SuiteCommerce is NetSuite's eCommerce solution. Natively integrated with NetSuite, SuiteCommerce provides an intuitive, reliable cloud platform for any type of eCommerce business.
In this guide, we're going to cover:
- What SuiteCommerce is
- What each version of SuiteCommerce includes
- How to know which version is best for your business
What is NetSuite SuiteCommerce?
NetSuite SuiteCommerce is a complete eCommerce solution for B2C and B2B companies of all sizes. There are a few different levels of SuiteCommerce, which we will address later in the guide.
All you need to know for now is that SuiteCommerce can support everyone from small businesses to enterprise-level companies on a platform that's easy to use, quick to set up, and helps you make real-time data-informed business decisions.
NetSuite's Native eCommerce Platform
The best part about SuiteCommerce is that it's native to NetSuite.
This means that you don't have to deal with any complicated integrations, laggy connections, or third-party tools to pull your eCommerce data into NetSuite.
It is simply a part of NetSuite, just like the CRM and ERP features. The functionality is fully built-in, you just have to purchase the license for it.
Who Can Use SuiteCommerce?
Any business that sells products to customers can use SuiteCommerce.
One of the amazing things about SuiteCommerce is that it supports many different facets of a retail business, including:
- eCommerce
- In-store shopping
- POS systems
This allows your customers to have a seamless experience with your company, whether they're shopping online or in your store.
Unlike other eCommerce platforms, you have to have a NetSuite license to use SuiteCommerce, as it connects directly with NetSuite. It isn't something that can be purchased on its own, which limits its user base to NetSuite users.
Why Should I Use SuiteCommerce?
If your business has any online sales component and you already use (or are planning to implement NetSuite), adding SuiteCommerce is a no-brainer. Here's why.
It's Perfect for NetSuite Users
It's incredibly easy to add SuiteCommerce to your NetSuite solution. Plus, SuiteCommerce was designed to work flawlessly with NetSuite's other features, such as CRM data and inventory management.
If you're still wondering exactly how SuiteCommerce could benefit your business, our NetSuite Consulting Services ensure you have answers to all of your questions. Plus, we will build out a detailed roadmap that outlines how SuiteCommerce can help you achieve your business goals.
No Third-Party Integrations
Without SuiteCommerce, your alternative would be to utilize a third-party integration to connect NetSuite with whatever other eCommerce solution you're using on your website.
While integrations are a great way to connect multiple platforms, they require ongoing management and updates that can be time-consuming and expensive.
While many businesses go that route, adding SuiteCommerce to your NetSuite setup will make everything run much smoother, and allow you to make quick and informed business decisions.
You don't have to wait around for data to sync, have employees spend time manually adding sales and inventory numbers, or wonder if mistakes were made. SuiteCommerce automates these processes, zero integrations required.
Real-Time Data Reporting & Visibility
Using SuiteCommerce allows NetSuite to be your central hub of data. You'll have real-time insight into sales numbers, stock quantities, and order management. This lets you make better business decisions, so you can quickly pivot strategy as needed.
If you used NetSuite for your ERP and CRM functionalities with a separate eCommerce platform, there's no guarantee you would have real-time (or meaningful) data. The best thing you can do for your business is to keep all of your data in one place.
SuiteCommerce Features
There are two main versions of SuiteCommerce: SuiteCommerce (SC) and SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA). They are nearly identical, so we've listed the most important features they share.
Both SuiteCommerce and SuiteCommerce Advanced Include:
- Responsive website design - SuiteCommerce websites work well on any device, whether it's a smartphone or tablet. This is one of the most important features of any eCommerce website — if mobile website users can't properly browse your website, or it takes too long to load, they'll leave your site and go to a competitor's.
- Easy website management - drag-and-drop tools make changing the look of your website a simple process. You won't need a website developer every time you want to make a simple change.
- Marketing tools - NetSuite's predictive algorithms will help you with promotions. It can provide product suggestions, best seller recommendations, and predict browsing behavior.
- SEO functionalities - some eCommerce website platforms can be very limited when it comes to search engine optimization (SEO). Luckily, the SuiteCommerce platform allows you to customize your website's H1s, meta titles, meta descriptions, and structured data markup.
- Global website support - they're both capable of handling international websites. This includes support for multiple currencies, taxes, languages, international shipping prices, and even customs documentation.
The Different Versions of SuiteCommerce
There isn't just one version of SuiteCommerce. NetSuite wanted to make sure they have a solution for any type of business, no matter how large (or small!) they might be.
The level that's best for you depends on:
- The types of customizations needed
- Sales volume
Site Builder
Site Builder is the earliest version of NetSuite's journey into eCommerce solutions. Launched in 2004, Site Builder is the lightest (and least flexible) option.
At the time, it was NetSuite's answer to eCommerce management. However, now it's overshadowed by their newest eCommerce platforms (which we will cover next!)
While Site Builder is more of a legacy option at this point, we still felt that it was worth mentioning. There might be some businesses out there who are still using this iteration of NetSuite's eCommerce platform. Or you might be looking for something very simple and easy to use that integrates with NetSuite, where Site Builder could still be a viable option.
Pros of Site Builder
- Easy to use and build your own eCommerce website
- Data seamlessly integrates with NetSuite
- Supports B2B and B2C companies
Cons of Site Builder
- You'll mostly use pre-built templates for formatting (though you can make slight customizations using HTML and CSS)
- Very limited customizations
- Not as much support as newer options, such as SuiteCommerce and SuiteCommerce Advanced
Who is NetSuite Site Builder Best For?
NetSuite Site Builder is best for small-scale businesses looking for a very simplistic eCommerce solution. If you don't need advanced customizations, complex product flows, or discount stacking, this could be a viable option.
However, Site Builder isn't recommended for the vast majority of clients. It's simply too limited and it's not meant to be NetSuite's go-to eCommerce solution anymore. Now, SuiteCommerce has taken that spot.
SuiteCommerce (SC)
SuiteCommerce is the regular version of NetSuite's complete eCommerce solution. It can handle B2B and B2C transactions, international eCommerce, and multiple languages, currencies, and brands.
If you set up an eCommerce website with SuiteCommerce, it can typically go live in just a few weeks (versus a few months with other types of eCommerce site builds).
Pros of SuiteCommerce
- Easy (and quick) to launch
- SaaS managed upgrades, without version locks
- Decent possibility for customizations via HTML and CSS
- Connects with NetSuite's CRM, ERP, and inventory management
Cons of SuiteCommerce
- You don't have full access to the source code, which can be limiting
- Automatic updates
Who is SuiteCommerce Best For?
SuiteCommerce works best for small to mid-sized companies. It's also best for businesses that don't need full access to the source code, which is only possible with SuiteCommerce Advanced.
SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA)
SuiteCommerce Advanced is the highest level of NetSuite's eCommerce platform.
Unlike SuiteCommerce, SuiteCommerce Advanced gives you full access to the source code of your website. This means you — or, more likely, the developers you hire — can customize every single aspect of your site.
Pros of SuiteCommerce Advanced
- Full access to source code
- Capable of supporting and scaling enterprise-level companies
- Real-time business insights
Cons of SuiteCommerce Advanced
- It can get expensive, but you're receiving a state-of-the-art eCommerce platform capable of virtually anything
Who is SuiteCommerce Advanced Best For?
SuiteCommerce Advanced is best for enterprise-level companies. It's also the best option if you need advanced customization that requires full access to the source code of your website. This is NetSuite's top-tier eCommerce website builder.
SuiteCommerce InStore (SCIS)
While this option doesn't technically involve eCommerce, it's a powerful tool for retailers that have in-person shopping.
SuiteCommerce InStore provides a cloud-based commerce platform that can be used in retail locations.
SCIS includes:
- Mobile POS transactions
- Cloud software that can be used on any type of device, from smartphones to tablets
- Seamless omnichannel shopping experience
- Real-time product inventory and sales data
You could use SCIS at your checkout counter on tablets. You could also provide mobile devices to your sales team so they can walk around and interact with customers, and even ring them up from anywhere in the store!
SuiteCommerce vs SuiteCommerce Advanced
SuiteCommerce and SuiteCommerce advanced are practically identical. They're both built the same exact way, sharing the same source code.
However, the one BIG difference is that SuiteCommerce Advanced allows you to have full access to the source code — the sky's the limit.
Is NetSuite Good for eCommerce Businesses?
Using NetSuite's SuiteCommerce for your eCommerce business can have some huge benefits.
The main selling point is that all of your data will stay in one place: NetSuite. Some of the biggest hindrances to growth and revenue are data silos, slow decision-making, and inaccurate or outdated data. Using SuiteCommerce alleviates all of these pain points.
In relation to some of the most popular eCommerce tools, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Salesforce, NetSuite is still a top contender.
The graph below shows G2's grid for the top eCommerce platforms of 2022. It scores platforms based on user reviews, and sentiment from social media and other online sources.
Source: https://www.g2.com/categories/e-commerce-platforms#grid
While Shopify has the largest market presence and performance, NetSuite has a high market presence and is on its way to becoming a leader in the space.
What's most likely holding it back is the higher barrier of entry for SuiteCommerce — you have to be a NetSuite user to use SuiteCommerce. Other platforms, such as Shopify, can be purchased by anyone looking to build an eCommerce website.
How Much Does NetSuite SuiteCommerce Cost?
The price of SuiteCommerce isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. The cost of SuiteCommerce depends on:
- Which version of SuiteCommerce you want to purchase
- Advanced customizations and development work needed
- Support and training required
While the customizations and development work will likely be more of an upfront cost, the main price you pay is an annual licensing fee for a specific number of users.
Also, we want you to keep in mind that SuiteCommerce is an addition to NetSuite, so it will be an added cost on top of the price you pay for NetSuite.
Ready to Get Started with SuiteCommerce?
We've helped countless companies grow their eCommerce business by taking advantage of everything SuiteCommerce and NetSuite have to offer.
For an eCommerce platform that scales and can be shaped into anything you want it to be, contact us today! You can set up a FREE consultation where we'll walk you through how it works and exactly what it can do for your business.