You can configure multiple domains under a single SuiteCommerce license. This setup means there is only one website setup record, which encompasses crucial functionality settings for both B2B and B2C operations. As a result, you may need to choose options that impact both domains, potentially requiring some customization.
Customization Examples for Shared Website Setup Record
(For Various SuiteCommerce Domains)
Challenge: The B2B site requires a login to view prices or add items to a cart, whereas the B2C domain does not.
Solution: Although there’s an option to require users to log in to view prices within the website setup record, enabling this feature would mean it also applies to the other domain due to the shared SuiteCommerce license. To address this issue, it was essential to leave that option disabled and create a separate extension for "login to view price" that will activate solely on the B2B domain.
Distinct Product Catalogs for Multiple SuiteCommerce Domains
(Using a Single Website Setup Record)
Another situation that may arise concerns the product catalog. Imagine each domain features a somewhat different range of products. This can become complex on a single SuiteCommerce license, as the product catalog is directly linked to the website setup record.
Utilize Personalized Catalog Views (PCVs)
The ideal way to manage this is by using the built-in personalized catalog views (PCV). These allow us to create segments for customers and items. A key factor is that much of this functionality is tied to the user's login status. Consequently, the B2C domain, designed with features catering to logged-out users, should take precedence. The B2B product catalog will mainly utilize segments since users need to log in to see prices and add items to their cart.
Pro Tip: If your B2B domain doesn’t require user login as a pivotal aspect before adding items to the cart, it’s likely to be challenging to segment product catalogs; obtaining a separate SuiteCommerce license to secure a distinct website setup record could be more straightforward.
Let’s examine user stories and how to address them in this context.
Preparing for Segments Manager
Create Dynamic Saved Searches for the Segments Manager.
Step 1: Design unique identifiers for items, commerce categories, and customer records to distinguish between B2B and B2C. The client must update the data accordingly with the appropriate selections.
Checkbox on Item Record (B2B Only, B2C Only)
Checkbox on Commerce Category (B2B Only, B2C Only)
Type field on Customer Record (is individual, is company)
Need a refresher on utilizing NetSuite saved searches? Explore our article on NetSuite Saved Searches: A Complete Guide for all the necessary information!
Step 2: Generate saved searches for the segments manager.
Create a saved search for B2B-only commerce categories. (Criteria: B2B commerce category checked AND B2C commerce category not checked)
Create a saved search for B2B-only items. (Criteria: B2B item checked AND B2C item not checked)
Create a saved search for B2C-only commerce categories. (Criteria: B2C commerce category checked AND B2B commerce category not checked)
Create a saved search for B2C-only items. (Criteria: B2C item checked AND B2B item not checked)
Create a saved search for B2B-only customers. (Criteria: Type is company)
Create a saved search for B2C-only customers. (Criteria: Type is individual)
Unmapped (applies to both domains) - Items
Commerce Category
B2B SuiteCommerce User Stories
Story 1: Commerce Category (B2B Only)
Task: Establish a commerce category that is exclusive to the B2B domain.
Expected results:
B2B customers will see the B2B-only commerce category once logged in.
When logged out, they will see all shared categories but won’t be able to view prices or add items to the cart.
TIP: If you wish to avoid automatic population of commerce categories in the header navigation, you might opt to set them manually instead of using the categories placeholder (Configuration > Layout > Navigation).
What to do: Simply check the "B2B" checkbox on the commerce category.
Story 2: Shared B2B and B2C Commerce Category
Task: Create a commerce category that is visible on both B2B and B2C domains.
Expected results: Customers from both B2B and B2C will have access to this category while logged in and also when logged out.
What to do: Just check the "B2B" and "B2C" checkboxes in the commerce category.
Story 3: Item (B2B Only)
Task: Develop an item exclusive to the B2B domain.
Expected results: This item will become visible to B2B customers only after they log in. It will not be displayed until they do.
What to do: Simply check the "B2B" checkbox in the item record.
Story 4: Shared B2B and B2C Item
Task: Generate an item that is accessible on both B2B and B2C domains.
Expected results: This item will be visible on both domains while users are logged in and logged out.
What to do: Just check the "B2B" and "B2C" checkboxes in the item record.
B2C SuiteCommerce User Stories
Story 1: Commerce Category (B2C Only)
Task: Set up a commerce category that is only found in the B2C domain.
Expected results: B2C-only commerce categories will require user login for visibility.
What to do: Simply check the "B2C" checkbox on the commerce category.
Story 2: Shared B2C and B2B Commerce Category
Task: Create a commerce category visible on both B2B and B2C domains.
Expected results: Customers from both domains will see this category both when logged in and logged out.
What to do: Just check the "B2B" and "B2C" checkboxes in the commerce category.
Story 3: Item (B2C Only)
Task: Create an item exclusive to the B2C domain.
Expected results: B2C-only items will mandate user login for visibility.
What to do: Just check the "B2C" checkbox in the item record.
Story 4: Shared B2C and B2B Item
Task: Establish an item visible on both B2B and B2C domains.
Expected results: This item will be accessible on both domains regardless of user login status.
What to do: Just check the "B2B" and "B2C" checkboxes in the item record.
Impact on Both Domains When an Item is Set for 'Display in Webstore'
Since the items are part of the same website setup record, they will show up on both sites. However, if an item is assigned to a segment in personalized catalog views, it won’t display until the user is logged into the corresponding personalized catalog view.
