Budget 1,500 to 3,000 FCFA per Dakar delivery, 3,500 to 9,000 FCFA upcountry
Shipping is the line item new e-commerce sellers forget most, and the one that does the most damage. A Dakar delivery usually costs between 1,500 and 3,000 FCFA, an upcountry delivery between 3,500 and 9,000 FCFA. On a 25,000 FCFA basket, that is 6 to 36% of the price going to shipping depending on destination.
The key is to know the real grid, charge part of it to the customer and negotiate by volume. Here are the rates observed in 2026 in Dakar and upcountry.
Rate grid by zone (standard delivery)
| Zone | Lead time | Motorbike rate | Vehicle rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakar center (Plateau, Medina) | 24 h | 1,500 FCFA | 2,500 FCFA |
| Dakar suburbs (Pikine, Guediawaye) | 24-48 h | 2,000 FCFA | 3,000 FCFA |
| Rufisque, Bargny | 48 h | 2,500 FCFA | 3,500 FCFA |
| Thies, Mbour | 48-72 h | 3,500 FCFA | 5,000 FCFA |
| Saint-Louis, Diourbel | 72 h | 4,500 FCFA | 6,500 FCFA |
| Kaolack, Touba | 72 h | 5,000 FCFA | 7,000 FCFA |
| Ziguinchor, Tambacounda | 3-5 days | 7,000 FCFA | 9,000 FCFA |
Motorbike rates apply to light, compact parcels. Above 5 kg or for bulky products, a vehicle becomes mandatory.
Surcharge by weight and volume
| Weight bracket | Surcharge vs base rate |
|---|---|
| 0-2 kg | Included |
| 2-5 kg | +500 FCFA |
| 5-10 kg | +1,500 FCFA |
| 10-20 kg | +3,000 FCFA |
| 20-30 kg | +5,000 FCFA |
| Bulky product (appliances) | On quote, 8,000-20,000 FCFA |
For appliances and furniture, always get a specific quote: delivering a fridge to Thies can cost 15,000 FCFA, which must be charged to the customer.
Delivery modes and services
| Mode | Dakar rate | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 24-48 h | 1,500-3,000 FCFA | The most common |
| Same-day express | 3,000-5,000 FCFA | Within 3 to 6 h |
| Pickup point | 1,000-1,800 FCFA | Customer collects |
| Automated locker | 800-1,500 FCFA | Limited to some zones |
| Cash on delivery (collection) | +200-500 FCFA | Collection commission |
Pickup point and locker are the cheapest options: by steering 30 to 40% of orders toward collection, a store saves 1 to 2 points of net margin.
Volume negotiation ranges
The rates above are unit prices. At volume, negotiation cuts cost sharply.
| Monthly volume | Typical discount | Negotiated Dakar rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 deliveries | 0% | 2,500 FCFA |
| 50-150 deliveries | 10-15% | 2,125 FCFA |
| 150-400 deliveries | 20-25% | 1,875 FCFA |
| Over 400 deliveries | 30-40% | 1,500 FCFA |
A volume of 200 deliveries/month gets you 20 to 25% off and lets you sign a monthly contract rather than paying trip by trip.
Worked example: who pays what on a Thies order
A 30,000 FCFA order delivered to Thies, 3 kg parcel, vehicle.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
| Line | Amount FCFA |
|---|---|
| Thies vehicle rate | 5,000 |
| 2-5 kg weight surcharge | 500 |
| Total shipping cost | 5,500 |
| Delivery fee charged to customer | 2,500 |
| Net shipping cost for the store | 3,000 |
The store charges 2,500 FCFA delivery to the customer and absorbs 3,000 FCFA. On a 12,000 FCFA gross margin, this net shipping is 25% of gross margin: huge. That is why profitable stores charge upcountry delivery at real cost and reserve free shipping in Dakar above a threshold.
A delivery policy that protects margin
| Rule | Effect |
|---|---|
| Free in Dakar from 30,000 FCFA basket | Raises average basket |
| Upcountry delivery always charged at cost | Protects margin |
| Deposit on upcountry orders | Cuts costly cancellations |
| Pickup point offered by default | Lowers average cost |
Free delivery should never be unconditional: it should serve to push the basket above a threshold where it stays profitable.
FAQ
How much does a Dakar delivery cost in 2026?
Between 1,500 and 3,000 FCFA for standard 24-48 h depending on zone and vehicle type. Same-day express rises to 3,000-5,000 FCFA.
Should I charge delivery to the customer?
Yes for upcountry, where cost is high. For Dakar, free shipping above a basket threshold (for example 30,000 FCFA) raises the average basket while staying profitable.
How do I negotiate better rates?
By volume. From 50 deliveries per month you get 10 to 15% off, and above 400 deliveries up to 30-40%. Sign a monthly contract rather than paying trip by trip.
Is the pickup point really cheaper?
Yes, it costs 1,000 to 1,800 FCFA versus 2,500 FCFA for home delivery. Steering 30 to 40% of orders to collection saves 1 to 2 points of net margin.
How do I handle bulky appliance delivery?
Always on a specific quote, between 8,000 and 20,000 FCFA depending on destination, and fully charged to the customer. Never absorb it into an already-thin appliance margin.
Let's talk about your project. To build a delivery grid that protects your margin and negotiate your carriers, reach Kolonell on 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.
