The verdict in three sentences
A custom B2B sales platform for a distributor costs between 50,000 and 130,000 EUR in 2026, the key variable being the complexity of variants, selling units and volume discounts. Unlike a B2B plugin, custom handles your exact rules — minimum orders, case packing, multi-user accounts per customer — without compromise. The upside reads on two fronts: wider catchment area and 30% lower order-processing cost.
Custom budget breakdown
Custom is justified when your commercial rules exceed what a plugin allows. Here is the 2026 breakdown for a mid-sized distributor.
| Module | Function | 2026 budget (EUR excl. tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Catalog + variants + selling units | Case packs, pallets, packaging | 15,000 - 32,000 |
| Real-time stock availability | Live display, out-of-stock alerts | 8,000 - 22,000 |
| Volume discounts & tiers | Automatic scales | 6,000 - 16,000 |
| Minimum order & thresholds | Per customer, per category | 4,000 - 10,000 |
| Multi-user accounts per customer | Approval, roles, budgets | 6,000 - 15,000 |
| Scalable hosting + monitoring | Cloud, load peaks | 4,000 - 12,000 |
| Total | Full platform | 50,000 - 130,000 |
Custom vs B2B plugin
A B2B plugin (Shopify extension, WooCommerce B2B) launches fast but caps out on complex rules. A decision comparison.
| Criterion | B2B plugin | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 8,000 - 25,000 EUR | 50,000 - 130,000 EUR |
| Selling units / case packing | Basic | Fully configurable |
| Volume discounts | Simple tiers | Unlimited cross-scales |
| Real-time availability | Connector-dependent | Native, custom |
| Performance at large catalog | Degrades > 20,000 SKUs | Optimized on demand |
| Cost per order processed | -10 to -15% | -25 to -35% |
A plugin fits under 10,000 SKUs and simple rules; beyond that, custom avoids technical debt and costly workarounds.
Mini case study
Sophie, manager of a professional-hygiene distributor in Bordeaux, processes 1,400 orders/month at an average handling cost of 9.20 EUR/order (entry, stock check, follow-up), i.e. ~12,880 EUR/month. Her 92,000 EUR custom platform shifts 60% of orders to self-service and cuts the average cost to 6.10 EUR: ~4,340 EUR/month saved, or 52,000 EUR/year. Add 18 new customers outside her historic area in year one, and the investment pays back in ~21 months, excluding extra margin.
FAQ
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Why pay 50,000 EUR or more for custom?
Because your rules (case packing, cross-discounts, credit) don't fit a plugin. Custom removes the manual workarounds that cost every month and cap your growth.
Is real-time availability essential?
It sharply cuts stockouts and disputes. Budget 8,000 to 22,000 EUR: it's often the best-ROI module because it prevents orders on non-existent stock.
Can we enforce a minimum order per customer?
Yes, and per category or zone. The threshold blocks or warns at checkout. It's a 4,000-10,000 EUR module that protects margins on small orders.
How do we handle several buyers at one customer?
With multi-user accounts: roles, budgets, internal approval before submission. Essential for structured customers, worth 6,000 to 15,000 EUR.
Does custom handle scaling?
Yes, if built on scalable hosting (4,000-12,000 EUR). That's precisely the edge over a plugin that degrades beyond 20,000 SKUs.
Let's scope your project. Send us your catalog size, packing and discount rules, and we'll frame a right-sized custom platform with budget and milestones. 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.