[Shaun3766]

I am quite new to coding and web site development, but know the basics of editing codes etc...but i am looking to go abit further.

I am currently in the middle of setting up my own business, and along with this, a website...

I have some good ideas for my website, but not sure if they would work, or even were to begin to start putting them into practise.

I was thinking of getting a professional in and do it for me, but when I seen the prices, there was no way I could afford that, especially with me just starting out...

I will try and explain my ideas as best as I can, and make them as clear as possible, and if anyone could as be helpful as to point me in the right direction, or give me a few hints and tips to get me started it would be most appreciated, thanks!

1 - I am wanting to take bookings online (its a inflatable hiring business). In order for me not to double book, I am wanting to be able to link it to a calendar, so that I cant take double bookings. For example if someone books a week today, and then someone else comes on and books a week today, they wont be able to.

2 - Along with the above feature, I would like to be able to add my own dates, so for example if I take a booking over the phone, I can add the date, and then someone cant book online.

This is to start off with, and I will update it as I come across problems, or I have any more queries

Again, any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks, Shaun!

[GCDude]

Yes thats all possible and pretty simple. How much have people been trying to charge??

I would suggest some ASP to allow users to logon to the system and some db to make note of when is and isnt available. If you search around theres probably free asp login and calender code. Thats if you feel up to coding some asp (oh and if u have hosting and a domain name).

However you probably need to define your situation a little better before getting stuck into it. Would answer these questions for a start:-

1) do you only allow 1 booking per day?
2) can I book you to to turnup anywhere in the world or are their limits?
3) Can anyone make a booking? Shouldnt there be a deposit required?
4) Is there time limits on booking? Can i book u for tommorrow?

Probably quite a few more, but will give u starting point whilst thinking about your site.

[Shaun3766]

thanks for your comments dude, much appreciated.

People have been trying to charge me into the hundreds, which i understand is the going rate.

I have a hosting plan, with a domain name.

I am hoping to offer several services/products available on the net. For example, one of the services is bouncy castle hire, so I would only allow 1 booking per castle inflatable.

I never actually thought about people booking else were, and they are limits yes, could we have something similar to a post code identification list, if the post code matches that in the list it can be accepted? or something along those lines?

Anyone can make a booking, and a minimum deposit would be required, per inflatable for instance.

I would hope to have limits on bookings, for 2 days notice, i.e. you could book tonight for Saturday Morning.

Cheers, Shaun

[GCDude]

Depending on your final requirements, yeah im afraid it might go into hundreds if u get someone to do it, but read on.....

I assume youre talking about the UK, as u say postcode. Yeah it would be quiet simple to just check first couple characters of the post code and limit it to your area.

As you'll be looking to take a deposit before people can confirm/make the booking. you may need to consider how u can take this money. Do you need to put online payment into the equation as this will make things more tricky.

I would suggest having a google for "asp calendar code" and "asp login code", see if you could have a go at that sort of stuff. There's lots of people here who can help if u get stuck.

The payment side of things might be a tad more complicated, it all depends on what u want. Basic level, u could get an email when someone makes a booking so u could contact them and sort money, then confirm the booking. Paypal/worldpay maybe an option, i believe they offer code that you can plug into sites to deal with ordering stuff but not sure if this would work with ordering a 'booking'.

hopefully this info is giving you some ideas to consider.

oh and does your hosting support asp (or php for that matter)?