The verdict in three sentences
B2B e-commerce is not Shopify with a different logo: it handles per-client pricing, multi-user accounts with roles, credit limits and payment terms, all wired to the ERP and stock. In 2026, a custom platform costs 40,000 to 150,000 EUR (ex VAT) and ships in 4 to 9 months depending on the number of modules. The investment is justified by lower order-processing cost and a 24/7 ordering channel for your pro customers.
What sets B2B apart from B2C
B2B functions change the nature of the project. They explain the budget gap with a classic B2C store.
| Function | Standard B2C | B2B e-commerce |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | single catalog | per-client / contract grids |
| Accounts | 1 user | multi-user + roles (buyer, approver) |
| Payment | immediate card | terms, credit limit, wire |
| Ordering | simple cart | quick order, reorder, lists, quotes |
| Stock | display only | real-time availability per warehouse (ERP) |
| Tax | incl. VAT | ex VAT, multi-rate VAT, export |
| Approval | none | client internal approval flow |
Each block is a module to specify, build and test, hence a wide range depending on what you activate.
Budget per module and timeline
Here are 2026 orders of magnitude to build a quote for a custom B2B platform.
| Module | Indicative cost (ex VAT) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Core catalog + B2B accounts | 15,000 - 35,000 EUR | 6 - 10 weeks |
| Per-client contract pricing | 8,000 - 20,000 EUR | 3 - 6 weeks |
| ERP / real-time stock integration | 10,000 - 35,000 EUR | 4 - 8 weeks |
| Payment terms + credit limits | 6,000 - 18,000 EUR | 2 - 5 weeks |
| Account portal + quick reorder | 6,000 - 20,000 EUR | 3 - 6 weeks |
| Online quotes + approval | 5,000 - 15,000 EUR | 2 - 4 weeks |
A full project stacks these modules toward 90,000 - 150,000 EUR; a first scope (catalog + per-client pricing + wire payment) starts around 40,000 - 55,000 EUR.
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Mini case study
Marc, sales director at an industrial supplies wholesaler in Lyon, processes 1,400 orders/month, 70 % placed by phone or email and re-keyed. Each order costs about 11 EUR in admin processing. He invests 78,000 EUR in a B2B platform (catalog, contract pricing, ERP, credit limits). After 6 months, 55 % of orders move to self-service on the portal, about 770 orders/month. At 9 EUR saved per digitalized order, the gain is ~6,930 EUR/month, about 83,000 EUR/year, on top of a rising average basket thanks to one-click reorder. Payback in about 11 to 12 months.
FAQ
Why not just use Shopify for B2B? Shopify Plus covers part of B2B, but fine-grained contract pricing, client approval flows and deep ERP integration often push toward custom. The choice depends on your commercial rule complexity.
What minimum budget to start? 2026 order of magnitude: 40,000 EUR (ex VAT) for a useful B2B core (catalog, accounts, per-client pricing, wire payment). Modules are added later in phases.
Is ERP integration mandatory? Not at launch, but it is what eliminates double entry and makes stock reliable. Most clients schedule it in phase 2 to spread the investment.
How long to delivery? Budget 4 to 9 months depending on the number of modules and ERP complexity. A core in production in 3-4 months, then iterations, is the safest path.
How are payment terms and credit limits handled? The platform applies each client's credit limit, blocks beyond it, and offers wire or scheduled debit alongside card for small orders. Everything is configurable per segment.
Let's scope your project. Share your order volume, per-client pricing rules and ERP and we'll price a B2B core then modules in phases. 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.
