The verdict in three sentences
A vertical B2B marketplace MVP costs between 45,000 and 100,000 EUR (net) in 2026, depending on the multi-vendor depth, commission logic and split payment. The real challenge is not the tech but market liquidity: without supply and demand, the best platform stays empty. Budget 5 to 8 months for a credible MVP, choosing between a packaged solution and custom.
Packaged vs custom
Three routes exist for a founder: a marketplace SaaS (Sharetribe), an enterprise vendor (Mirakl), or custom. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude.
| Criterion | Sharetribe | Mirakl | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup cost | 15,000 - 40,000 EUR net | 80,000 - 300,000+ EUR net | 45,000 - 100,000 EUR net |
| Annual subscription | 3,000 - 12,000 EUR | 60,000 - 200,000+ EUR | Hosting 3,000 - 12,000 |
| Functional freedom | Framed | Broad but vendor-bound | Full |
| Split payment | Via Stripe Connect | Native | Custom/Stripe Connect |
| Target | Startups, MVP | Large accounts | Ambitious scale-up |
| MVP timeline | 2 - 4 months | 6 - 12 months | 5 - 8 months |
Simple rule: to validate a market, Sharetribe is often enough. Once the vertical business logic becomes specific and volume rises, custom regains the edge without an enterprise vendor's licence costs.
What the custom MVP covers
| Item | 2026 range (EUR net) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery + design | 5,000 - 12,000 | Buyer/seller journeys |
| Vendor onboarding + KYC | 6,000 - 14,000 | Validation, profiles |
| Multi-vendor catalogue | 8,000 - 18,000 | Moderation, search |
| Order + split payment | 8,000 - 20,000 | Stripe Connect, commission |
| Buyer/seller dashboards | 6,000 - 16,000 | Tracking, payouts |
| Platform back office | 5,000 - 12,000 | Disputes, payouts |
The most sensitive module is split payment: collecting on behalf of third parties implies a regulatory framework (payment agent) and rigorous handling of payouts and disputes.
Mini case study
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Thomas, a founder in Toronto, launches a vertical marketplace connecting manufacturers and distributors, with an 8% commission. He targets 300,000 EUR of GMV/month in year 1, i.e. 24,000 EUR of monthly commission revenue.
With a 72,000 EUR (net) MVP and ~8,000 EUR/yr hosting, the platform generates 288,000 EUR/yr of commission at full run rate. Even reaching only 30% of target in year one (~86,000 EUR of commission), the MVP pays back in about 12 months. The limiting factor is acquiring the first vendors, not the tech.
FAQ
Should we start custom or SaaS? To validate market liquidity, a SaaS like Sharetribe reduces risk and initial budget. Switch to custom when vertical logic and volume justify it.
How does split payment work? The buyer pays the platform, which pays the seller after commission via Stripe Connect or equivalent. This implies a payment-agent regulatory framework to anticipate.
What commission should we apply in B2B? Often 5 to 12% depending on sector and the platform's added value. In B2B, commissions are lower than B2C because baskets are large.
How long to launch the MVP? Budget 5 to 8 months custom, 2 to 4 months with a packaged solution. The longest part is often onboarding the first vendors.
Is vendor KYC mandatory? Yes as soon as the platform collects on behalf of third parties: identity verification and anti-money-laundering. Budget 6,000 to 14,000 EUR (net) for vendor onboarding with KYC.
Let's scope your project. Vertical B2B marketplace MVP with split payment, indicative budget 45,000 - 100,000 EUR net, 5-8 month 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.
