The verdict in three sentences
A wholesaler that lets trade customers order online with their negotiated prices and credit limit frees its sales reps from repetitive small orders and gains, on average, 25% in basket value. The real question is not "e-commerce yes or no" but B2B module of a standard platform (Shopify B2B, PrestaShop) versus a custom platform connected to the ERP in real time. Budget 35,000 to 80,000 EUR for a custom integrated build, against 10,000 to 24,000 EUR for a standard module that quickly hits limits on complex pricing.
What changes between consumer e-commerce and a B2B portal
In B2B, the price is never shown the same way to everyone. Each customer has a negotiated price list, volume discounts, an authorized credit limit and a payment term (30 or 60 days). The portal must recognize the logged-in customer, show THEIR prices, check their credit ceiling before validating, and push the order into the ERP without re-keying.
| Critical B2B function | Standard module (Shopify B2B) | Custom ERP-connected |
|---|---|---|
| Per-customer / per-group pricing | Yes, limited depth | Unlimited, complex rules |
| Credit limit and ceiling | Basic or absent | Real-time ERP control |
| Quick order by reference | Paid add-on | Native (CSV import, scan) |
| Real-time ERP stock | Delayed sync | Real-time sync |
| Payment on terms | Workaround | Native with reconciliation |
| Total 2026 cost (EUR) | 10,000 - 24,000 | 35,000 - 80,000 |
The standard module suits a simple catalog with few customers and uniform pricing. As soon as you handle hundreds of references, segment-based grids and credit limits, custom development avoids technical debt.
Budget, timeline and return on investment in 2026
| Item | 2026 order of magnitude | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping + B2B UX | 5,000 - 9,000 EUR | Trade buyer journey, mockups |
| Platform development | 20,000 - 45,000 EUR | Catalog, cart, customer accounts |
| ERP connection (stock, pricing, orders) | 7,000 - 17,000 EUR | API or dedicated connector |
| Payment on terms + credit | 3,500 - 8,000 EUR | Credit rules, dunning |
| Total timeline | 14 - 24 weeks | Depending on ERP complexity |
| Annual maintenance | 5,000 - 12,000 EUR | About 15% of the build |
The gain shows quickly: -40% sales time on reorders under 500 EUR, and +25% average value thanks to suggestions and 24/7 availability.
Mini case study
Mark runs a catering-supplies wholesaler in London: 320 trade customers, 4 sales reps, an average order of 380 EUR. His reps spend around 30% of their time keying reorders by phone. By moving 50% of those orders onto a custom portal at 55,000 EUR, he frees the equivalent of 1.2 sales FTE (about 60,000 EUR/year fully loaded) redeployed to prospecting. Add +25% on the basket for half his volume and the investment pays back in under 11 months. The ERP connection removes 3 to 4 hours of daily re-keying.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
How much does a custom B2B e-commerce platform cost in 2026?
Budget 35,000 to 80,000 EUR for an ERP-connected platform with per-customer pricing, credit limits and payment on terms. A standard module like Shopify B2B starts around 10,000 EUR but plateaus on complex pricing.
What delivery timeline should I expect?
Between 14 and 24 weeks, with the ERP connection being the most variable item. A pilot on one customer segment can ship in 10 to 12 weeks.
Can I keep Shopify and adapt it for B2B?
Yes for a simple need, but once you handle hundreds of references, credit limits and reconciliation, the workarounds cost more over time than a custom foundation. The switch threshold is often around 100 active trade customers.
How are credit limits and customer risk managed?
The portal queries the ERP in real time: if the credit ceiling is reached, the order goes to manual review. This cuts bad debt while keeping 90% of compliant orders flowing.
What ROI can I realistically expect?
2026 feedback centers on +25% average basket and -40% sales time on small orders, for a typical payback of 9 to 14 months.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of trade customers, your ERP and your catalog size: we'll frame the scope and an indicative budget (often 35,000-80,000 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.
