The verdict in three sentences
For an auto parts distributor in Miami serving 400 repair shops, an online B2B catalog pays off first by cutting wrong-part returns and bad debt, even before saving counter time. A Kolonell medium-complexity custom application costs 4,000,000 to 7,000,000 FCFA (EUR 6,100-10,670) for 25,000 SKUs, make and model search, customer pricing and capped credit. Delivery takes 3 to 4 months, with Premium maintenance at 120,000 FCFA a month (EUR 180).
The features that matter to repair shops
A technician looking for brake pads for a 2018 Toyota Tacoma does not want to browse a catalog. He wants to type the OEM number or an interchange number, or pick make, model and year, then see his own price and stock availability. Today these questions come in by phone and text, and every counter rep spends part of the day checking part numbers.
| Feature | Use for the shop | Complexity | Estimated share of budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part number and interchange search | Find the part with the OEM or competitor number | High | 20% |
| Make, model, year, engine search | Toyota, Ford, Honda, Nissan common in South Florida | High | 20% |
| Customer pricing and family discounts | Partner shop, fleet, reseller | Medium | 15% |
| Capped customer credit and balance | Order blocked above the approved limit | Medium | 15% |
| Real-time stock per warehouse | Immediate availability or inbound date | Medium | 10% |
| Card, ACH and net 30 terms | Collect from shops without credit | Medium | 10% |
| Back office, catalog import, analytics | Price updates, sales per shop | Low | 10% |
The vehicle fitment database is the trickiest item: it requires importing supplier catalogs (often in ACES and PIES formats in the US) and cleaning existing part numbers, which are frequently keyed inconsistently.
What the options cost in 2026
The table compares the solutions a Miami distributor typically considers. Ranges outside Kolonell are market estimates.
| Option | Upfront cost | Monthly cost | Timeline | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDF catalog and text messages | USD 0-500 | Rep time | Immediate | Prices and stock never current |
| Showcase website with simple catalog | 800,000-2,000,000 FCFA (Kolonell website grid, EUR 1,220-3,050) | EUR 50-110 | 3-6 weeks | No customer pricing or credit |
| US auto parts SaaS | USD 3,000-10,000 setup (estimate) | USD 400-1,500 | 2-3 months | Generic workflows, per-user fees |
| Kolonell custom application, medium complexity | 4,000,000-7,000,000 FCFA (EUR 6,100-10,670) | EUR 180 (Premium maintenance) | 3-4 months | Higher upfront investment |
| Migration and cleanup of 25,000 SKUs | Included or EUR 760-1,520 depending on state | One-off | 3-5 weeks | Quality of existing data |
Custom makes sense here because three business rules weigh heavily: capped credit per shop, mixed payment methods, and interchange between OEM numbers and aftermarket parts, which drives most counter questions.
Mini case study
Carlos, owner of an auto parts distributor in Miami, sells USD 140,000 a month, 60% on credit. Bad debt is about 3% of credit sales, USD 2,520 a month, and wrong-part returns affect 5% of parts sold, with an estimated handling cost of USD 700 a month.
With credit limits enforced automatically, he targets 1% bad debt, saving USD 1,680 a month. Vehicle search halves wrong-part errors, saving about USD 350 more. For an application at 5,500,000 FCFA (about EUR 8,380) plus EUR 180 of maintenance, the net monthly gain is roughly USD 1,830, and payback comes in about 5 months, before counting orders placed outside opening hours.
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FAQ
How do we get shops to order online?
Most technicians order from their phone, so the app must be very light, with a 3-click order. Onboarding the 50 largest shops during the first month is often enough to move 30% of orders online.
Can we keep ordering by text message?
Yes, a link to the product page or basket can be shared by text or WhatsApp, and the rep confirms the order in the back office. Displayed prices and stock remain those of the system, which avoids errors.
How is customer credit managed?
Each shop has a limit, for example USD 2,500, and a payment term such as net 30. Above it, the order switches to immediate payment by card or ACH.
Do we need existing inventory software?
No, but if one exists the application syncs with it through scheduled exports or an API. Without one, the app's stock module can become the reference tool for both warehouses.
What does maintenance at 120,000 FCFA a month include?
The Premium plan covers hosting, backups, fixes, security and a set volume of minor improvements each month. The Basic plan at 35,000 FCFA (EUR 50) and Standard at 75,000 FCFA (EUR 110) suit simpler catalogs.
Let's scope your project. Send us your SKU count, number of customer shops and credit rules, and we will price the scope, an indicative budget between 4 and 7 million FCFA and the delivery timeline. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
