The verdict in three sentences
A custom B2B e-commerce platform in Amsterdam costs between 40,000 and 120,000 EUR in 2026, the range driven mostly by negotiated per-customer pricing and ERP connectivity. A distributor who digitises ordering wins on two fronts: +30% online orders and -40% processing cost per order. The real decision is not the sticker price but the 5-year total cost of ownership (TCO), licences and maintenance included.
What the B2B budget covers
B2B is not B2C with a different logo: you must manage customer accounts, price lists, quotas, deferred payment and real-time stock. Here is the typical breakdown of an Amsterdam project in 2026.
| Item | 2026 range (EUR) | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping + B2B UX (accounts, roles) | 6,000 - 12,000 | 2-3 weeks |
| Catalogue + per-customer pricing | 10,000 - 28,000 | 4-6 weeks |
| Quick order + reordering | 5,000 - 14,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| ERP connection (products, stock, prices) | 9,000 - 30,000 | 3-8 weeks |
| Card + deferred payment | 4,000 - 12,000 | 2-3 weeks |
| Testing, training, go-live | 6,000 - 24,000 | 3-5 weeks |
| Total project | 40,000 - 120,000 | 3-5 months |
Annual maintenance then runs at 15 to 20% of build cost, roughly 8,000 to 22,000 EUR/year.
Off-the-shelf or custom?
Many distributors hesitate between a packaged solution and dedicated development. The table below compares the main options for a complex B2B catalogue.
| Criterion | Shopify Plus B2B | Adobe Commerce | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry cost (year 1) | 30,000 - 55,000 EUR | 60,000 - 130,000 EUR | 40,000 - 120,000 EUR |
| Recurring cost/year | ~24,000 EUR + apps | 15,000 - 40,000 EUR | 8,000 - 22,000 EUR |
| Per-customer pricing | Native (limited) | Native advanced | Full control |
| ERP connection | Via connectors | Via connectors | Bespoke |
| Lock-in | High | Medium | Low |
| Time to launch | 6-10 wks | 4-6 months | 3-5 months |
Custom wins when your pricing rules are specific (tiers, contracts, per-customer free shipping) or when the ERP is the heart of the system. The package wins when you want speed with standard needs.
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Mini case study
Mark runs an industrial-supplies distributor in Amsterdam, 6.5M EUR revenue, 320 pro customers. Before, 70% of orders came by phone or email: about 11 minutes handling each at 32 EUR loaded hourly cost. Across 14,000 orders/year, that is ~82,000 EUR of admin time.
After a custom platform at 74,000 EUR, 55% of orders go online. Processing cost falls -40% on that volume, saving ~18,000 EUR per year, and online revenue adds +30% in restock orders. The project pays back in around 20 months, before commercial gains.
FAQ
What is the minimum budget to start in B2B? Plan at least 40,000 EUR for a credible first version with per-customer pricing and a basic ERP link. Below that, you get a disguised B2C that will not meet pro buyers' expectations.
How long to go live? Between 3 and 5 months for a custom platform, of which 3 to 8 weeks just for ERP integration if the system is old or poorly documented.
Can we keep our current ERP? Yes, in 90% of cases. The platform syncs via API or files; the real issue is data quality (SKUs, prices, stock) rather than the ERP brand.
How is deferred payment handled? We combine instant card capture with 30/45/60-day invoicing for approved accounts, with per-customer credit limits and automatic reminders.
Is custom really cheaper over 5 years? Often yes: with no heavy subscription or commission, a 74,000 EUR build's 5-year TCO stays below a premium platform with high recurring fees, once GMV crosses a certain threshold.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your catalogue, pricing rules and ERP: we will scope the work and an indicative budget between 40,000 and 120,000 EUR. 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.
