The verdict in three sentences
For an auto parts distributor, a B2B platform is judged on three business building blocks: the TecDoc catalog linked to number plate search, net prices per garage pulled from the ERP, and real-time stock availability. Shopify Plus B2B works up to roughly 20,000 simple SKUs, Sana Commerce wins if your ERP is Microsoft Dynamics or SAP Business One, and custom development pays off beyond 40,000 SKUs with complex pricing rules. Budget EUR 30,000 to 90,000 excl. VAT and aim for 50% of orders online within 18 months, a realistic target when sales reps are involved in the rollout.
What the platform must do for a garage
A mechanic orders between two jobs, often from a phone, with a number plate and an urgent need. If the right part does not show up in three clicks, they call the counter. The specification follows from that reality:
| Feature | Why it matters | Indicative 2026 cost |
|---|---|---|
| TecDoc catalog integration (45,000 SKUs) | Reliable part to vehicle fitment | EUR 6,000 to 15,000 + annual TecDoc license |
| Number plate search (registration API) | The garage types the plate, not the OE number | EUR 3,000 to 6,000 + EUR 0.05 to 0.15 per lookup |
| Net prices per garage (ERP discounts) | 2,400 distinct commercial terms | EUR 5,000 to 12,000 connector |
| Real-time multi-depot stock | Same-day delivery round promise | EUR 4,000 to 10,000 |
| Quick order by SKU or recurring basket | 60% of orders are replenishments | EUR 2,000 to 5,000 |
| Credit limits, credit notes, core returns | Exchange units and warranty handling | EUR 4,000 to 9,000 |
| Mobile app or PWA | Use in the workshop | EUR 6,000 to 15,000 |
Number plate search is the first adoption lever. Without it, garages keep calling, however good the site is.
Shopify Plus B2B, Sana Commerce or custom: the numbers
| Criterion | Shopify Plus B2B | Sana Commerce | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project cost | EUR 30,000 to 50,000 | EUR 45,000 to 70,000 | EUR 60,000 to 90,000 |
| Annual subscription or license | about EUR 27,000 (USD 2,300 per month) | EUR 20,000 to 40,000 | No license, hosting EUR 3,000 to 6,000 |
| Net prices per customer | B2B catalogs, practical limit with 2,400 price lists | Native, read straight from the ERP | Native, any rule |
| TecDoc and plate search | Third-party apps, EUR 300 to 900 per month | Partner module | Direct integration |
| Time to launch | 10 to 14 weeks | 12 to 16 weeks | 16 to 22 weeks |
| Comfortable volume | up to 20,000 SKUs | 100,000 and more | no technical ceiling |
| Vendor lock-in | High | High, tied to the ERP | Low, code handed over |
Over three years the gap narrows: Shopify Plus comes to about 40,000 + 3 × 33,000 = EUR 139,000, Sana to about 58,000 + 3 × 30,000 = EUR 148,000, custom to about 80,000 + 3 × 12,000 for maintenance and hosting = EUR 116,000 (2026 order of magnitude). Custom takes longer and needs a solid partner, but it avoids stacking paid apps around TecDoc.
The roadmap to 50% online orders
| Step | Period | Target share of online orders |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot with 150 loyal garages | Months 1 to 3 | 10% |
| Open to all, train sales reps | Months 4 to 6 | 20% |
| 1% discount on web orders | Months 7 to 9 | 30% |
| Recurring basket and restock alerts | Months 10 to 12 | 40% |
| Workshop app and voice catalog search | Months 13 to 18 | 50% |
The issue that sinks most projects: sales reps fear losing their commissions. Credit them for online orders from their accounts, or they will keep taking the calls.
Mini case study
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Thomas, managing director of an auto parts distributor near Lyon, handles 520 orders a day, 80% of them by phone. Each call ties up a counter salesperson for about 4 minutes, so 416 calls × 4 min = 27.7 hours per day. At 50% online orders, he saves about 14 hours a day, the equivalent of 2 positions at EUR 42,000 fully loaded: EUR 84,000 per year. The wrong-part rate also drops from 3% to under 1%, which cuts returns. With an EUR 80,000 custom project, payback comes in under 13 months.
FAQ
Is the TecDoc license included in the platform price?
No, it is contracted with TecAlliance and depends on the number of brands and users. Expect a few thousand to more than EUR 15,000 per year depending on scope, on top of the project budget.
Can we keep our current ERP?
Yes, and it is recommended. The ERP connector represents 15 to 25% of the budget and acts as the single source for prices, stock and customer credit.
How long until a first usable version?
A pilot with TecDoc search, net prices and quick order can go live in 10 to 12 weeks. Returns, core charges and the workshop app come next.
Should public prices be shown to anonymous visitors?
In B2B auto parts, the 2026 practice is to reserve prices for approved accounts. The catalog stays visible for SEO, which brings in 5 to 10% new inbound garages.
What is the annual maintenance cost?
Plan 15 to 20% of the initial cost per year for changes, security and connector updates, so EUR 12,000 to 18,000 for an EUR 80,000 project.
Let's scope your project. Send us your SKU count, your ERP and your number of garage customers, and we will price the right option between EUR 30,000 and 90,000 with a 10 to 22 week schedule. 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.
