General questions on Downloads module

[jonbius]

I've had the downloads module working on a clients website for a while now, but I still don't know if I fully understand it. The client has asked me a few questions that I have no idea how to answer.

1.) When a new download file is added and associated with a product, the only one who can download the file is the one who purchased it, as I understand it. The client has asked me "Why does 'Downloads' show for everyone?"

2.) Is there a way to limit a client to one download of a file?

3.) I'm not real clear on when to use the Rules section in setting up a product. Is it required for any given product? Or does it just get used if some sort of limit is needed. (I realize that this is probably related to #1 & #2 above, but as I'm pretty cloudy on the whole process, I figured I'd ask.)

4.) Is there a way to email the customer a link to the download when the purchase is completed?

Thanks for any help in this.... I've read the documentation, but I'm still fuzzy on the details. Scary, because I have a new customer all fired up about adding MP3 Downloads to their cart, and I'm realizing I'm flying blind.

[Jamie]

1.) When a new download file is added and associated with a product, the only one who can download the file is the one who purchased it, as I understand it. The client has asked me "Why does 'Downloads' show for everyone?"

The downloads link is there by default to take the customer to the downloads page. We don't hide that page from customers that haven't ordered downloads. To do so would require that we check every customers past orders, validate every single rule and condition, to see if they are eligible to for a download which would be excessive processing all for the sole purpose of hiding the link.

2.) Is there a way to limit a client to one download of a file?

No. I wouldn't advise doing that even if it were possible. We would have no way of telling if the file was downloaded successfully. It is possible to restrict the amount of time in which they have to download. The second example on this explains how to do that:
http://www.squirrelcart.com/help/?Rule%20Examples.html

3.) I'm not real clear on when to use the Rules section in setting up a product.

Rules can be added to control when a file can be downloaded.

Is it required for any given product?

No

Or does it just get used if some sort of limit is needed.

If you create a download and do not assign a product to it via the "Product being download fieldset", everyone will have full access to download it. If you assign a product, everyone that ordered that product (regardless of the order status) will be able to download it at anytime. If you need to restrict access to the file, you need to add a rule and conditions to designate when the download will be available.

4.) Is there a way to email the customer a link to the download when the purchase is completed?

You can modify the customer notification email templates to add any info you like.

[jonbius]

Thanks Jamie! That helps me out considerably.