Disable Flat Rate for Downloadable Products

Question

Our store has a fixed handling rate of 5ZAR for any product. Obviously, this is not needed for downloadable products. Where can I disable the flat rate, as set up under System->Configuration->Sales->Shipping Modules, for downloadable products?

I have now searched EVERYWHERE and can not find an answer.

Answer 1

As per as magento system collectRates() function of a shipping module model class has been responsible for shipping activation and deactivation at checkout.

I guss that You shipping class is YourCompany_NewModule_Model_Carrier_ShippingMethod of your module then

On collectRates(),you can check current quote/cart have only downloable product then basic of logic inactive the method

  public function collectRates(Mage_Shipping_Model_Rate_Request $request)
    {
        .........


        $hasOnlyDownloadproduct = 0;
        $noofdonloadPro=0;
        $toltalItem=0;
        if ($request->getAllItems()) {
            foreach ($request->getAllItems() as $item) {
                $toltalItem++;
                if($item->getProductTypeId()=='downloadable'):
                $noofdonloadPro++;
                $hasOnlyDownloadproduct=1;
                else:
                $hasOnlyDownloadproduct=0;
                endif;
            }
        }
        // reomve the Shippin method
        if($toltalItem>0 && $noofdonloadPro>0):
            // If totaly item at cart and  no of download has same then disable the shipping methoo;
            if($toltalItem==$noofdonloadPro):
                 return false;
            endif;
        endif;
    .....

       return $result;
    }