The verdict in three sentences
A vague spec produces incomparable bids: from 45,000 to 250,000 EUR for the same project, with no way to know why. The 2026 fix is to separate the essential from the optional, enforce MVP phasing, and score vendors on a weighted grid. Budget 60,000 to 150,000 EUR for a serious first B2B platform, delivered as an MVP within 3-4 months.
The functional scope that separates B2B from B2C
A B2B platform is not a consumer store with a different logo. The structuring mechanics — customer-specific price lists, quotas, approval workflows, online quotes, EDI — account for most of the complexity and therefore the budget. Clearly separate what belongs in the MVP from what can wait for phase 2.
| Feature | MVP status | Estimated effort (days) | 2026 ballpark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer/segment price lists | Essential | 12-18 | 8,000-14,000 EUR |
| Multi-user accounts + roles | Essential | 8-12 | 5,500-9,000 EUR |
| Order approval workflow | Essential | 10-15 | 7,000-12,000 EUR |
| Online quotes + convert to order | Essential | 10-14 | 7,000-11,000 EUR |
| ERP integration (products, stock, customers) | Essential | 15-25 | 11,000-20,000 EUR |
| EDI connector (EDIFACT/XML) | Optional phase 2 | 12-20 | 9,000-16,000 EUR |
| Support / dispute portal | Optional | 8-12 | 5,500-9,000 EUR |
| Auto recommendations and reordering | Optional | 6-10 | 4,000-8,000 EUR |
Budget, phasing and integrations
MVP phasing protects your cash flow and schedule: you ship a selling core in 3-4 months, then invest in modules with proven ROI. Require bidders to price by work package, not an opaque lump sum.
| Line item | MVP (months 1-4) | Phase 2 (months 5-9) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design & UX | 8,000-15,000 EUR | 4,000-8,000 EUR | Workshops, mockups, buyer journeys |
| Core development | 30,000-55,000 EUR | 20,000-45,000 EUR | Catalog, cart, pricing, accounts |
| ERP/CRM integration | 10,000-20,000 EUR | 8,000-16,000 EUR | APIs, sync, EDI in phase 2 |
| QA & go-live | 6,000-12,000 EUR | 3,000-6,000 EUR | Testing, GDPR, EU hosting |
| Maintenance (annual) | 15-20% of build | — | See dedicated article |
On compliance, require EU-based hosting, a GDPR processing register, and encryption at rest and in transit. These are non-negotiable for a public buyer or a large account.
Vendor scoring grid
Score each candidate on a weighted grid: it turns a political decision into an objective one that holds up in committee.
| Criterion | Weight | What you assess |
|---|---|---|
| Grasp of the B2B need | 25% | Price lists, workflows, EDI |
| Comparable references | 20% | Delivered B2B projects, close sector |
| Architecture & integrations | 20% | ERP/CRM, APIs, scalability |
| Price and bid transparency | 15% | Per-package pricing, day rate |
| Method & timelines | 10% | MVP phasing, project management |
| Maintenance & reversibility | 10% | SLA, code handover, exit |
Mini case study
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Thomas, e-commerce director at an industrial supplies distributor in Nantes (18M EUR revenue), runs his RFP with this template. Across five bids, the initial spread ran from 58,000 to 210,000 EUR. After enforcing per-package pricing and the scoring grid, he selects a 72,000 EUR MVP delivered in 3.5 months, deferring EDI and the support module to phase 2. Result: 40% of orders from his 300 professional customers move online by month six, roughly 210,000 EUR in digital orders per month and 1.5 FTE freed up in the sales team.
FAQ
How long to write a solid spec?
Allow 3 to 5 weeks with the relevant teams (procurement, sales, IT). Good scoping saves 15 to 30% on the final project by avoiding rework.
Should EDI be in the MVP?
Rarely. EDI costs 9,000 to 16,000 EUR and often concerns only your largest customers. Put it in phase 2 once the core is validated.
What is the minimum viable budget in 2026?
Below 60,000 EUR you will not get customer price lists, approval workflow and ERP integration together. Below that, you are buying a disguised B2C.
How do I guarantee comparable bids?
Require the same per-package pricing table from every candidate plus a stated day rate. You then compare lines, not lump sums.
Does GDPR change the pricing?
Yes, marginally: processing register, EU hosting and consent management add 2,000 to 5,000 EUR, but avoid far heavier penalties.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your scope (number of customers, ERP in place, EDI need) and your indicative budget: we will structure your spec and price an MVP by work package. 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.