count=sqlplus -s $configuser/$configpass@$ORACLE_SID <<END set pagesize 0 feedback off verify off heading off echo off select max(cust_id) from cutomers; exit; END

       echo $count

You have to use the semicolon in right place.

count=`sqlplus -s $configuser/$configpass@$ORACLE_SID <<END
           set pagesize 0 feedback off verify off heading off echo off
           select max(cust_id) from cutomers;
           exit;
           END`

           echo $count

You have to use the semicolon in right place.