Using querystrings
Storefront supports two URL query string parameters that let you pass context from your own platform into a customer's Storefront session — before they even start browsing your store. Both parameters work by appending values to any Storefront URL you share with customers.
dnstemplateid— pre-selects a specific DNS template for the customer's session, so the right DNS configuration is applied automatically when they register a domain.extuserid— associates a Storefront customer account with an identifier from your own system, so you can link records across platforms.
How query strings work
When a customer follows a URL containing one or both parameters, Storefront stores those values for the duration of the session. The parameters take effect silently — customers don't see them and don't need to do anything differently.
Both parameters can be used together or separately, and can be appended to any page in your Storefront:
https://[your-storefront]?dnstemplateid=7161d6b2-84cc-44df-93fc-69ef6c75bd9e&extuserid=acme-user-1042
A common pattern: a customer signs up for a hosted service on your platform. You generate a link containing their internal user ID (extuserid) and the DNS template for that service (dnstemplateid). When they follow the link and register their domain, the DNS is configured correctly and their Storefront account is linked to your system — all without manual steps.
Embedding a query-string link in your website
You can pre-populate both parameters in a domain search form on your own site. See DNS templates for a complete HTML/JavaScript example that embeds a domain search form with dnstemplateid pre-selected.
Troubleshooting
The extuserid value isn't appearing on the Customer Detail page
Confirm the extuserid parameter was alphanumeric and was included in the URL the customer followed. The value can also be added manually on the Customer Detail page in Storefront Manager.
The DNS template isn't being applied even though dnstemplateid is in the URL
Confirm the template ID in the URL matches the ID shown in Storefront Manager. Also confirm the template is active and that the domain being registered uses Shopco nameservers — templates don't apply to custom-nameserver domains. See DNS templates for full troubleshooting.
A customer registered a domain without the template or user ID being captured
This usually means the customer's session expired, or they logged out and back in without following the link again. Sessions expire after 7 days. Confirm the customer followed the correct link directly before registering.
Related articles
Questions? Contact OpenSRS Support.
Updated 4 days ago