The verdict in three sentences
A multi-vendor B2B marketplace in Montreal launches for between 25,000 and 90,000 EUR in 2026 depending on whether you start from a specialized SaaS (Mirakl, CS-Cart Multi-Vendor) or a custom platform. The real cost is not the catalog but vendor onboarding with KYC and automatic split payments between card and bank transfer. Your profitability hinges on one variable: the monthly GMV that your 5 to 15 % commission must cover before maintenance.
Specialized SaaS or custom platform
The first trade-off pits speed against control. A multi-vendor SaaS foundation gets you live in 4 months but locks you into a subscription and functional limits; custom costs more upfront but is yours and handles payment splits natively.
| Criterion | Specialized SaaS | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Initial build | 25,000 - 45,000 EUR | 55,000 - 90,000 EUR |
| MVP timeline | 4 - 5 months | 6 - 7 months |
| Platform subscription | 2,500 - 6,000 EUR/mo | 0 |
| Native split payments | Via connector | Native |
| KYC customization | Limited | Full |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
| Maintenance | 1,200 - 2,500 EUR/mo | 1,800 - 4,000 EUR/mo |
Where the budget really goes
On a 60,000 EUR project, the multi-vendor catalog is only a fifth. Most of it concentrates on split payments and trust (KYC, disputes).
| Line item | Budget share | EUR range |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-vendor catalog + search | 18 % | 10,000 - 14,000 |
| Vendor onboarding + KYC | 20 % | 11,000 - 17,000 |
| Split payments (card/transfer) | 22 % | 13,000 - 19,000 |
| Back-office & moderation | 15 % | 8,000 - 12,000 |
| Vendor dashboards + payouts | 12 % | 6,500 - 10,000 |
| Design, testing, go-live | 13 % | 7,000 - 11,000 |
Commission, GMV and break-even
Your marketplace earns a percentage of gross merchandise value (GMV). At 10 % commission, you need enough monthly GMV to absorb maintenance and subscription before turning a margin.
| Monthly GMV | 10 % commission | Fixed costs (maint. + hosting) | Net margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30,000 EUR | 3,000 | 2,300 | +700 |
| 75,000 EUR | 7,500 | 2,800 | +4,700 |
| 150,000 EUR | 15,000 | 3,300 | +11,700 |
| 300,000 EUR | 30,000 | 4,200 | +25,800 |
Mini case study
Daniel, founder of a pro procurement platform for restaurateurs in Montreal, chooses custom at 58,000 EUR with an MVP delivered in 6 months. With 40 active vendors and a monthly GMV of 90,000 EUR, his 12 % commission generates 10,800 EUR/month. After 2,300 EUR of maintenance, his net margin reaches 8,500 EUR/month: the initial investment is paid back in just under 7 months of operation, excluding vendor acquisition costs.
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FAQ
How long for a credible MVP?
Allow 4 to 5 months on SaaS and 6 to 7 months custom. The MVP must cover catalog, vendor onboarding, light KYC and a working split payment on at least card and transfer.
Is split payment really more complex?
Yes: it is the most sensitive line, roughly 22 % of the budget. Each order must automatically route 85 % to the vendor and 15 % to the platform, with weekly payouts and reconciliation tested on real amounts.
What commission should I charge?
In B2B, 5 to 15 % depending on category and vendor margins. High baskets and low-margin goods tolerate little above 8 %, while services go up to 15 %.
Do I need full KYC at launch?
Light KYC is enough for the MVP (business registration, manager ID), but plan enhanced verification once payouts exceed a few thousand euros per vendor.
What maintenance budget should I plan?
Between 1,200 and 4,000 EUR/month depending on complexity. It covers fixes, moderation, adding payment methods and evolving vendor dashboards.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your category, target vendor count and expected GMV, and we will price the best-fit marketplace (SaaS or custom). 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.
