If you’re an independent distributor exploring eCommerce, you’re probably asking a key question: How long will this take, and how much work will it require from my team?

It’s a reasonable concern. Most distributors operate with lean teams and little margin for error. The idea of implementing a new platform, particularly one that ties into your ERP, can feel daunting.

And the reality is, implementing eCommerce technology involves work. It requires coordination, familiarity with your ERP, and experience navigating both the technical and operational aspects of foodservice distribution.

That said, working with a partner who understands your ERP, has extensive implementation experience, and can manage the process effectively can make a significant difference. In those cases, implementation becomes more straightforward and less burdensome than many expect.

That was the case for Pride of the Morning, a FreshByte distributor that launched their eCommerce platform with Pepper in just 35 days. Here’s what that looked like.

The Setup: A Lean Team + The Right ERP Partner

Pride of the Morning is a smaller distributor without a dedicated IT or digital transformation team. Their objective was clear: modernize their ordering process without disrupting operations.

They were already using FreshByte, one of the 100+ ERPs Pepper integrates with regularly. Because of our existing integration experience, we were able to build the initial integration with FreshByte before the official kickoff.

“There was nothing for us to do,” said Chad Apple, President of Pride of the Morning. “Pepper was already hooked in with our FreshByte software. It was a no-brainer.”

While the implementation itself wasn’t trivial, our team handled the complexity so that their team didn’t have to.

What an eCommerce Implementation Actually Takes

To provide clarity for others considering eCommerce, here’s a summary of our standard implementation process:

1. Kickoff & Planning
We align on goals, assign key stakeholders, and establish the project timeline during a structured kickoff call.

2. Data Setup & Configuration
Our team configures your branded app and sets up ERP integrations to sync catalogs, pricing, customer, and additional data.

3. App Development & Initial Testing
We build the integrated ordering experience, validate business logic, and run internal testing to prepare for launch.

4. Soft Launch
We release the platform to a small group of users, gather feedback, and ensure everything is working as expected.

5. Full Launch & Handoff
After final refinements, we launch broadly and transition support to your dedicated Customer Success Manager.

Meanwhile, Pride of the Morning kept it tight:

• Sales reps onboarded customers during in-person visits
• Office staff introduced the app while taking phone orders
• They updated their website to link directly to the new Pepper portal

“We made it our goal to get everybody on there-not just a few,” Chad said. “It was easier than I thought it would be-but only because we had help.”

That’s the difference expert implementation makes. Our dedicated team of over 25 implementation and integration experts allow us to understand complex operations while making it easy for your team.  It was methodical, guided execution-by people who do this all day, every day.

The Results: Live in 35 Days. Fully Adopted in Weeks.

Within one month of going live with Pepper, Pride of the Morning reported the following results:

• 1,161% increase in online orders
• 5% increase in active buyers
• Noticeable time savings for across customer service and inside sales

According to Chad, support was responsive and issues were addressed quickly.

“Any questions I had were answered. Any problems were fixed within a few days,” Chad told us. “I don’t really have complaints-because everything was handled.”

If you’re wondering how long it takes to implement Pepper, this is what’s possible with the right ERP and the right partner.

FAQs on Choosing the Right eCommerce Partner

How Long Does It Take to Launch an eCommerce Platform?

If you’re using an ERP like FreshByte, NECS, or QuickBooks, typical implementation timelines with Pepper range from 35 to 90 days.

You can expect:

• A clear, phased and streamlined implementation process
• A dedicated Implementation Manager, Forward Deployed Engineer and Customer Success Manager guiding you through the process
• Minimal disruption to internal operations

The most common thing we hear after launch? “That was faster, and smoother, than I expected.”

What Makes a Successful eCommerce Implementation for Distributors?

From our experience launching over 300 platforms for foodservice and c-store distributors, we’ve found a few elements are critical:

• A partner who’s integrated with your ERP before
• Forward Deployed Engineers and Implementation Managers who understand distribution workflows
• Customer Success Managers who are experts at rolling eCommerce to your team and customers
• Clear expectations and structured timelines
• Ongoing support after go-live

Implementation is work. But it’s manageable when your partner handles the technical aspects and provides support throughout.

Final Thoughts 

You don’t need to solve eCommerce on your own. You don’t need perfect data or a large internal team. You need a partner with the right expertise in food distribution and ERP integration.

Pride of the Morning’s 35-day launch wasn’t the result of a shortcut. It was the product of experienced execution and focused support.

Want to know what your timeline would look like? Let’s talk. 

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