The verdict in three sentences
Referring a merchant to a serious e-commerce builder is the cheapest income stream to start: no stock, no risk, just an introduction. Kolonell pays 12 % on the e-commerce sale plus 5 % recurring on maintenance and SEO. An active partner in Lagos placing 2 to 4 projects a month builds a growing income, with the recurring part stacking month after month.
One-off referral versus recurring partnership
Many people recommend a provider once and gain nothing from it. The referral partner program turns that recommendation into structured income: commission on the initial sale, then a recurring percentage on monthly services (maintenance, hosting, SEO, campaigns).
| Criterion | One-off referral | Referral partnership |
|---|---|---|
| Sale commission | 0 | 12 % (e-commerce) |
| Recurring | 0 | 5 % of retainers |
| Entry cost | 0 | 0 |
| Follow-up | None | Tooling + support |
| Income over time | None | Growing (recurring) |
The Kolonell commission scale
The program covers all four divisions. Rates differ by ticket size and sales cycle.
| Division | Sale commission | Recurring | Indicative 2026 ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15 % | +5 % | 250 000 to 1 200 000 FCFA |
| E-commerce | 12 % | +5 % | 1 000 000 to 4 000 000 FCFA |
| Marketplace | 10 % | per contract | 2 500 000 to 12 000 000+ FCFA |
| Institutional | 8 % | per contract | 5 000 000+ FCFA |
In concrete terms, on e-commerce: a 1 000 000 FCFA project earns 120 000 FCFA; a 4 000 000 FCFA project earns 480 000 FCFA. On top, 5 % of recurring services (maintenance, SEO, hosting) which on this division run 50 000 to 300 000 FCFA/month: i.e. 2 500 to 15 000 FCFA/month per client, paid as long as the client stays.
How much an active partner can earn
A well-connected partner converts 25 to 45 % of warm introductions. Placing 2 to 4 e-commerce projects a month is realistic for someone active in a merchant network in Lagos.
| Monthly pace | Sale commissions (avg 2 000 000 FCFA/project) | Recurring after 6 months |
|---|---|---|
| 1 project / month | 240 000 FCFA | ~45 000 to 90 000 FCFA/month |
| 2 projects / month | 480 000 FCFA | ~90 000 to 180 000 FCFA/month |
| 4 projects / month | 960 000 FCFA | ~180 000 to 360 000 FCFA/month |
The strength of the model is the recurring that accumulates: every client retained feeds a monthly income that grows even in months when you place nothing new.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Emeka, an independent sales rep in Lagos, knows many physical shops that want to sell online. He becomes a Kolonell partner. In month 1, he places 2 e-commerce projects at 2 000 000 FCFA: sale commission 2 x 240 000 = 480 000 FCFA. Both clients take a maintenance + SEO retainer at 120 000 FCFA/month: recurring 5 % x 120 000 x 2 = 12 000 FCFA/month.
He keeps that pace. By month 6 he has placed 12 clients; if they stay, the recurring reaches 12 x 6 000 = 72 000 FCFA/month, on top of the month's 480 000 FCFA in sale commissions. Entry cost: zero. Investment: his relationships and his time.
FAQ
How much does an e-commerce sale earn?
12 % of the project amount. Since a Kolonell e-commerce build runs 1 000 000 to 4 000 000 FCFA, the sale commission runs 120 000 to 480 000 FCFA per project placed.
How does the recurring work?
You earn 5 % of the client's monthly services (maintenance, SEO, hosting), i.e. 2 500 to 15 000 FCFA/month per client on this division, paid as long as the client stays active.
Do I pay to become a partner?
No entry cost. You bring the introduction; Kolonell handles the sale, the build and client follow-up.
How many projects a month is realistic?
For someone active in a merchant network, 2 to 4 projects/month is achievable, with a 25 to 45 % conversion rate on warm introductions.
Can I combine divisions?
Yes. The same partner can place showcase sites (15 % +5 %), e-commerce (12 % +5 %), marketplace (10 %) and institutional (8 %) depending on the opportunities in their network.
Let's talk about your project. Join the Kolonell referral partner program and turn your network into recurring income. 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.
