Short answer: with Magento B2B, you move from software that exists solely for you to an open source platform with a large ecosystem of extensions and specialists. You get standard B2B features, security updates for the platform, and the freedom to switch partners. You lose the convenience of everything being built precisely around your process: what is truly unique, you rebuild as a module.
We build B2B webshops on Magento and Hyvä. So, we are not neutral. That is why below we also outline when you are better off sticking with your custom-built solution.
Updated on November 2, 2026. Sources are listed at the bottom.
Custom-built vs. Magento B2B side by side
Topic | Custom-built webshop | Magento B2B (Open Source) |
|---|---|---|
Code ownership | You or your developer, depending on the contract | You; the code falls under the open source license OSL 3.0 |
B2B features | Whatever you once had built | Customer-specific pricing, roles and permissions, quotes, and quick ordering via modules or the Hyvä B2B Suite |
Updates and security | Dependent on a single team | Security patches for the platform; you or your partner install them |
If your developer leaves | Knowledge rests with a few people | Any Magento agency can read and take over the code |
Integrations with ERP and PIM | Built individually | Via REST and GraphQL APIs and integration platforms such as Conneqt |
More countries, languages, and brands | Often not anticipated | Multiple stores and languages from a single backend |
Unique process | Fully custom-tailored | As a custom module, tested with every update |
License | None; but all development and maintenance hours | None; you pay for development, hosting, extensions, and maintenance |
What do you gain with Magento B2B?
Standard B2B features instead of building everything yourself
Adobe Commerce has built-in B2B features, such as company accounts, shared catalogs with pricing per company, quotes, order lists, and quick ordering by SKU. On Magento Open Source, you add these with modules or the Hyvä B2B Suite, featuring more than 35 B2B capabilities. So you do not have to rebuild what every wholesaler needs. You can find out which B2B module suits you best in our comparison of B2B modules.
Independence from a single developer
With custom-built software, knowledge often resides with just a few people. If your developer leaves or your agency ceases operations, you come to a standstill. Any Magento agency can read and take over Magento code. You can read about how that works under webshop takeover.
Integrations you do not maintain yourself
Magento comes with standard REST and GraphQL APIs. We connect ERP and PIM systems via Conneqt, the integration platform within our group. Integrations already exist for SAP, Exact, Dynamics 365, Unit4, Visma, and Infor. Learn more about ERP integrations.
Speed with Hyvä
With Hyvä as the frontend, a Magento webshop is fast. At Magnetic Nail Design, the load time dropped from over 1.5 seconds to around 300 milliseconds after switching to Hyvä. Hyvä has been free and open source since November 10, 2025.
Scaling to more countries and brands
Magento manages multiple stores and languages from a single backend. If you want a second brand or a German webshop, you add a store instead of an entire second system.
What do you lose?
Features unique only to you. A configurator, a custom price calculation, or a bespoke order flow must be rebuilt as a Magento module.
Speed with small adjustments. In your own code, anything goes. In Magento, you work according to the platform's rules so that updates continue to function properly.
A migration. You transfer products, customers, and order history. Your old URLs must get redirects; otherwise, you lose search visibility.
No maintenance-free software. Magento is not SaaS: you schedule security patches and updates yourself or with your partner.
When is switching not worthwhile?
Stick with your custom solution if:
Your webshop itself is your differentiator and the process exists nowhere else.
You have an in-house team that knows the code and is staying.
You require few standard B2B features and do not plan any new integrations.
Consider Magento B2B if:
Every change takes a long time or depends on a single person.
Your ERP is leading and you want customer pricing, assortments per customer, or punchout.
You want to expand to more countries, brands, or channels.
Security updates on your current platform are lagging behind.
How to approach the switch
Introduction: we get to know your company, your customers, and your goals.
Discovery: we map out all the features of your current webshop and determine per feature: standard Magento, an existing module, or custom work.
Plan: you receive an action plan, a timeline, and a predetermined financial estimate.
Build and integrations: Magento with Hyvä, your B2B features, and integrations with ERP and PIM.
Migration and go-live: transferring data, configuring redirects, and testing with real customers.
Read more about our approach under e-commerce replatforming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magento free?
Magento Open Source has no licensing fees. You pay for development, hosting, extensions, and maintenance. Adobe Commerce does require a license.
Can I migrate my custom features to Magento?
The logic, yes; the code, usually not. What is unique, we rebuild as a Magento module. First check per feature whether it already exists as a standard feature or module.
What happens to my order history and customer accounts?
You migrate those to Magento. Also plan redirects for your old URLs so your search visibility is preserved.
Do I need Adobe Commerce for B2B?
No. Adobe Commerce has B2B features built-in. On Magento Open Source, you add them with modules or the Hyvä B2B Suite, without a license.
What is the difference compared to switching from Shopify or WooCommerce?
With a standard platform, you mostly migrate data. With custom software, the value often lies in proprietary logic that you must unravel first. Therefore, the discovery phase carries more weight.
Unsure whether your custom webshop should move to Magento? We are happy to walk through your current features with you. Schedule a conversation.
