By jimmb on

Hello,

A potential client wants a site with 2-steps to creating a user account, where the 1st step determines whether the account will be created.

For example, they have a database of account numbers for already existing customers. This company wants to send their customers a box of free CFL lightbulbs, but *only* if they are existing customers and sign up on this (new) website. So the first screen would require them to enter their account number. If it matches one in the database, then they are directed to a page where they can create an account.

I looked through the forum, but didn't see anything similar. I'd greatly appreciate any advice about how to implement this.

Thanks,

Jim

⋅ Categories: Drupal 5.x

Comments

johnhanley’s picture

johnhanley commented

I believe the invite module would suit your needs, albeit with a slightly different approach. You could issue invitation codes to the existing customers, which they would "redeem" when registering. New users w/o a code would leave the field empty. The module gives you the option to put invitation code redeemers into a specific role after registration.

cozzi’s picture

cozzi commented

Assuming that the account numbers are fairly random, why not just create a page that includes a table off all account numbers. Hide the new user registration link but put it on the top of this page. Create a Search Block label, Existing Customer Search - then have them enter their account number in the Search field, if the number is matches one in that page they will be directed to a page with an Account Create link (www.drupalsite.com/user)

It's very simplified, but it does address your need, yes?

jimmb’s picture

jimmb commented

Thanks to both who answered. I really appreciate the input.

I just spoke with the client and the Invite module wouldn't work as their customers are going to be communicated with by snail mail.

This second idea is intriguing. I hadn't thought of it in such a way, but I think it might work. It will be a simple site, so the search function would be able to find a result in those numbers pretty easily, I'd think. What I don't understand:

The Drupal search function always leads to a page of search results, so I'm not sure how to make a workflow recognize whether the results page has a match or not. It's important that if the number matches, the user is immediately redirected to the signup page. It seems like a hack would have to occur with both the Search and the workflow to happen.... Unless I'm missing something here - additional input is appreciated!

Thanks again,

Jim

cozzi’s picture

cozzi commented

Here's what I would do.

I would make the page with all the numbers the place where I would put the text and link for your customers to go to get what it is you are offering them.

Right the top say - Your account ID has indicates that we offering you bla bla bla (click here)

At the bottom of the page put you endless list of account ID's. You could either place them far far down on this page or change the font color to white so they are not easily visible. OR, I'll be if you search drupal.org for "page redirect" you would find a module or some trick to redirect your page (containing all the ID) to your page of choice.

cozzi’s picture

cozzi commented

http://drupal.org/project/path_redirect

The drupal community never fails to amaze me!

ciao
Cozmo

cozzi’s picture

cozzi commented

http://drupal.org/project/regcode

Someone just pointed me to this and remembered your question :-)

johnhanley’s picture

johnhanley commented

as the Registration Code module. The Invite module has the added benefit of email invites, but the database could be pre-populated with codes and could be mailed to addressees via snail mail.

-------------------------------------------------------

"The sting in any rebuke is the truth." - Benjamin Franklin