore this category when generating the best selling products for the sidebox.

In a default installation of Zen Cart with the demo products on, the gift certificates are in category 21.  Check the Category ID in your Zen Cart store by going to Zen Cart Admin > Catalog > Categories/Products.

To remove Gift Certificates from the Bestsellers Sidebox in Zen Cart:

1. Open the best_sellers.php file located in the /includes/modules/sideboxes/ directory.
2. Find this section of code (around line 34):

   $best_sellers_query = "select distinct p.products_id, pd.products_name, p.products_ordered
    from " . TABLE_PRODUCTS . " p, " . TABLE_PRODUCTS_DESCRIPTION . " pd, "
    . TABLE_PRODUCTS_TO_CATEGORIES . " p2c, " . TABLE_CATEGORIES . " c
    where p.products_status = '1'
    and p.products_ordered > 0
    and p.products_id = pd.products_id
    and pd.language_id = '" . (int)$_SESSION['languages_id'] . "'
    and p.products_id = p2c.products_id
    and p2c.categories_id = c.categories_id
    and '" . (int)$current_category_id . "' in (c.categories_id, c.parent_id)
    order by p.products_ordered desc, pd.products_name
    limit " . MAX_DISPLAY_BESTSELLERS;

3. and modify to include the Master Category ID you wish to exclude:

   $best_sellers_query = "select distinct p.products_id, pd.products_name, p.products_ordered
    from " . TABLE_PRODUCTS . " p, " . TABLE_PRODUCTS_DESCRIPTION . " pd, "
    . TABLE_PRODUCTS_TO_CATEGORIES . " p2c, " . TABLE_CATEGORIES . " c
    where p.products_status = '1'
    and p.products_ordered > 0
    and p.products_id = pd.products_id
    and pd.language_id = '" . (int)$_SESSION['languages_id'] . "'
    and p.products_id = p2c.products_id
    and p2c.categories_id = c.categories_id
    and '" . (int)$current_category_id . "' in (c.categories_id, c.parent_id)
    and p.master_categories_id !=21
    order by p.products_ordered desc, pd.products_name
    limit " . MAX_DISPLAY_BESTSELLERS;

4. Also, find this section of code (around line 51):

   $best_sellers_query = "select distinct p.products_id, pd.products_name, p.products_ordered
    from " . TABLE_PRODUCTS . " p, " . TABLE_PRODUCTS_DESCRIPTION . " pd
    where p.products_status = '1'
    and p.products_ordered > 0
    and p.products_id = pd.products_id
    and pd.language_id = '" . (int)$_SESSION['languages_id'] . "'
    order by p.products_ordered desc, pd.products_name
    limit " . MAX_DISPLAY_BESTSELLERS;

5. And modify to include the Master Category ID you wish to exclude:

   $best_sellers_query = "select distinct p.products_id, pd.products_name, p.products_ordered
    from " . TABLE_PRODUCTS . " p, " . TABLE_PRODUCTS_DESCRIPTION . " pd
    where p.products_status = '1'
    and p.products_ordered > 0
    and p.products_id = pd.products_id
    and pd.language_id = '" . (int)$_SESSION['languages_id'] . "'
    and p.master_categories_id !=21
    order by p.products_ordered desc, pd.products_name
    limit " . MAX_DISPLAY_BESTSELLERS;

   ** In this example we are excluding products that have the Master Category ID of 21 from the best sellers query.
   

6. Save the modified best_sellers.php file to your override folder.  This will be /includes/modules/sideboxes/CUSTOM/ where CUSTOM represents the name of your current template folder.

More Zen Cart:

1. How do I exclude Free Products from the Bestsellers Sidebox in Zen Cart?
2. Set a sort order for the Featured Products Centerbox on Zen Cart Home Page
3. Bestsellers – Zen Cart Sidebox
4. Remove Category Product Counts from Category Sidebox in Zen Cart
5. Change name of Bestsellers sidebox Heading in Zen Cart

The Order History sidebox is displayed for logged-in customers only who have previously made purchases.  It is not displayed for visitors (guests) or for customers with accounts that have not yet completed any purchases.

By default, the Order History sidebox displays the last six (6) items previously purchased together with an Add to Cart button in the form of a shopping cart icon.

Working with the Order History sidebox is easy.  To get you started, take a look at:

• Turn on / Turn off the display of the Order History Sidebox
• Configure the number of items shown in the Order History Sidebox

If you want to learn more about customising the Order History (Quick Re-Order) sidebox, sign up today to the Zen Cart Reference Book – the Ultimate Reference for Customising Zen Cart mailing list to receive sample chapters, bonus content and pre-launch specials.

More Zen Cart:

1. Configure the number of items shown in the Order History Sidebox
2. Turn on / Turn off the display of the Order History Sidebox
3. Manufacturers – Zen Cart Sidebox
4. Reviews – Zen Cart Sidebox
5. Zen Cart Sideboxes

In a default installation of Zen Cart, the Order History (otherwise known as the Quick Re-Order) sidebox displays the last six (6) items the logged-in customer purchased.  The items are displayed along with a Add to Cart link via a shopping cart icon.

To configure the number of items shown in the Order History sidebox:

1. Log in to your Zen Cart store Admin.
2. From the Configuration menu, select Maximum Values.
   
3. Select Recent Purchases Box.
   
   You may notice that it is marked Note: box is disabled, however this sidebox is not disabled and  can be turned on and off successfully.
4. Enter the number of products you wish to display in the sidebox and then click the Update button to save your new setting.
   
5. Note that the sidebox displays the previous items purchased up to  the maximum value set as above.  If the customer has only purchased two items in the past, for example, the sidebox will only contain two items. 

More Zen Cart:

1. Order History – Zen Cart Sidebox
2. Turn on / Turn off the display of the Order History Sidebox
3. Increase the number of Manufacturers shown in the Manufacturers Sidebox of Zen Cart
4. Configure the Zen Cart Reviews Sidebox to randomly select product reviews for display
5. How do I remove Gift Certificates from the Bestsellers Sidebox in Zen Cart?

1. Log in to your Zen Cart store Admin.
2. From the Tools menu, select Layout Box Controller.
   
3. Select the Edit icon for the Order History sidebox.
   
4. In the Edit Box section, select the settings as shown here and then click Update to save your settings.
   

More Zen Cart:

1. Turn off the Manufacturers Sidebox
2. Configure the number of items shown in the Order History Sidebox
3. Order History – Zen Cart Sidebox
4. Turn off Tell-a-Friend in Zen Cart
5. Turn off Reviews in Zen Cart

To turn off the display of the Manufacturers Sidebox, follow the steps below.

1. Log in to your Zen Cart store Admin.
2. From the Tools menu, select Layout Box Controller.
   
3. Select the Edit icon for the Manufacturers Sidebox.
   
4. In the Edit Box section, select the settings as shown here and then click Update to save your settings.
   

More Zen Cart:

1. Turn on / Turn off the display of the Order History Sidebox
2. Manufacturers – Zen Cart Sidebox
3. Increase the number of Manufacturers shown in the Manufacturers Sidebox of Zen Cart
4. Turn off Tell-a-Friend in Zen Cart
5. Turn off Reviews in Zen Cart

The Categories Sidebox in a default installation displays the number of current products within each category or sub-category.  The product counts are generated dynamically by additional database queries each time a store page is loaded that includes the Categories Sidebox. 

In most cases the product counts are not required (in fact they just add to the clutter) and you can also increase your page load speeds by removing the product counts.

To turn off the display of product counts in the Categories Sidebox, follow the steps below.

1. Log in to your Zen Cart store Admin
2. From the Configuration menu, select My Store.
   
3. Click on the Info icon on the Show Category Counts line.
4. Select false and then click on the Update button. 
   
5. Check your store front now and the Categories Sidebox will now no longer show the category counts.
   

More Zen Cart:

1. Configure the Zen Cart Reviews Sidebox to randomly select product reviews for display
2. Create a new sub-category in Zen Cart
3. How do I remove Gift Certificates from the Bestsellers Sidebox in Zen Cart?
4. Remove Page 2, Page 3 or Page 4 from More Information Sidebox in Zen Cart
5. Turn off the Manufacturers Sidebox

The Reviews sidebox is displayed for both visitors (guests) and logged in customers.

The Reviews sidebox displays one product review that is randomly selected from a specific number of reviews – this setting is configured in Zen Cart Admin.

Working with the Reviews sidebox is easy.  To get you started, take a look at:

• Turn on / Turn off the display of the Reviews Sidebox
• Configure the Zen Cart Reviews Sidebox to randomly select product reviews for display
• Increase the length of the review shown in the Reviews Sidebox
• Modify the Reviews Sidebox to link to all reviews for that product
• Remove the product image from the Reviews Sidebox
• Update the rating images (stars) used in the Reviews Sidebox

If you want to learn more about customising the Reviews sidebox, sign up today to the Zen Cart Reference Book – the Ultimate Reference for Customising Zen Cart mailing list to receive sample chapters, bonus content and pre-launch specials.

More Zen Cart:

1. Configure the Zen Cart Reviews Sidebox to randomly select product reviews for display
2. Manufacturers – Zen Cart Sidebox
3. Turn off Reviews in Zen Cart
4. Order History – Zen Cart Sidebox
5. Product Notifications – Zen Cart Sidebox

In a default installation of Zen Cart, the Reviews sidebox is set to display one review.  This means that the random feature of the sidebox is not evident. 

However, Zen Cart Admin provides an easy way to set the number of product reviews to include in a ‘selection pool’.  The reviews are then displayed randomly, one at a time, in the Reviews sidebox.

The wording of the description for the configuration setting is a little confusing to say the least!

Log in to your Zen Cart store Admin

1. From the Configuration menu, select Maximum Values.
   
2. Select Random Product Reviews for SideBox and then click the Edit button.
   
3. As mentioned, the information given is not quite correct.  This setting is to enter a number of product reviews from which ONE will be randomly selected for display in the Reviews Sidebox.

   Enter a number higher than 1 in the box and click the Update button to save.
   

4. Now, on each page load or refresh, a different product review will be displayed.

More Zen Cart:

1. Reviews – Zen Cart Sidebox
2. Configure the number of items shown in the Order History Sidebox
3. Turn off Reviews in Zen Cart
4. Remove Category Product Counts from Category Sidebox in Zen Cart
5. Increase the number of Manufacturers shown in the Manufacturers Sidebox of Zen Cart