Need custom ad-ordering module, plus future work

We would like to initiate a continuing relationship with a qualified Drupal programmer.

Right now, we need a custom module. We publish a print magazine and want to create an online ordering system for our print classifieds. We would like our customers to log into our existing Drupal 5 site, enter their ad text, and have the system count characters and show them how much their ad would cost. We want to offer the option for them to upload a photo or logo, too. Then we have to charge their credit card.

We are using Ubercart to process other transactions on this site, so you could hook into that for payment. Or, you could use the simple Paypal framework for payment.

I looked at using a combination of maxlength and paypalnode modules, but couldn't get paypalnode to create its required databases. And I fear the result might be clunky for the user anyway.

Ideally, this custom module would allow us to retain our current pricing scheme: A set price for the first 20 words and $4 for each additional word. Prepay for the ad for three insertions, and get a 10% discount. Pay for 6 insertions and get a 15% discount. We realize that's pretty complicated, and the discounts may not be possible via this online system. Tell us if there's a better way of handling this - we're flexible.

We also would like to sell a second type of ad via this module. For this type, we need to specify a set maximum length for the text and allow an image upload, and the price is set Again, the end result is a print ad.

In summary, we want this module to: Allow text entry, provide word or character count, provide price depending on text length, accept credit card payment, and deliver the results to us in a form (e-mail? database? special module page?) that we can convert for print use. For the second type of ad, we need to set a maximum character limit plus allow an image upload.

If this module is designed well, it could have use for others in the Drupal community, and we can talk about releasing it as open source or for the author to retain rights. Built the right way, this module could be a much more flexible pay-for-a-node utility.

Or, if you can assemble this functionality from existing modules, we'd be interested in hearing about that, too.

If this project is completed successfully, we will have future projects for you.

Dan Nielsen
Spirituality & Health magazine
www.spiritualityhealth.com