Platinum (B2B) version only.

The Customer Type screen is a major component of your of B2B-enabled e-commerce system. This screen allows you to define the account profiles for any number of customer types. You may create a customer type for only one or any number of customers. Each customer type can be defined with its own base discount rate and minimum order amount. 

For internal consistency, the system has a built-in customer type - the 'retail customer' - that cannot be edited. The 'retail customer' is defined as a customer with no discounts and no minimum order requirement.

All major system components such as product categories, promotions, taxes, FrequentSurfer programs, coupons, etc... are 'customer type-aware', giving your B2B e-commerce system all the flexibility you need to address complex business needs.

Creating a B2B customer:
Step 1:  Create a customer type (this screen) and specify the base discount. You may skip this step if the customer type is already created.
Step 2:  Add a new customer using the screen provided from the 'Business->Add Customer' menu item. Select the customer type for this new customer.

Example: We want to give a 20% discount to ACME, ABC and XYZ companies on products sold on the web site. They must purchase at least $250/order:
- Create a customer type called for example '20% discount', assign it a discount rate of 20% and a $250 minimum order amount.
- Add or edit the records for ACME, ABC & XYZ and set their customer type to '20% discount'.

When the customer logs on to the web site and places an order, the system automatically recognizes its customer type and applies corresponding pricing schedule.
Important: If the customer does not log on to the web site, the retail prices will be displayed and any item selected will be charged at the retail rate.
When running a B2B site, make sure that you always provide a 'non-retail' log-on facility (which is simply a hyperlink to the DTGetAccountLogin.asp page).

FrequentSurfer automatic discount program:
When a new customer type is created, the system automatically creates a corresponding FrequentSurfer program. The program is created as inactive and needs to be edited if you want it to be available for the new customer type. For more information see the corresponding help in Marketing->FrequentSurfer.