The verdict in three sentences
An importer does not buy olive oil like a consumer: they compare prices by Incoterm (EXW warehouse, FCA Milan, FOB Genoa, CIF New York), ask for samples and lab analyses, then pay by SWIFT transfer with a deposit. A well-designed B2B export portal combines a catalogue by grade (extra virgin, organic, PDO), automatic per-pallet quotes, export document generation and payment tracking. As a 2026 order of magnitude, this project costs 15,000 to 40,000 EUR excl. VAT and ships in 3 to 5 months.
What the portal must handle
The export director of a producer headquartered in Milan currently handles requests by email and WhatsApp, with Excel price lists sent by hand. The portal replaces that flow with structured journeys.
| Feature | Detail | Commercial impact |
|---|---|---|
| Catalogue by grade | Extra virgin, organic, PDO, packaging (1,000 L IBC bulk, 5 L tins, 0.75 L bottles) | Fast comparison for the buyer |
| Incoterm pricing | EXW, FCA, FOB Genoa, CIF destination port, recalculated with freight | Quotes in minutes instead of 2 days |
| Volume tiers | Price per pallet (1, 5, 10, full 20 ft container) | Volume incentive |
| Samples | Online request, express shipping charged or free from 2 pallets | Prospect qualification |
| Technical sheets | Acidity, peroxides, polyphenols, organic certificates, analyses | Answers quality requirements |
| Export documents | Proforma invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, EUR.1 or US FDA prior notice data | Fewer customs errors |
| Importer area | History, open orders, document downloads | Retention |
Incoterm pricing logic is the core of the project: a FOB Genoa price of 6.80 EUR/L becomes a CIF New York price once ocean freight and insurance are added, updated monthly or with each forwarder quote.
International payments
| Payment method | Use | Indicative 2026 fees | Watch point |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWIFT transfer | 30% deposit and balance before loading | 10 to 40 EUR per transfer on the bank side | FX margin on USD or GBP receipts |
| Documentary letter of credit | Large contracts, new clients | 0.2 to 0.5% of value + fixed fees | Delays and document compliance |
| Card payment | Samples, small orders | 1.5 to 3% via Stripe or Adyen | Chargeback risk on B2B |
| Documentary collection | Known clients | 0.1 to 0.3% | Higher non-payment risk |
| Multi-currency account | Receive USD, GBP, CHF | Per bank agreement | Choose when to convert |
The portal links each payment to an order, generates the proforma and produces the receivables tracking the finance team needs. Card payment stays marginal in B2B but useful for samples and first trial orders.
Budget and schedule, 2026 order of magnitude
| Work package | Range (EUR excl. VAT) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping, buyer journey, IT/EN/DE mock-ups | 2,000 to 4,000 | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Catalogue, grades, technical sheets | 3,000 to 7,500 | 4 weeks |
| Incoterm price engine and quotes | 3,500 to 10,500 | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Importer area and export documents | 3,000 to 9,000 | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Card payment, SWIFT tracking, reconciliation | 2,000 to 5,500 | 3 weeks |
| Testing, training, go-live | 1,500 to 3,500 | 2 weeks |
| Total | 15,000 to 40,000 EUR | 3 to 5 months |
At Kolonell, this scope falls under medium to complex custom applications: 4M to 7M FCFA (6,100 to 10,670 EUR) for a first version, 7M to 15M FCFA (10,670 to 22,870 EUR) with a full Incoterm engine and accounting integration.
Mini case study
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Marco, export director of an olive oil producer headquartered in Milan, sells 600 tonnes a year to 18 importers, 60% of them in the US and the UK. His team spends about 2 days per complex quote and, by his estimate, loses 1 request in 4 for lack of responsiveness. With a portal at 28,000 EUR, he targets quotes in under an hour and 4 new importers a year at 25 tonnes each. At a margin of 0.60 EUR per litre (about 1,090 L per tonne), 100 extra tonnes represent nearly 65,000 EUR of annual margin: the project pays back in well under one harvest season. Illustrative scenario, to adjust for oil prices.
FAQ
Should prices be public?
No: show indicative FOB prices after the importer's registration is approved. Oil prices can move 10 to 30% between harvests, so prices must be editable every week.
Can we take payment in USD directly on the site?
By card, yes via Stripe or Adyen, with 1.5 to 3% fees. For pallets, SWIFT transfer or a letter of credit remains the norm.
Which languages do we need?
English first, then German or French depending on your markets: allow 1,000 to 2,000 EUR per language for key pages and technical sheets.
How long for the first version?
A version with catalogue, Incoterm quotes and importer area ships in 3 months. Automated export documents and payment reconciliation add 1 to 2 months.
Can the portal connect to our ERP?
Yes, by export or API to your ERP or accounting software, often 1,000 to 2,500 EUR depending on the tool. It avoids double entry of export invoices.
Let's scope your project. Describe your grades, target markets and annual volume: we scope the B2B portal, the Incoterm engine and the 3 to 5 month schedule. 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.
