Custom PrestaShop Modules for Your E-commerce

PrestaShop is an e-commerce platform that allows you to create your online store. The basic version has many standard features, but they may turn out to not be enough for you. If you want more, you can use PrestaShop’s custom modules.

What are Prestashop modules?

PrestaShop modules are a collection of files compressed into one archive, known as a package, which can be installed in an e-commerce store. In PrestaShop, we call them modules. Some people refer to them as PrestaShop plugins because in the most popular CMS, which is WordPress, modules are called plugins. You may also come across the name addons because in English, PrestaShop modules are called addons. Regardless of the name, they serve the same purpose, which is to extend the functionality of the PrestaShop store.

For example, one PrestaShop module can add the feature of displaying net and gross prices on the product page, where by default, only the gross price is shown after deploying the PrestaShop store. Another module can add a new payment method in the purchasing process, where previously only payment on delivery or bank transfer was possible.

Modules extend the properties of the store to varying degrees. It all depends on what you expect from an online store and what is missing in the basic version of the PrestaShop software. In addition, thanks to modules, by adding functionality to the store, we do not interfere with the code of the store’s engine. At least that’s what good programmers do. Such code maintenance allows us to safely and seamlessly update the PrestaShop store to new versions.

How to use Prestashop modules?

Let’s assume that as a seller – store owner, you want to extend the properties of your store with some new functionality. You have three options:

1. You can commission an agency, company or a good programmer to write a module that will implement this new functionality exactly as you want it. 
2. You can buy a ready-made module from other publishers on the market or from the official PrestaShop Addons Marketplace. Install it in your store and thus extend the missing functionality. 
3. Create a custom PrestaShop module and make it available to others. For example, as a transport company, you can popularize your services by creating a PrestaShop module that will automatically connect to your shipping system and generate a shipping label without the need to log in to any systems. By distributing the module, you provide your customers with the possibility to download your module for free. You can also upload your custom module to the official Addons Marketplace, enabling companies to use your services.

Faktoria PL – our client’s custom module

Our client, Faktoria PL asked us create an easy integration for PrestaShop-based stores with their new payment methods. This led to the creation of F-Pay, which is a deferred payment method. The idea behind it is that you can buy a product now and pay for it later.

In response to Faktoria’s needs, we created a module that, after installation and configuration in the store’s administrative panel, adds a new payment method called F-Pay to the available payment options.

After using this method, you need to send an application to Faktoria to defer payment. Faktoria replies with information on whether the application has been approved or denied, and the store automatically shows the user the response to their application.

We created this module for Faktoria, and now any PrestaShop store, including yours, can download this module, allowing Faktoria to provide services for that store.

If you are considering similar solutions for your company, please contact us. We will be happy to advise you on the best solution and provide a free consultation for your project.

Module distribution – 3 ways

Modules can be distributed in several ways.

1. One way is to create an installation package and link it on the company’s website. This allows anyone interested to download and install the module.
2. If you want to sell your module, you can create your own module store and sell it independently or through other stores.
3. If you want to globally promote your module, the most well-known distribution method is to add it to the official PrestaShop store, Addons Marketplace. After going through a process of adding the module and getting it approved for sale (which is described below), it will be available to customers from all around the world

How to add a custom module to Addons Marketplace

1. To add your custom module to the Addons Marketplace, you first need to create an account and activate the module seller feature. You will need to provide your personal and company information and fill out a marketing form. 
2. You also need to prepare marketing materials such as a the description and image for your module. These details will be visible to potential customers and anyone who visits the Addons Marketplace. It’s important to make sure that your marketing materials are informative and persuasive.
3. After filling out the marketing form, you can add your module for validation. The module will be automatically reviewed, and a detailed report will be generated if any issues are found. You can make up to three minor updates and three product cards changes per day. Major updates are unlimited.
4. The PrestaShop developer team will review the technical aspects and functionality of your module. 
5. They will test your product in a shop environment. Your marketing content and documentation will also be reviewed.
6. Once everything is in order, your module will be released and displayed on the official PrestaShop Addons Marketplace.

What are the module prices?

What price should you set for your module? You have a wide range. The lowest possible price is 49.99 euros, plus 20 euros per year as so-called business care. The highest possible price is 4999.99 euros.

Important! In PrestaShop, there are modules visible for 0 zł. However, this option is only for technological partners! This is a separate case, separate agreements reserved for large strategic partners of PrestaShop. Remember that you cannot publish a module for 0 $.

Summary

Now you know what PrestaShop modules are and what they are used for. They certainly facilitate adding functionality to the PrestaShop store. The possibility of distributing modules definitely reduces the cost of similar implementations for subsequent users of the PrestaShop platform who need similar functions in their store.