The verdict in three sentences
Without clear clauses, a turnkey site can become a contractual prison: inaccessible code, locked hosting, total dependence. Demand in writing the source-code ownership, full hosting access, documentation and an exit clause. Anticipating costs 0 EUR at signing; fixing it afterward costs 2,000 to 6,000 EUR in takeover work.
Contractual points to demand
| Contractual point | What to secure | Cost if not provided |
|---|---|---|
| Source-code ownership | Written transfer, repo access | 2,000 – 5,000 EUR rewrite |
| Hosting access | Accounts in your name | 500 – 1,500 EUR migration |
| Domain name | Registered in your name | Possible domain lock |
| Technical documentation | Delivered at acceptance | 1,000 – 3,000 EUR audit |
| Exit clause | Costed exit procedure | 2,000 – 6,000 EUR takeover |
| Data backup | Standard export provided | Possible data loss |
Opaque turnkey vs transparent contract
| Criterion | Opaque "turnkey" package | Transparent contract |
|---|---|---|
| Source code | Vendor's property | Transferred to client |
| Hosting | Locked at the vendor | Accounts in client's name |
| Domain | Sometimes vendor's name | Always client's name |
| Maintenance | 150 – 500 EUR/mo captive | 150 – 500 EUR/mo, cancellable |
| Exit | Hard, costly | Planned and costed procedure |
| Dependence | High | Low |
The impact on maintenance
Maintenance runs 150 to 500 EUR/mo depending on complexity. The real question isn't the rate but the lock-in: an opaque package makes switching vendors nearly impossible, stripping you of negotiating leverage. A transparent contract, where you own the code and hosting, keeps maintenance competitive: you can shop around every year.
Mini case study
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Eric, CFO of a B2B services SME in Bordeaux (60 staff), wants to switch vendors after 3 years of 400 EUR/mo maintenance he finds too expensive. The problem: the initial package provided neither code transfer nor hosting access. The new vendor must audit and partly rewrite the site: a 5,500 EUR takeover bill plus a 3-week delay. Had he demanded code ownership and an exit clause in the contract (cost: 0 EUR at signing), he'd have migrated for 800 EUR and renegotiated maintenance to 250 EUR/mo — 1,800 EUR saved per year.
FAQ
Who owns a website's code by default? Absent a written transfer clause, the vendor often keeps ownership of the custom code. Demand an explicit transfer at delivery, in the contract.
What is an exit clause? A clause describing how and at what cost you retrieve your site (code, data, hosting) if you leave. Without one, takeover often costs 2,000-6,000 EUR.
Should the domain be in my name? Absolutely. Verify it's registered to your company, not the vendor, or you risk a lock-in when switching.
How do I avoid vendor dependence? Own the code, hosting and domain, demand documentation and an exit clause. That keeps your power to renegotiate maintenance (150-500 EUR/mo).
Is a turnkey package always to be avoided? No, if it's transparent: turnkey is a delivery mode, not a trap. The problem is opacity, not the package itself.
Let's scope your project. Let us review your contract or quote: we check code ownership, hosting and exit terms, and propose a transparent framework. Detailed quote within 48 h. 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.
