The verdict in three sentences
A custom vertical platform in Amsterdam costs in 2026 between EUR 45,000 and 100,000 for a phase 1 with modular architecture, role management and API, delivered in 4 to 7 months. Against a stack of SaaS subscriptions that do not talk to each other, custom pays off once you pass 15-20 internal users or 3-4 tools to sync. The real gain is not saved license fees but the 20 to 35% productivity recovered from double entry and manual reconciliation.
Build vs SaaS assembly: when to switch
Assembling SaaS tools (CRM + spreadsheet + billing tool + Zapier) works at the start. Trouble appears when data duplicates, nobody has the full picture, and every new hire must learn 5 interfaces.
| Criterion | SaaS assembly | Custom platform |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | EUR 2,000 - 9,000 (setup) | EUR 45,000 - 100,000 |
| Monthly cost (20 users) | EUR 1,700 - 4,500 | EUR 200 - 800 (infra) |
| Double entry | Frequent | Eliminated |
| Unified business view | No | Yes |
| Customization | Limited to options | Total |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
Switching is justified when your processes are specific to your trade and no generic SaaS fits them without costly contortions.
The 2026 cost by phase
A vertical platform is not delivered in one block. You build a foundation, then add modules at the pace of operational priorities.
| Phase | Scope | 2026 price (EUR) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framing + design | Workshops, specs, mockups | 9,000 - 17,000 | 3-5 wks |
| Phase 1 (foundation) | Auth, roles, 2-3 core modules, API | 45,000 - 100,000 | 4-7 months |
| Phase 2 | Advanced business modules, reporting | 28,000 - 55,000 | 2-4 months |
| Integrations | ERP, accounting, EDI, connectors | 5,000 - 13,000/connector | 2-6 wks |
| Annual maintenance | Support, upgrades, security | 15-20% of build/yr | ongoing |
The 3-year total cost
The reflex is to compare launch costs. The right math compares total cost of ownership over 3 years, subscriptions and productivity included.
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| Scenario (25 users) | SaaS assembly | Custom platform |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | EUR 7,000 | EUR 72,000 |
| Subscriptions/infra 36 months | EUR 122,000 | EUR 20,000 |
| Maintenance/upgrades | EUR 13,000 | EUR 36,000 |
| Cost of double entry* | EUR 50,000 | EUR 0 |
| 3-year total | EUR 192,000 | EUR 128,000 |
*Estimate: 30 min/day/person of redundant entry across 8 affected staff, valued at loaded cost.
Mini case study
Sanne, CFO of a 40-person industrial SME in Amsterdam, juggles a CRM, three shared spreadsheets and a billing tool. She invests EUR 74,000 in a custom platform: quotes, production tracking and invoicing in one interface. Result over 12 months: 22 hours/week of double entry eliminated across the admin team, roughly EUR 52,000/year of recovered time. ROI is reached in 17 months, after which the platform costs EUR 550/month of infra versus EUR 3,000 of subscriptions before.
FAQ
At what size does a custom platform pay off? Generally from 15-20 internal users or 3-4 tools to sync. Below that, a good SaaS assembly with Zapier stays cheaper.
How long for phase 1? Plan 4 to 7 months depending on the number of core modules. A serious 3-5 week framing upfront avoids the overruns that double timelines.
Can we start small and expand? It is even recommended. A modular foundation at EUR 50,000 delivered in 4 months, then modules added each quarter based on real measured value.
Who owns the code? You do. That is the fundamental difference with SaaS: the source code is yours, you can change vendor and evolve it with no license ceiling.
What maintenance budget to expect? About 15-20% of build cost per year, i.e. EUR 11,000-20,000 for a EUR 72,000 platform. That covers security, fixes and continuous small upgrades.
Let's scope your project. List your current tools, user count and specific processes, and we frame a costed phase 1. 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.
