The verdict in three sentences
A custom B2B marketplace MVP (KYC, split payment, commissions, payouts) costs between 60,000 and 150,000 EUR in 2026. SaaS options like Sharetribe (300 to 1,200 EUR/month) or Mirakl (from 60,000 EUR/year) let you launch faster but limit customisation. Custom is worthwhile as soon as your commission model or vendor workflows fall outside the standards.
SaaS marketplace vs custom build: the comparison
| Criterion | Sharetribe | Mirakl | Custom build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 300–1,200 EUR/month | From 60,000 EUR/year | 60,000–150,000 EUR |
| Native split payment | Yes (Stripe) | Yes | Bespoke |
| Vendor KYC | Basic | Advanced | Bespoke |
| Customisation | Limited | Medium | Total |
| Configurable commission | 5–20% | Yes | 8–20% of choice |
| Launch timeline | 6–10 weeks | 12–20 weeks | 16–26 weeks |
| Code ownership | No | No | Yes |
To validate a market, Sharetribe is ideal. For a durable platform model with proprietary business logic, custom protects your asset and your margins.
The real cost of split payment
Platform commissions fund the model, but the payment provider's fees eat into margin. Here is the typical economics with Stripe Connect.
| Element | 2026 value |
|---|---|
| Platform commission | 8–20% of GMV |
| Stripe Connect fee (transaction) | 1.5% + 0.25 EUR (EU) |
| Stripe Connect payout fee | 0.25% + 0.10 EUR |
| KYC verification fee | 1–2 EUR/vendor |
| Vendor payout | Weekly |
On a 500 EUR transaction at 15% commission, the platform collects 75 EUR gross, minus ~8 EUR of Stripe fees across transaction and payout, i.e. 67 EUR net. At scale, controlling these fees is the difference between a profitable and a loss-making platform.
Mini case study
Sophie, founder of a B2B construction materials marketplace in Amsterdam, targets 40 suppliers and a first-year GMV of 1.2M EUR at 12% commission.
She weighs Sharetribe against custom. Sharetribe would cost 900 EUR/month (10,800 EUR/year) but block her specific B2B pricing grids. She picks a custom build at 95,000 EUR, delivered in 22 weeks. On 1.2M EUR GMV, her commission generates 144,000 EUR gross, minus ~19,000 EUR of Stripe Connect fees, i.e. 125,000 EUR net. The build is repaid in the first year, and she owns 100% of her code.
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FAQ
What is the minimum budget for a B2B marketplace in 2026?
Expect 60,000 EUR for a credible custom MVP (KYC, split payment, commissions, payouts). To test a market cheaply, Sharetribe starts at 300 EUR/month.
What are the real split payment fees?
With Stripe Connect: 1.5% + 0.25 EUR per transaction (EU) and 0.25% + 0.10 EUR per payout. These must be baked into your commission model from day one.
How long to deliver an MVP?
Between 16 and 26 weeks custom, versus 6 to 10 weeks with configured Sharetribe. KYC and split payment are the longest work streams.
What commission should I charge?
Between 8 and 20% of GMV depending on sector. High-volume B2B materials often sit around 8 to 12% to stay competitive.
Sharetribe or Mirakl to start?
Sharetribe for a tight budget and fast test; Mirakl (from 60,000 EUR/year) for a large catalog and established vendors. Custom takes over when business logic becomes central.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your target vendor count, GMV goal and commission rate: we frame SaaS vs custom and a budget between 60,000 and 150,000 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.
