The B2B platform, with no set-up fee, allows you to launch online wholesale sales without a significant initial investment. Under the SaaS model, a company pays a predictable subscription fee, which gives it access to a system tailored to its processes, integrations and scale of operations. This solution is ideal for organisations that want to automate orders, sales staff workflows and customer service, but prefer to spread the cost over time rather than finance a traditional implementation right from the start. Below, we explain what factors influence the price of the B2B platform and how to assess the cost-effectiveness of such a model.
How much does the B2B platform actually cost under the SaaS model?
The price of the B2B platform depends primarily on the range of features, the number of modules, the level of integration and the scale of sales processes. In the SaaS model, the company does not purchase the entire system as a one-off, but uses the solution for a monthly fee. This means that the subscription fee for the B2B platform is easier to budget for than a traditional implementation project, where a significant portion of the costs arises even before online sales go live. Another key advantage of Centoro is that the environment can encompass not only the sales platform itself, but also CRM, OMS and SFA.
Why should the price be considered in a broader context than just the subscription fee?
It is worth analysing the budget for the B2B platform in relation to the entire sales process, rather than solely in terms of the monthly fee. A well-chosen system at B2B can reduce the number of manual tasks, streamline order processing, improve sales staff efficiency and cut down the time needed to serve customers. Therefore, the costs of maintaining the B2B platform should be weighed against the benefits of automation, integration with ERP, better data control and the ability to accept orders 24/7.
The SaaS model versus an on-premises implementation B2B – which is the better option to start with?
When comparing the SaaS model with a ‘B2B’ implementation, it is worth starting with the initial cost. A traditional implementation often requires a larger initial investment, particularly when the system needs to be closely tailored to the company’s processes. In the SaaS model, the company utilises a ready-made technological platform that can be configured and scaled in line with the organisation’s needs. This approach reduces the financial risk at the outset and allows for a quicker transition from planning to actually using the system.
The hybrid model – subscription and customisation in a single approach
Centoro The company’s offering is based on a hybrid model: on the one hand, there is a subscription to the B2B platform; on the other, the company does not have to compromise on tailoring the system to its own sales processes. This is particularly important for medium-sized and large companies B2B, which have their own price lists, discounts, access levels, order approval processes and integrations with ERP. A well-designed sales platform B2B does not force a complete overhaul of the working model, but allows it to be transferred to an online environment in an organised manner.
How does the B2B platform subscription work, and what does the company pay for each month?
A subscription to the B2B platform provides ongoing access to the system for a monthly fee. Under this model, the company pays not only for the customer shopping portal, but also for system maintenance, development, technical support, updates and selected modules. On Centoro, such add-ons might include CRM for customer relationship management, OMS for organising orders from various channels, and SFA, an app designed to support mobile sales representatives in their day-to-day work.
What factors should you take into account when analysing a subscription?
When assessing the monthly fee, the factors that have the greatest impact on sales performance are the most important:
- the range of modules available within a single ecosystem,
- integration with ERP, marketplaces, logistics and documents,
- the ability to develop features without having to build the system from scratch,
- support for the team responsible for a single, coherent environment.
Why does a single ecosystem make it easier to control costs?
A subscription to the B2B platform, understood in this way, helps to reduce the fragmentation of tools. Instead of a separate CRM, a separate ordering system and an additional app for sales staff, the company can operate within a single ecosystem. A well-designed shop at B2B makes it easier for customers to place orders, whilst giving the sales team access to collaboration history, statuses, documents and the data needed to serve business partners.
No set-up fee, customisation and platform maintenance costs at B2B
The B2B platform, with no set-up fee, is most valuable when the lack of an entry cost does not mean a rigid, closed system. In the case of Centoro, customisation can involve selecting ready-made features to suit a company’s processes, but also developing additional elements tailored to a specific organisation. This is important because medium-sized and large companies B2B rarely operate according to a single, simple model. They have their own pricing policies, access levels, sales force structure, customer segments and order-handling procedures.
How does customisation boost wholesale sales?
With this approach, the B2B purchasing platform can support both customers placing orders online and the sales team working with them on a day-to-day basis. The system organises access to the product range, invoices, account balances, stock levels, individual discounts and documents. At the same time, the costs of maintaining the B2B platform are easier to control, as responsibility for the environment is not spread across several independent suppliers. The company has one system, one integration, one point of contact and one invoice.
Why shouldn’t price be the only criterion for making a choice?
When evaluating the B2B platform, it is not worth focusing solely on the lowest possible subscription fee. It is far more important to consider whether the B2B platform will help reduce repetitive tasks, streamline the sales process and give sales staff more time to work with clients. Automation does not have to replace the team – it can relieve them of administrative tasks, allowing sales staff to focus on building relationships, preparing quotations, negotiating and growing sales.
How can one assess the cost-effectiveness of the B2B platform in a SaaS model?
When comparing the SaaS model with an on-premises implementation of B2B, it is worth assessing the initial cost, the predictability of monthly fees and the system’s customisation options. Centoro is not a solution for companies looking for the cheapest tool, but for organisations that want to build a stable environment for wholesale sales. The B2B platform, with no set-up fee, combined with CRM, OMS and SFA, allows you to get started without a large initial investment, whilst developing the system in line with your company’s needs. A thorough analysis of sales processes helps determine which scope of implementation makes the most business sense. Contact Centoro to find out how such a model might work for your company – from process analysis to selecting features that will genuinely improve sales B2B.