Ecomerce program that lets you build a kit from standard parts

Business
1

I have a problem and thought I had solved it reasonably simply with a couple of php pages but the site owners is not very keen to do it this way.
He wants a part picker similar to a flow chart: Pick part A then do you want part B or C under part B there is then D and E as well as under part C there is D and E.
As you can see this is going to get complicated very quickly. As well as individual parts he also has kits which can have options !!!

I have been thinking if I go with a shopping cart I could upload all the parts into the database and then create the kits from the parts. The customer could then buy the individual part or a kit. The options are a different problem but for some I could create a separate kit with the option instead of the standard part.

I hope the above has not confused you to much but basically I am looking for a shopping cart where I can up load all the parts and as well as selling them individually I can sell them as kits.

I have had a look at a couple of shopping carts but they do not mention doing what I want and without joining multiple forums or installing lots of programs I can not find out.

Has anyone any experience with this?

I could put the parts in the database and the kits in the database but I would prefer the method above. I was going to use Zen cart if I had to go this route again unless somebody recommends a better program.

The business is very small and unless there was a good reason to pay for some software I would prefer something free.

Edit: looks like I might be able to do it with Zen cart after all although the options will still be a problem!

2

Well I installed Zencart and it seems you can not create packs but there is a paid plugin. I am always unsure of using plugins as I had problems before updating versions without removing the plugin first. Also the plugin writer has to keep their plugin up to date with the latest versions.

3

I know for magento there is a ‘related products manager’ plugin that sounds like it would do what you require. Opencart is another option that has this facility (again via a plugin)

4

Thanks EastCoast.
I am still trying to get some custom code working at the moment as I prefer not to use CMS etc. if I can as you are relying on something you have no control over and it could change at any time.
The same goes for plugins; the plugin owner may just not support it any longer and when the shopping cart is upgraded the plugin will not work.

If I can not get my custom code working I will take a look at magento and opencart as well.