The verdict in three sentences
Wholesale and B2B distribution software manages your catalogue, customer-specific pricing, orders and backorders in a single flow. In 2026, custom builds cost 55,000-140,000 EUR depending on the modules chosen, with an order portal that cuts order-entry time by 40 %. The real strategic gain: fine-grained visibility on margin per customer and per line, usually invisible in a spreadsheet.
Cost per module in 2026
The project is built in blocks: start with the catalogue-pricing-orders core, then add portal and analytics.
| Module | 2026 cost (EUR) | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Catalogue + customer pricing core | 20,000-40,000 | correct pricing, no errors |
| Order entry + backorders | 12,000-28,000 | -40 % time, no missed shortages |
| Customer order portal | 15,000-35,000 | 24/7 orders, fewer calls |
| Accounting / ERP integration | 8,000-22,000 | invoicing without re-keying |
| Margin-per-customer analytics | 6,000-18,000 | discount control |
| Typical project total | 55,000-140,000 | — |
The measurable gains
2026 orders of magnitude for a mid-sized B2B wholesaler (2,000-8,000 order lines per month).
| Metric | Before | After software | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order-entry time | 12 min | 7 min | -40 % |
| Pricing errors | 4 % | 0.5 % | -88 % |
| Missed backorders | 8 % | 1 % | -88 % |
| Out-of-hours orders | 0 % | 25-35 % | 24/7 portal |
| Margin-per-customer visibility | spreadsheet | real time | active steering |
| Invoicing delay | 4 days | same day | -100 % |
Mini case study
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Eoin, owner of an electrical-supplies wholesaler in Dublin, processes 5,000 order lines a month with a 4 % pricing-error rate that erodes margin by 60,000 EUR a year. Custom software at 95,000 EUR applies customer pricing automatically, opens an order portal and removes 88 % of errors. Saving: 53,000 EUR a year on pricing, plus two lighter data-entry roles (~40,000 EUR). Payback in 12 months, with margin finally steerable customer by customer.
FAQ
Isn't a standard ERP enough? For a wholesaler with complex pricing (per-customer grids, volume discounts, backorders), a generic ERP forces costly workarounds. Custom software fits your commercial rules exactly.
Is the order portal worth it? Yes: 25-35 % of orders shift to out-of-hours, freeing your team and building loyalty among regular customers.
How is customer pricing handled? Individual grids, volume and product-family discounts, negotiated net prices: the software applies the right condition automatically, with no re-keying or error.
Does it integrate with my accounting? Yes: Sage, Xero, QuickBooks or SAP connect to invoice without double entry. Budget 8,000-22,000 EUR of integration.
How long to deploy? 3 to 5 months for full scope, starting with the catalogue-pricing core then adding the portal.
Let's scope your project. Share your pricing grids, order volume and accounting system, and we will cost the priority modules. 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.
