NetSuite Webstore - Customization at a high level

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For the past months, I've been thinking through how I can customize the Webstore registration process. Essentially, out of the box (OOB) Netsuite webstore functionality is some what limited in my opinion when it comes to being able to customize the registration process. Don't get me wrong, I think NetSuite does pretty excellent job in allowing users to customize their ERP System to the max but still Webstore lacks the ability.
The limitation I speak of is the fact that NetSuite allows registration even if customer already exists in the system. I found that there isn't really an easy way to customize this  process where it will maximize the user experience while reducing duplicate entries in the system.
So, how do you get around this? The latest NetSuite version (2011.1) doesn't include this capability and believe me, there are enhancement requests logged by other customers of NetSuite. I've been browsing the NetSuite forum diligently and found a work around. It's not a simple process.
Here is what you need to have in order to properly customize the registration/login process of your NetSuite Webstore which will reduce duplicate entries.

1. You must have Advanced Webstore module. 
2. You must have advanced knowledge in JavaScript and SuiteScript Frame Work.

What I would like to do here is give you the core steps so that you can implement your own process. 

Best way to go about this is to replace existing OOB registration with your own Custom Customer Form. In the forum, folks suggested that you disable customer registration or simply ONLY allow registered user to access Webstore. By setting this option, you remove the OOB registration form.

Using Advanced Web Module template, manually add in a link to your Custom Customer Form(s). 

One major draw back to this method is that you need to recreate the website look and feel on to each custom form you create. However, major bonus is that you can customize it to your hearts content!

Keep these in mind:

1. Using custom form, you can take advantage of NetSuites' dedpublication method. It's somewhat limited but this may work out for you. 
2. Using Custom Customer Form(s), you can create somewhat of workflow process by linking forms together. You can do this by setting options of (Redirect page after submit). Just remember this, SUBMIT action on these forms WILL generate a lead so DEFENITELY use NetSuites' OOB deduplication process. Work around to this would be to use AJAX Scripting combined with public Suitelets to interact with NetSuite backend.
3. Have clear workflow defined. Basically, know what you want your customers to go through.

There are two websites that I found extremely helpful in seeing how customization can be accomplished:

http://www.masterteacher.com and http://www.warbyparker.com/ 

They are both great demonstration of what you can accomplish. 

This maybe old news for some of you but this was great insight for me. =)

Here are posts Webstore Customization topics you maybe interested in:

• Separating Name field to First and Last Name in NetSuite Webstore
• How to debug Netsuite Webstore Scriptable Cart