The verdict in three sentences
Construction isn't bought like a pair of shoes: orders are large (150,000 to 2,000,000 FCFA), often on credit, and heavy-material delivery is a trade in itself. A construction marketplace creates value with online quotes, installment payment and pro accounts for companies and craftsmen. The commission is low (4-7%) but the high average ticket makes the model very profitable at even moderate volume.
An e-commerce unlike others
In construction, the listed price isn't enough: the customer wants a quote (quantities, volume discount, delivery included) before ordering. The marketplace must therefore manage a quote → approval → order → delivery → invoicing flow, with professional accounts that remember job sites and negotiated terms.
Credit is central. Companies rarely pay cash: they settle at 30 or 60 days. The platform must integrate installment payment and risk management. Here are the 2026 order-of-magnitude figures:
| Metric | 2026 value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Average ticket | 150,000 – 2,000,000 FCFA | Job-site order |
| Platform commission | 4 – 7% | Low, high ticket |
| Revenue per order | 6,000 – 140,000 FCFA | Ticket × commission |
| Share of credit sales | 40 – 60% | Pro accounts |
| Pro payment term | 30 – 60 days | To be financed |
| Monthly volume target | 800 – 1,500 orders | Growth stage |
Heavy delivery and supplier credit
Delivering cement, steel and sand requires trucks, scheduling and pricing by weight and distance. The platform must display delivery cost and lead time right in the quote to avoid nasty surprises.
| Material | Typical 2026 ticket | Delivery lead time | Logistics stake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cement (tonne) | 90,000 – 130,000 FCFA | 24 – 72 h | Truck, weight |
| Rebar (tonne) | 500,000 – 750,000 FCFA | 48 – 96 h | Heavy handling |
| Sand / gravel (m³) | 15,000 – 40,000 FCFA | 24 – 48 h | Tipper, site access |
| Tiles (m²) | 4,000 – 15,000 FCFA | 48 – 120 h | Fragility |
| Paint / finishes | 8,000 – 60,000 FCFA | 24 – 72 h | Storage |
On credit, two options: the platform advances payment to the supplier and carries the risk (for a higher commission), or it connects to a financing partner. Each pro account's reliability score (payment history) drives the credit limits granted.
Mini case study
Ibrahim runs a construction company in Accra. For one job site he orders 20 tonnes of cement (2,400,000 FCFA), 5 tonnes of steel (3,250,000 FCFA) and 30 m³ of sand (900,000 FCFA), i.e. 6,550,000 FCFA. On the marketplace he gets a bundled quote, a 5% volume discount and 45-day payment. The platform takes a 5% supplier commission, about 327,500 FCFA. Ibrahim saves time (one contact, scheduled delivery) and cash flow through credit, which builds lasting loyalty.
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FAQ
How do you manage online quotes for construction?
The customer fills in quantities per material, the platform automatically computes the total, volume discount and delivery cost. The quote can be approved online or negotiated with the supplier before becoming an order.
How does installment payment work for pros?
Professional accounts get a term (30 or 60 days) based on their reliability score. The platform can advance payment to the supplier and be repaid at maturity, or route through a financial partner.
Why such a low commission (4-7%)?
Construction margins are thin and tickets huge. A 5% commission on a 1,000,000 FCFA order already yields 50,000 FCFA. Volume and ticket size more than offset the low rate.
How do you manage heavy-material delivery?
By building pricing by weight and distance into the quote, with a delivery schedule and a partner fleet. The customer knows cost and lead time before confirming, which cuts disputes.
How much does a BTP marketplace cost?
A Growth tier with pro accounts, online quotes, credit management and payouts runs between 5,000,000 and 7,000,000 FCFA. Credit and quote management is the real differentiator versus a plain catalog.
Let's talk about your project. We build your construction marketplace with online quotes, installment payment and heavy-delivery management. 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.
