The verdict in three sentences
Choosing a delivery partner comes down first to volume: below 300 orders/month, an in-house or pay-per-run courier stays the most flexible and often the cheapest; above that, a 3PL (logistics provider) with volume discounts and tracking takes the lead. The decisive criteria are the SLA (guaranteed delay), parcel insurance, tracking and cost per run. In 2026, mixing models (in-house for the city centre, aggregator for the outskirts) is often the best option.
In-house, aggregator, 3PL: three models
The in-house courier (your employee or dedicated riders) offers total control over the customer experience and brand image, but you bear the fixed costs (salary, bike, fuel) even on slow days. It shines on the dense zones you master.
The aggregator (platform matching you with on-demand couriers) offers flexibility and wide coverage with no fixed cost, but with less control and a margin on each run. The 3PL outsources all storage and delivery: ideal at high volume, with volume discounts, but often a commitment and minimum volume are required.
| Model | Break-even | Cost/run 2026 | Control | Fixed costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-house courier | < 300 orders/mo | 1,500-2,500 FCFA | High | High |
| Aggregator | 100-500 orders/mo | 2,000-3,500 FCFA | Medium | None |
| 3PL | > 300 orders/mo | 1,200-2,200 FCFA (sliding) | Low | Contractual |
| Hybrid model | any volume | variable | Medium-high | Moderate |
The selection criteria that matter
Beyond the sticker price, a partner is judged on operational reliability. The SLA must specify a guaranteed delay (e.g. next day in the city) and penalties for lateness. Parcel insurance covers loss or breakage: essential for electronics or high value. Real-time tracking reduces "where is my order?" customer calls.
Also check the billing model (per run, monthly flat, sliding by volume), the proof of delivery provided, and the ability to handle COD (cash collection and remittance). A partner who remits COD cash within 48 h beats one 20 % cheaper who freezes your cash for a week.
| Selection criterion | What to require | Business impact |
|---|---|---|
| SLA delay | Next-day city, late penalties | Customer satisfaction |
| Parcel insurance | Loss/breakage cover | Protects margin |
| Real-time tracking | Customer tracking link | -30 % support calls |
| Billing | Sliding by volume | Lowers unit cost |
| COD remittance | Within 48 h | Healthy cash flow |
| Proof of delivery | Photo + code | Zero disputes |
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Do you know merchants, restaurateurs or entrepreneurs who need a website or an online store? The Kolonell referral partner programme pays you for every project you bring us. You have nothing to build: you introduce, we deliver, you earn a commission.
| Type of project referred | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase website | 15 % | + 5 % |
| E-commerce | 12 % | — |
| Marketplace | 10 % | — |
| Institutional | 8 % | — |
Concretely, a Starter e-commerce at 1,000,000 FCFA earns you 120,000 FCFA in commission. Bring a marketplace at 5,000,000 FCFA and you get 500,000 FCFA. On a showcase website you also earn 5 % recurring on the client's monthly maintenance.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Moussa runs an online store in Dakar that grew from 180 to 450 orders/month. With his in-house courier (salary 150,000 FCFA + bike/fuel 80,000 FCFA = 230,000 FCFA fixed), his cost per run climbs to ~2,900 FCFA at peak hours he can't cover.
He switches to a sliding 3PL at 1,800 FCFA/run above 300 orders: 450 runs = 810,000 FCFA versus 230,000 + occasional surcharges + capacity limits in-house. He keeps his in-house courier only for the city centre (150 dense runs) and hands the 300 outer runs to the 3PL. Result: doubled capacity, average cost kept under 2,000 FCFA/run.
FAQ
At what volume should I move to a 3PL?
As a 2026 order of magnitude, around 300 orders/month, when the fixed costs of an in-house courier exceed the variable cost of a sliding 3PL. Below that, in-house or an aggregator stays more flexible.
One partner or several?
The hybrid model often wins: in-house for the dense zones you master, aggregator or 3PL for the outskirts and peaks. This secures capacity and smooths costs.
Why is parcel insurance crucial?
Because an uncovered loss or breakage hits your margin directly. For electronics or valuable items, a partner without parcel insurance creates a disproportionate risk.
How do I evaluate a partner before committing?
Test over 2-3 weeks and measure: on-time delivery rate, breakage/loss rate, COD remittance delay, tracking quality and support responsiveness. These figures matter more than the price grid.
How much can I earn as a Kolonell referral partner?
From 8 % (institutional) to 15 % (showcase) of the project value, plus 5 % recurring on showcase sites. A single referred Starter e-commerce earns 120,000 FCFA.
Let's talk about your project. Whether you're looking for the right logistics partner or want to become a Kolonell referral partner, let's talk. 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.
