Addons - Very disappointed in WHMCS

[Frankc]

After using WHMCS for several years I recently started to get an interest in addon modules.

 

Tried about a dozen of them that I was interested in but after wasted a lot of time not even the free addons was really worth it.

 

The overall and very disappointed impression that I get is that it's all just fanfare and bells of how good this or that is but in the end it either don't works or at least in a very limited way.

 

Modules Garden' cPanel Extended module (expensive) don't even works and some of the others have potential but it seems as if they developed the addon module and then leave it at that.

 

The biggest disappointment is however the "OFFICIAL" WHMCS Live Chat module where we PAY WHMCS but then discovered that the desktop application can't even install (Windows 7, with .NET 4). The admin area looks like something created by a noob and a picture is attached herewith. (More than two years ago other WHMCS clients also complained on the forum about some of the very issues that I noticed now. Nice to get money from clients but ignoring issues for more than two years???)

 

Unlike all the addons I tested that at least is integrated with WHMCS with links etc, the official live chat addon module don't even have a single link (for example just to the admin area) or ANY integration into WHMCS admin panel at all.

 

Of course I understand that it's after all 3rd party applications etc, but for heavens sake. If WHMCS PROMOTE an addon module on THEIR website and domain at very least I would expected that there was some quality control and even MORE so if WHMCS themselves receive payment for official addons.

 

What would it do the the image of BWM of Mercedes if they promote (and thus recommend and approve) accessories for their vehicles but after purchase their clients discovered such accessories would rather fits an old VW Beatle, let alone any good quality vehicle?

 

From my point of view WHMCS is a good and excellent product and all their clients that started to TRUST them because of that, have a right to expect that they would at the very least care about THEIR OWN IMAGE and ensure there is some quality, functionality and security control BEFORE they promote an addon module all over their site and documentation.

 

I KNOW I am negative and very disappointed at this moment but hopefully Matt and his team will take notice and DO something about this, not waiting another couple of years and many, many disappointed clients further along the road.

[Damo]

Hi Frank,

 

In contrast I purchased and installed the LiveChat add-on earlier today and have nothing but praise for it. It installed and I had it setup within minutes following the instructions on the setup page.

 

I'll admit I was skeptical that the instructions were a bit simple looking but it did in fact work first time. I also integrated it into our main web site (non WHMCS generated) and it works great there too.

 

Two things I discovered were that the Geo lookup feature requires the manual installation of the MaxMind database - no big deal, this was easy to find on the StarDevelop support site, the other was that most of the customisation is done via the Windows App. (We are mostly Mac users here so installed in on a dual boot system to check it out).

 

I have also installed the Mac App that StarDevelop sell and the others here will use the web app.

 

Your screen shot looks like you have an odd styling issue. Perhaps plug-ins, extensions or similar in your browser?

[Frankc]

As per "I hear and I forget, I see and I remember. I do and I understand. " - Chinese Proverb" I am a do it myself guy that even learnt php and mysql and a lot of other things by myself.

 

Initially I tried my best to find solutions and get it worked myself but where I usually DON'T give up and many times worked day and night until I did that I wanted to do, it started to irritate the hell out of me that I PAID a company I TRUST but their total ignorance of issues on the forum let me feel I and their clients get the middle finger from them. Give us your money and get out of our way.

 

most of the customisation is done via the Windows App

 

I was always a windows guy and before I started my hosting business years ago I fixed computers and windows etc but I cannot even install the Windows app. (the setup.exe file just flash briefly that the .NET framework was downloaded and disappear. I installed the .NET framework myself later, test and test but still the same issue. StarDevelop provide some tips for a windows app system crash by removing installed folders etc but not even that is on the system. plain nothing.)

 

I obviously understand that the forum is NOT the place for official support, but by ignoring their OWN forum, they not only show a lack of customer care but also make it harder for themselves as dozens or even hundreds of clients could apply a single solution provided on the forum instead than each one individually asked for "official support".

[Infopro]

No one is ignoring these forums.

 

Instead of all the complaining and insults about bad customer care, why not discuss the problem you're having, and get it sorted?

 

the setup.exe file just flash briefly that the .NET framework was downloaded and disappear.

 

You apparently need .NET installed, but did not have it installed. You should, and all 20? or so updates to it, from MS.

I installed the .NET framework myself later, test and test but still the same issue.

 

And then you got it installed and test and test, and then, what same issue? You were able to get the app installed it seems, you posted a screenshot.

 

I KNOW I am negative and very disappointed at this moment but hopefully Matt and his team will take notice and DO something about this, not waiting another couple of years and many, many disappointed clients further along the road.

 

Wow. Just wow.

[benyoungenterprises]

StarDevelop provide some tips for a windows app system crash by removing installed folders etc but not even that is on the system. plain nothing.)

 

Have you tried contacting StarDevelop directly about the specific issue you're having as their website says the software is compatible with Windows 7 - maybe try it on another Windows 7 machine if you can get access to one to rule out the possibility of it being something on your computer?

 

 

Modules Garden' cPanel Extended module (expensive) don't even works and some of the others have potential but it seems as if they developed the addon module and then leave it at that.

 

Again, have you tried contacting Modules Garden about their cPanel Extended module and the problems you're having? - I don't really see how this is WHMCS' fault as its a third party plugin...

 

I agree with you about the design of the Live Chat admin portal - It looks too over the top...maybe to "jQuerryyyish" lol

 

I've recently started using the live chat addon again and I could have sworn that it used to have the ability to create a ticket of the chat (so if someone contacted you via live chat for support it would record the lot into a ticket at the end for reference) But it no longer seems to have that feature (unless I just dreamt that it had that ability a few years back?) - It's a pain in the neck either way.

 

 

I have also installed the Mac App that StarDevelop sell and the others here will use the web app.

 

I wasnt even aware that they made a Mac version - I might buy it myself, what are your thoughts on it so far?

[benyoungenterprises]

No one is ignoring these forums.

 

Instead of all the complaining and insults about bad customer care, why not discuss the problem you're having, and get it sorted?

 

 

 

You apparently need .NET installed, but did not have it installed. You should, and all 20? or so updates to it, from MS.

 

 

And then you got it installed and test and test, and then, what same issue? You were able to get the app installed it seems, you posted a screenshot.

 

 

 

Wow. Just wow.

 

 

bahahahahaha

[Frankc]

Unlike the Evangelist that respond in the same negative way that he accussed me of thanks a lot for your contribution benyoungenterprises. (and if you want to attack my grammar too Evangelist, I am deaf with english my third language. How is your 3rd language?)

 

I PAID WHMCS for their very promonently promoted OFFICIAL addon module and expected that they offer support for a product they promote, recommend and take money for. Fact is I paid money to WHMCS and not StarDevelop otherwise I would contact them first.

 

This forum post is anyway NOT about 3rd parties and their addons per se, but about the fact that WHMCS promote such addons and even take money from clients for it but then just flush any involvement or responsibility down the toilet.

 

It's also not about insulting WHMCS and I said it's an excellent system didn't I, but about bringing it to their attention that I for one are not happy with the way they handle the 3rd party addon modules and there is room for improvement and gaining more customers rather than drive them away.

 

As said I tested about a dozen addons and found it to be by FAR not on the same level of quality etc as WHMCS. Obviously there is most likely also good addons but the whole point I wan to make is that WHMCS should enforce some form of quality control for promoted and advertised addons.

 

It's after all integration with their product and their image as company that is involved and to their (and each and every client's) benefit if such addons compliment rather than break down the WHMCS product and reputation.

[Frankc]

bahahahahaha

 

Classic. (Eager to respond and feel important, nothing to say at all)

 

Do YOU actually have the live chat addon installed or tested it or is you really just an evangelist?

 

(The picture is of the WEB and supposedly WHMCS INTEGRATED addon module admin side and not the desktop application side (that WHMCS seems to use in their screenshots). I also said I still cannot install the desktop application even after installed (upgraded) to NET 4.

[Infopro]

Enough.

 

This forum post is anyway NOT about 3rd parties and their addons per se, but about the fact that WHMCS promote such addons and even take money from clients for it but then just flush any involvement or responsibility down the toilet.

 

It's also not about insulting WHMCS...

 

I don't need to speak a 3rd language to know you're being overly insulting here. Please remain constructive in your comments or this thread will surely meet an untimely ending.

[ditto]

Wow. Just wow.

 

I find your answer rude and humiliating, and I am surprised of such replies from a staff member.

[Frankc]

I find your answer rude and humiliating, and I am surprised of such replies from a staff member.

 

Me too and the only other one posted also.

 

I don't need to speak a 3rd language to know you're being overly insulting here. Please remain constructive in your comments or this thread will surely meet an untimely ending.

 

Threatening me???? Good work and almost PROOF MY POINT

 

I will continue this post on Webhosting talk as well as our own SA Internet News Group websites. Wonder what MATT would think about that. Hopefully you will get a promotion for telling CLIENTS that PAY your salary to get lost.

[WHMCS John]

Hi,

I happen to use Windows 7 and can confirm that the live chat addon can be installed and works fine. In fact I created the installation video on a Windows 7 system:

So this is certainly something Stardevelop support should be able to assist with, if you'd have given them the chance.

 

I'm sorry to see you decided not to open a support ticket before posting here so we could address your issues in the appropriate manner. That said, I have processed your live chat addon cancellation request and trust you enjoy the goodwill credit I applied to your account.

 

 

I could have sworn that it used to have the ability to create a ticket of the chat (so if someone contacted you via live chat for support it would record the lot into a ticket at the end for reference)

 

Yes this feature is still present.

[Frankc]

http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?t=1298980

[Frankc]

Johan

 

For your benefit I tried to try and get it working myself as not to waste your time but that several issues still remaining after years got met DISAPPOINTED. It's my right to be, right so far.

 

I opened a support ticket asking for a refund as I was not eager to pay WHMCS monthly for a product that WHMCS don't seems to care about but your support staff ignored the refund request and basically just said will stop the invoicing.

 

I spend several days, initially VERY excited about the many and seemingly excellent "addon's" available but end up with plain nothing to show for that effort.

 

It's because of this that I decided to post a forum post and maybe I am dumb and whatever, but for the sake of my life I cannot see why your forum moderator and administrator (and if I want to be sarcastic, president of the USA) jumped on me like he did.

 

Answer you and ANYBODY me honestly please?

 

Am I wrong and WON'T it be the benefit and good image of WHMCS themselves to put in some quality and other controls in place to ensure that 3rd party addons COMPLIMENT WHMCS and not tarnish it's image as that many did, as is totally evident in even just this one single post.????

 

(Regarding the Webhosting Talk forum post. YOUR own administrator and moderator asked for it by threatening not only me, but several other people in the past to remove posts. Do that means that the WHMCS forum is fake and all the "bad" posts is removed???)

[easyhosting]

I had the Live Chat Addon running on Windows 7 without major issues and now running on windows 8, which i think it is running better.

 

I know I am paying WHMCS for this, but nothing against WHMCS, but if i have any issues i will message Stardevelop direct as they are the developers and the best people to help sort out issues. Think of it this way, you have an issue, so contact WHMCS support and wait a couple of days, then WHMCS has to contact Stardevelop and then relay the info to you, which may take in total 4+ days. Contact SD direct and you will normally get a response and fix within 24 to 48 hrs.

Edited August 29, 2013 by easyhosting

[Frankc]

I know I am paying WHMCS for this, but nothing against WHMCS, but if i have any issues i will message Stardevelop direct as they are the developers and the best people to help sort out issues.

 

That is what I most likely would do too but the fact that I saw on the forum that even more than 2 years ago people complained about the poor layout of the admin area and WHMCS ignored it for two years, totally put me off. (Not to mention the other addons (including FREE), were the layout and integration is for almost ALL much better than the official live chat addon.

 

From free or low cost or new addons one can expect problems and issues yes. but for an OFFICIAL addon, at $6.95 pm and running for more than 2 years to provide the WORST experience.... nope. That is not right and I tried to highlighted this so that WHMCS can improve in this regard (addons)

[Infopro]

(Regarding the Webhosting Talk forum post. YOUR own administrator and moderator asked for it by threatening not only me, but several other people in the past to remove posts. Do that means that the WHMCS forum is fake and all the "bad" posts is removed???)

 

I remove no posts or rude comments. I much prefer to leave them right where they are. But I will close them, as I'm about to here, as previously mentioned.

 

This matter has been resolved it seems. Your exhaustive assault on the forums, Staff and me included, has very little to do with the issues you were having. Best if we end this here.