The verdict in three sentences
Wholesale distribution software finally connects catalogue, multi-warehouse stock, per-customer pricing and order capture. In 2026, a custom build costs 45,000 to 110,000 EUR over 18-26 weeks, with a self-service B2B order portal. Expected result: -70 % re-keying and margin-per-customer finally visible to arbitrate discounts and commercial priorities.
What wholesale software solves
B2B wholesale lives on complex pricing rules and multi-warehouse flows that generic tools handle poorly. Here are the key functions and their 2026 impact.
| Function | Problem solved | 2026 impact |
|---|---|---|
| Per-customer pricing | Grids, discounts, contracts | Margin-per-customer visible |
| Multi-warehouse stock | Stockouts and overstock | Real-time availability |
| B2B order portal | Manual order capture | Re-keying -70 % |
| Catalogue linked to stock | Sales on unavailable items | Errors -60 % |
| Backorders | Partial orders | Automated tracking |
| History and replenishment | Blind purchasing | Replenishment suggestions |
Custom vs off-the-shelf: 2026 cost
Wholesale ERPs exist, but configuring them on very specific pricing grids is costly and constrains your evolution. Indicative comparison.
| Criterion | Custom | Off-the-shelf wholesale ERP |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 45,000 - 110,000 EUR | 25,000 - 90,000 EUR (setup) |
| Recurring cost | Maintenance ~15 %/yr of build | 40 - 120 EUR/user/month + support |
| Delay | 18 - 26 weeks | 12 - 24 weeks |
| Complex per-customer pricing | Unlimited custom | Depends on configuration |
| Built-in B2B portal | Native | Often a paid option |
| Code ownership | Yes | No |
Mini case study
Eric runs a materials wholesaler in Toulouse: 12 salespeople, 3 warehouses, 14M EUR revenue. Order re-keying ties up the equivalent of 2.5 FTE (loaded cost 40,000 EUR/yr each, i.e. 100,000 EUR). Custom software at 80,000 EUR (maintenance 12,000 EUR/yr) with a B2B portal cuts that re-keying by 70 %, freeing 70,000 EUR/year for selling. By making margin-per-customer visible, it recovers ~1 margin point on under-priced customers (estimated 60,000 EUR/yr). Net of maintenance, ROI is reached in the first year.
FAQ
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Isn't a general ERP enough for wholesale?
Rarely. Per-customer pricing grids, contracts and backorders quickly leave the standard frame, and custom-configuring an ERP often ends up as costly as a dedicated build.
What does a B2B order portal bring?
Your customers order self-service 24/7 on their own pricing, with real-time availability. This cuts re-keying by 70 % and entry errors on the sales side.
How do we make margin-per-customer visible?
By crossing negotiated prices, purchase costs and logistics fees per order line. You spot under-margined customers and arbitrate discounts and priorities.
Can we manage several warehouses?
Yes: real-time stock per warehouse, allocation rules and transfers. The portal shows consolidated availability to avoid selling unavailable items.
What delay and maintenance?
Expect 18-26 weeks to go live and around 15 %/year of the build for pricing and logistics evolutions.
Let's scope your project. Describe your pricing grids, warehouses and B2B portal needs — we price build, maintenance and ROI. 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.
