The verdict in three sentences
A clear contract is your best insurance: it avoids around 80% of disputes and unpaid bills. The four pillars are a precise scope, payment milestones, a 40-50% deposit and a defined revisions policy. The deposit collected via mobile money commits the client and starts the project — no payment, no start.
The clauses that protect you
A contract needn't be long, but every key clause must be there in black and white. Here are the essentials.
| Clause | What it sets | Risk avoided |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Pages, features, deliverables | Project creep |
| Payment milestones | Deposit, interim, balance | Final non-payment |
| Included revisions | Number (e.g. 2 rounds) | Endless tweaks |
| Timelines | Dependent on client feedback | Delays wrongly blamed |
| Ownership / transfer | Handover at full payment | Use without paying |
| Hosting / maintenance | Included or extra | Vague expectations |
| Termination | Terms and non-refundable deposit | Abandonment without pay |
The rights-transfer-on-full-payment clause is essential: until the balance is settled, the deliverable remains your property.
Deposit and milestone structure
A deposit isn't a favour, it's a professional norm. It funds the start and proves the client's commitment.
| Milestone | Share | Trigger | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit | 40-50% | Signing | Wave / mobile money |
| Mockup delivery | 20-30% | Design approval | Mobile money |
| Balance | 20-40% | Go-live | Mobile money / transfer |
| Out-of-scope revision | Day rate | Extra request | On demand |
On a 1,500,000 FCFA project, a 675,000 FCFA deposit (45%) covers the start. Each revision round beyond the two included is billed at the day rate, e.g. 88,000 FCFA/day.
Mini case study
Khadija, a freelancer, signs a 2,000,000 FCFA e-commerce project with no written contract. The client asks for 7 revision rounds and refuses to pay the balance. With no clause, she loses weeks and 1,100,000 FCFA of balance. On the next project she uses a contract: 900,000 FCFA deposit, 2 revisions included, extra rounds at 88,000 FCFA. The client makes 4 revisions: 2 included, 2 billed 176,000 FCFA. Result: zero disputes, margin preserved.
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| Tier | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15% | 5% |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
A 2,000,000 FCFA e-commerce site earns you 240,000 FCFA at signing, plus 5% recurring on maintenance. You introduce, we contract and deliver.
FAQ
Is a deposit really mandatory?
Legally no, but professionally yes. A 40-50% deposit covers the start and commits the client; without it, the risk of abandonment and non-payment soars.
How many revisions to include in the fee?
Two revision rounds cover the vast majority of projects. Beyond that, bill at the day rate to avoid endless tweaks that destroy margin.
What if the client refuses to pay the balance?
The rights-transfer-on-full-payment clause is your leverage: without settlement, they have no right to use the deliverable. A high deposit already limits the loss.
Does a mobile money deposit count as commitment?
Yes, a timestamped Wave or M-Pesa collection materialises the agreement and the start of work. It's solid proof in case of dispute.
Do I need a lawyer to draft the contract?
For standard work, a reusable template is enough. For institutional or high-stakes projects, a legal review is recommended.
Let's talk about your project. We frame scope, milestones and contract to secure every engagement. 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.
