The cost of implementing the B2B platform is one of the first questions that arises when planning business-to-business sales. The price of such a solution is rarely fixed and depends on a number of technical and business factors. It is worth understanding what actually influences the costs of the B2B sales platform and what accounts for the differences in pricing.
What is the B2B platform?
Put simply, it is a system that makes work much easier. On the one hand, it streamlines processes within the company; on the other, it enables customers to place orders more easily and quickly. All a company representative needs to do is register on the platform – just as they would on an online shop – and they can then place orders. The platform provides a list of all available products, complete with detailed descriptions and photographs. It therefore serves as a catalogue. A good system, such as B2B, ensures that the buyer is kept up to date on the status of their order. This communication is fully automated. All you need to do, for example, is to prepare the relevant email templates in advance. At every stage of the order process, the system will automatically send a message to the customer informing them that their parcel has been packed or is already being delivered. Nor do you need to worry about manually creating sales documents, for example. The system should automatically issue invoices based on the data provided to it beforehand. It offers the option to integrate with accounting and stock management software, assign sales representatives to specific customers, and much more. The B2B system enables all of this. Of course, different systems offer different features. It is therefore worth choosing one that is as specific as possible to your particular industry.
B2B platform costs
The costs are made up of many elements. They will depend both on the type of platform and its functionality. Although, of course, not only on the number of features, but also on their sophistication. The B2B system can operate in several different ways, and the costs will vary in each case. There are platforms that operate on a monthly subscription basis, as well as those for which you pay a one-off fee. Below, we outline a few types of platform, taking into account the costs you can expect to incur when opting for such a solution.
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A platform built from scratch
This solution is, of course, almost ideal in terms of functionality. If you commission a team of developers to build such a platform from scratch, you can implement exactly the features you need. No other system will be as closely tailored to the needs of a specific company as a bespoke programme. Of course, this involves huge costs. In reality, there is no upper limit here. However, in the case of more advanced platforms that do not feature exceptionally innovative solutions, one must expect costs in the region of several tens of thousands of zlotys. Here, the costs will depend directly on the number and complexity of the functions. The more time the programmers have to spend on a given platform, the more it will cost. It’s also important to bear in mind that every time the platform is expanded with new functions as the company grows, this entails additional costs.
Read also: The B2B portal – why should your customers use it?
Developing your own software based on open-source software
Another option is to develop software for your business using existing systems that can be customised to suit your needs. Of course, this will require the appropriate technical knowledge. Although this approach relies on various ready-made templates and plugins, you must be prepared for the fact that some elements will need to be built from scratch, or that you may have to make compromises and seek solutions that are less tailored to your specific needs. Developing a system based on such software is cheaper; however, if you’re aiming for a functional system that automates your work, you’ll also need to factor in costs running into the tens of thousands of zlotys.
Purchasing off-the-shelf software
You can also buy off-the-shelf software. Such systems usually comprise various modules and are available in several versions. The price of such software can range from a few to several thousand zlotys, depending on just how advanced it is and how many features it is intended to have. In some cases, however, you will need to factor in additional costs in the form of a local server on which the software is to run. If you do not have the necessary IT resources, a better solution would be to purchase a system that operates in the cloud. Increasingly, this type of software is purchased with a licence that allows it to be used for a specified period, such as one year.
See also: The ‘B2B’ system – what would be the ideal one for your sales?
B2B’s subscription-based systems
This is by far the most attractive option, both in terms of cost and implementation time. The monthly subscription fee can start from as little as 100 PLN. You can start using the system almost immediately after taking out the subscription. In this case, the price depends on the functionality. The more features you want, the more expensive the subscription. You also need to factor in costs that depend on the size of the business and the range of products on offer. The more products you have in your range, the more expensive the subscription. The same applies to the number of people managing the platform. More users, or so-called administrators, mean higher costs. However, even in the largest company, implementing such a system will be cheaper and quicker than any other.
Summary
The cost of the B2B platform depends on the scope of functionality, integration and level of customisation. A thoughtful approach to pricing allows you to choose a solution tailored to your company’s actual needs. It can be adapted fairly well to your own business, whilst the costs – both financial and in terms of time required for implementation – are kept to a minimum. Nor do you need to worry about technical issues, as the software provider takes full responsibility for everything.
Questions and Answers
What determines the cost of the B2B platform?
The price depends, amongst other things, on the number of features, integration with systems such as ERP, and the extent to which it is tailored to the company’s processes. The more complex the requirements, the higher the implementation cost.
Is there a fixed price for the B2B sales platform?
Usually not, as every company has different requirements. A quotation is usually prepared on a case-by-case basis.
Does a more expensive platform, such as B2B, always mean a better solution?
No, the key is to tailor the system to actual business needs. Too many features can generate unnecessary costs.
What costs are incurred following the implementation of the B2B platform?
These may include the costs of maintaining, updating or further developing the system. It is worth taking them into account as early as the planning stage.
Can the B2B platform be expanded in stages?
Yes, many companies opt to roll out features gradually. This allows for better control over the budget and the system’s development.