The verdict in three sentences
For a B2B manufacturer, the website isn't a showcase: it's a technical catalog that must let a buyer find the right SKU and request a quote in three clicks. The 2026 budget runs from 10,000 to 28,000 EUR ex. VAT for up to 2,000 SKUs, depending on whether the catalog is static or connected to the ERP. The right KPI isn't traffic but the number of qualified quote requests.
Static catalog or ERP-connected?
The structuring decision: manage product sheets by hand (static) or sync prices, stock and specs from the ERP. The cost gap is real, and so is the reliability gap.
| Criterion | Static catalog | ERP/PIM-connected catalog |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet updates | Manual | Automatic (sync) |
| Real-time prices / stock | No | Yes |
| Manageable SKU count | < 300 | 2,000+ |
| Inconsistency risk | High | Low |
| 2026 setup cost | 10,000 - 16,000 EUR | 18,000 - 28,000 EUR |
| Maintenance cost/year | 2,000 - 4,000 EUR | 4,000 - 8,000 EUR |
For a catalog over 300 SKUs that changes often, ERP/PIM connection quickly pays off: it removes double entry and pricing errors that are costly in commercial disputes.
What makes a B2B catalog that converts
An industrial buyer searches fast and compares. Four features make the difference on quote-request rate.
| Feature | 2026 range (EUR ex. VAT) | Business impact |
|---|---|---|
| Faceted search | 2,500 - 6,000 | -50% time to find a product |
| Technical sheets + documentation | 2,000 - 5,000 | Credibility, fewer support calls |
| PDF quote generation | 1,500 - 4,000 | Quote requests +25 to +50% |
| Light PIM (attribute management) | 3,000 - 7,000 | Consistent, scalable catalog |
Faceted search (filter by material, dimension, standard, power...) is the most profitable feature: it halves the time a buyer takes to find the right SKU, which mechanically increases quote requests.
Mini case study
Thierry, sales director of a components manufacturer in Amsterdam, invests 21,000 EUR ex. VAT in a 1,400-SKU catalog connected to the ERP, with faceted search and PDF quote generation. Before: 40 quote requests/month via a downloadable PDF catalog.
Over 12 months, online quote requests rise to 62/month (+55%), and the ERP connection removes about 6 hours/week of manual entry. That time saving equals ~15,000 EUR/year, and the increase in quotes, with a stable 30% conversion rate, adds several deals per month. The site pays for itself in under a year.
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FAQ
From how many SKUs should we connect the ERP?
Beyond 300 SKUs that change regularly, ERP/PIM connection becomes worthwhile: it removes double entry and pricing errors. Below that, a well-structured static catalog suffices and costs less.
Is faceted search really essential?
For a catalog of several hundred SKUs, yes: filtering by material, dimension or standard halves a buyer's search time. It's the feature that most increases quote requests.
What gain in quote requests can we expect?
A 25 to 50% rise is realistic with efficient search and smooth PDF quote generation. The key factor is reducing friction between the product sheet and the request.
How long to deliver a 1,500-SKU catalog?
Count 10 to 16 weeks, with ERP/PIM integration and attribute structuring the longest steps. Input product-data quality strongly drives the timeline.
Do we need a PIM or is the ERP enough?
If your product data is clean in the ERP, a direct connection may suffice. If attributes are scattered or incomplete, a light PIM (3,000 to 7,000 EUR) makes the catalog reliable and easier to evolve.
Let's scope your project. Industrial site with technical catalog, faceted search, PDF quote generation and ERP/PIM connection, indicative budget 10,000-28,000 EUR ex. VAT. 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.
