NetSuite is one of the world's best ERP solutions, known for it's comprehensive suite of modules and extensive functionality. But did you know that NetSuite offers an E-Commerce module? This guide will take you through everything you need to know about SuiteCommerce, and how it can help power your business to success.
What is SuiteCommerce?
SuiteCommerce is a powerful, cloud-based e-commerce module within NetSuite designed to streamline business operations by integrating e-commerce with core business systems. The module allows businesses to manage their online sales, customer interactions, order management, inventory, and financials from a single, unified system. By consolidating multiple functionalities into one solution, SuiteCommerce reduces the need for third-party integrations and offers a seamless experience that supports the complexities of modern online businesses.
What are the core features of SuiteCommerce?
SuiteCommerce provides a seamless omni-channel experience that allows customers to interact with the brand through various touch points. Whether it’s mobile/social media, web, in-store or via call centres, SuiteCommerce ensures that the customer experience is consistent and fulfilling across all channels, which is vital for building brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.
It's core features include:
- Customizable & Responsive Storefront: Mobile-optimized, responsive design with flexible themes and layouts tailored through templates or custom code (SuiteScript).
- Advanced Shopping Experience: Includes intelligent site search, product filtering, customer reviews, wishlists, and a secure, streamlined checkout process.
- B2B & B2C Support: Features like custom catalogs, pricing tiers, quote requests, and promotions engine to serve both business and retail customers.
- Global & Multi-Site Capabilities: Support for multiple currencies, languages, tax rules, and region-specific storefronts, all managed from one backend.
- Marketing & SEO Tools: Built-in SEO controls (meta tags, custom URLs), promotional campaigns, CMS for content updates, and email notification support.
- Analytics & Developer Tools: Access to SuiteAnalytics, API integrations, developer tools, and third-party plugin support for extended functionality.
What are the key benefits of SuiteCommerce?
There are many benefits to using SuiteCommerce to manage your online store, but the main benefits include:
Unified E-commerce and ERP Platform
SuiteCommerce is built directly into NetSuite, combining e-commerce with ERP in a single, real-time system. This eliminates data silos and enhances operational efficiency across sales, finance, and inventory.
Optimized for Both B2B and B2C
SuiteCommerce supports complex B2B needs like custom pricing, quotes, and account-specific catalogs. It also delivers a smooth B2C experience with flexible payments, promotions, and user-friendly checkout.
Built for Global Growth
Multi-currency and multi-language support make it easy to serve international markets from one platform. Combined with NetSuite OneWorld, it simplifies cross-border transactions and tax compliance.
Consistent Omni-Channel Experience
Customers can interact across web, mobile, in-store, and call centers with a unified, branded experience. This helps businesses deliver consistent service and build customer loyalty.
Real-Time Insights and Analytics
SuiteCommerce provides live access to performance data, customer behavior, and order trends. These insights support smarter decision-making and faster response to market changes.
How do you set up SuiteCommerce?
Initial Setup and Configuration
Initiating SuiteCommerce involves a detailed setup process tailored to meet specific business requirements. Configuring the platform may include establishing product catalogs, defining pricing strategies, and customizing the interface to align with the brand’s aesthetics and operational workflows. This initial setup is critical as it lays the foundation for how the platform will perform and interact with other business processes.
Customizing Your Ecommerce Platform
One of the significant advantages of SuiteCommerce is its high customisability. Businesses can modify the platform using custom records, fields, and JavaScript, which allows for extended functionality tailored to specific needs. These customisations can enhance the shopping experience, streamline operations, and integrate unique business processes into the platform.
APIs and Developer Tools
Developers can take advantage of SuiteCommerce’s robust APIs and developer tools to integrate third-party applications, enhance platform functionalities, and craft a personalised shopping experience for users. These tools provide the flexibility needed to innovate and adapt e-commerce operations to ever-changing business requirements and consumer preferences.
Real-World Applications and Case Studies
SuiteCommerce serves a wide array of industries with tailored solutions that address specific challenges and requirements. Whether it’s retail, wholesale, manufacturing, or food and beverage, SuiteCommerce provides specialized tools and features that optimize operations, improve customer service, and increase sales efficiency. SuiteCommerce is used by thousands of businesses big and small, from Charlotte Tilbury, to Go Pro, to Cloud Nine. Threadgold Consulting have worked with many e-commerce businesses to create the perfect solution to suit their needs.
Want to see how SuiteCommerce could improve your business processes? Get in touch for a free discovery call and demo!
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between SuiteCommerce and SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA)?
A: SuiteCommerce comes in two main versions: standard SuiteCommerce and SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA). The standard version is ideal for most businesses and offers out-of-the-box features with easier setup and maintenance. SuiteCommerce Advanced, on the other hand, is suited for companies with more complex needs—it offers deeper customization, better performance capabilities, and more granular control over frontend and backend behavior.
Q: How much does SuiteCommerce cost?
A: The pricing for SuiteCommerce varies depending on factors like the size of your business, the number of users, and whether you choose SuiteCommerce or SuiteCommerce Advanced. SuiteCommerce generally starts at around $2,500/month, while SuiteCommerce Advanced can cost more. There will also be one-time implementation and customization fees. It's best to get a tailored quote based on your specific needs.
Q: Does SuiteCommerce support SEO best practices?
A: Yes, SuiteCommerce supports a variety of SEO features including customizable URLs, meta tags, structured data markup, and automatic sitemap generation. However, SEO performance also depends on how your site is implemented. Working with developers familiar with SEO and SuiteCommerce is key to ensuring your store is optimized for search engines.
Q: Can SuiteCommerce integrate with third-party tools like Mailchimp, PayPal, or Shopify?
A: SuiteCommerce supports integration with many third-party tools through SuiteScript APIs, RESTlets, and SuiteTalk (SOAP-based) services. Common integrations include payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe), email marketing tools (Mailchimp, Klaviyo), and shipping solutions (ShipStation). While Shopify itself isn't directly integrated, SuiteCommerce offers its own native e-commerce functionality designed to replace platforms like Shopify.
Q: How long does it take to implement SuiteCommerce?
A: Implementation time varies depending on your business size, complexity, and customization needs. A standard SuiteCommerce implementation typically takes 8–12 weeks, while SuiteCommerce Advanced may take 3–6 months if you require significant customization. Working with an experienced NetSuite partner can help streamline this process.
Q: Is SuiteCommerce suitable for small businesses?
A: While SuiteCommerce is often used by mid-sized to large enterprises, small businesses with growth ambitions can also benefit, especially if they’re already using or planning to use NetSuite ERP. However, due to cost and implementation complexity, smaller businesses should evaluate whether they’ll fully utilize the platform’s capabilities before committing.
Q: Can SuiteCommerce handle subscription-based products or recurring billing?
A: SuiteCommerce doesn’t natively support subscription billing out of the box, but you can implement this functionality through NetSuite SuiteBilling or custom development. There are also third-party modules and integrations that can help you manage recurring orders, payments, and subscription cycles efficiently.
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