The verdict in three sentences
A B2B construction materials marketplace costs between MAD 400,000 and 1.2 million (about USD 40,000 to 120,000) in 2026, with a 6 to 8 month timeline; we use a Casablanca reference project here, and a comparable build commissioned from Singapore with a nearshore team lands in the same range. The model relies on a 3 to 7% commission on large baskets, which requires fine-grained handling of quantity-based quotes, jobsite delivery and net 30 payment. With 80 suppliers and 2,000 registered contractors, profitability depends on the share of truly active buyers, not on sign-ups.
What the platform must handle
The reference project brings together 80 suppliers (cement, rebar, aggregates, tiles, sanitary ware, aluminum joinery) and 2,000 construction companies in the Casablanca region. Buyers do not order like consumers: they request a price for 40 tonnes of rebar delivered to a specific jobsite, compare three offers and pay 30 days after delivery. The platform therefore combines a catalog, multi-supplier requests for quotation, jobsite logistics and credit management.
| Module | Indicative 2026 cost (MAD excl. tax) | Timeline | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplier portal, catalog, stock per depot | 70,000 to 180,000 | 5 to 7 weeks | Essential |
| Quantity-based quotes (multi-supplier RFQ) | 80,000 to 220,000 | 6 to 8 weeks | Essential |
| Commission, invoicing and supplier payouts | 60,000 to 160,000 | 4 to 6 weeks | Essential |
| Jobsite delivery (slots, geolocation, signed note) | 50,000 to 170,000 | 4 to 6 weeks | Essential |
| Net 30 payment and credit limits | 50,000 to 150,000 | 4 to 5 weeks | High |
| Site manager mobile app | 60,000 to 200,000 | 6 to 8 weeks | Phase 2 |
| Dashboard, disputes, back office | 30,000 to 120,000 | 3 to 4 weeks | Essential |
An MVP limited to essential modules lands around MAD 400,000 to 550,000 (USD 40,000 to 55,000). The full version, with mobile app and credit scoring, approaches MAD 1.2 million (USD 120,000).
Business model and commissions
In construction, distributor margins are tight, between 8 and 15% depending on product family. A commission set too high drives suppliers away, and they then bypass the platform. The rate must vary by category.
| Product family | Average B2B basket (MAD) | Recommended commission | Platform revenue per order (MAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cement and binders | 35,000 | 3% | 1,050 |
| Rebar | 60,000 | 3% | 1,800 |
| Aggregates (sand, gravel) | 18,000 | 4% | 720 |
| Tiles and coverings | 25,000 | 6% | 1,500 |
| Sanitary ware and fittings | 15,000 | 7% | 1,050 |
| Aluminum joinery | 40,000 | 5% | 2,000 |
On top of commissions, the platform can charge a premium supplier subscription (MAD 1,500 to 3,000 a month for featured placement) and a service fee on deferred payment (1.5 to 2.5%, paid by the buyer or the supplier).
Net 30 payment: the real risk
Contractors expect deferred payment, but it exposes the platform to bad debt. There are three options: let the supplier carry the credit, partner with a factoring company backed by a bank, or fund receivables yourself, which requires significant equity. In Morocco, law 69-21 on payment terms caps contractual terms at 120 days and imposes late-payment penalties, which makes automated due-date tracking in the back office even more valuable. Cash payments go through card (CMI) or bank transfer with automatic reconciliation. In Singapore, the same logic applies with trade credit platforms and PayNow corporate transfers.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Karim, an investor in Casablanca, forecasts operating costs of MAD 900,000 a year (team of 4, hosting, acquisition, support). At an average commission of 5%, he needs MAD 18 million in annual volume to cover costs. If 20% of the 2,000 registered companies are active, i.e. 400 buyers, each must place about MAD 45,000 in orders a year, barely more than one truckload of rebar. With an initial investment of MAD 750,000, payback comes around month 30 if volume reaches MAD 30 million in year two.
FAQ
How much does a B2B construction materials marketplace cost?
Between MAD 400,000 and 1.2 million (USD 40,000 to 120,000) depending on scope. An MVP without a mobile app starts around MAD 400,000 to 550,000.
What commission rate should we charge?
Between 3 and 7% depending on product family. Heavy low-margin goods like cement support 3%, finishing products and sanitary ware up to 7%.
How long does it take to launch?
Plan 6 to 8 months, including 2 months of recruiting and onboarding the first 80 suppliers in parallel with development.
How do we offer net 30 without taking the risk?
The safest route is a factoring partnership, costing 1.5 to 2.5% of the financed amount. The platform then avoids carrying bad debt itself.
Do we need a mobile app from day one?
No. A responsive web app is enough for the MVP; the site manager app (MAD 60,000 to 200,000) comes in phase 2.
Let's scope your project. Share your target number of suppliers, product families and delivery area: we will price the MVP, the full budget and the timeline. 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.
