The verdict in three sentences
A professional showcase site costs between 350,000 and 700,000 FCFA, and an integrated ticketing module adds about 500,000 FCFA, but it frees you from third-party platforms that skim 8 to 12 % per ticket. With your own ticketing, you collect via Wave and Orange Money, control entry through QR codes, and keep 93 to 97 % of the ticket price. For an agency running more than three events a year, the investment pays for itself by the second night.
Showcase only or showcase + ticketing: what you pay
The choice depends on your event volume. A plain showcase is enough if you outsource sales; as soon as you sell yourself, integrated ticketing becomes profitable.
| Element | Showcase only | Showcase + ticketing |
|---|---|---|
| Build cost (2026 ballpark) | 350,000 - 700,000 FCFA | 850,000 - 1,200,000 FCFA |
| Delivery time | 8 - 12 days | 15 - 21 days |
| Wave / Orange Money payment | No | Yes, integrated |
| Commission per ticket | Third-party 8 - 12 % | Your site 3 - 7 % |
| QR access control | No | Yes |
| Real-time sales dashboard | No | Yes |
| Annual maintenance | 100,000 - 200,000 FCFA | 200,000 - 350,000 FCFA |
Integrated ticketing vs third-party platform: the margin math
The difference comes down to commission and payout timing. Third-party platforms hold funds 7 to 21 days after the event; your site pays you in real time via mobile money.
| Criterion | Third-party platform | Ticketing on your site |
|---|---|---|
| Average commission | 8 - 12 % | 3 - 7 % (payment fees included) |
| Fund payout | 7 - 21 days after | Immediate (Wave / OM) |
| Customer data | Owned by platform | Owned by you |
| Page customization | Limited | Full (agency branding) |
| Listing fees | 0 - 50,000 FCFA | Included in the site |
| Cost on 500 tickets at 10,000 FCFA | 400,000 - 600,000 FCFA | 150,000 - 350,000 FCFA |
| Savings per event | Baseline | 150,000 - 250,000 FCFA |
Mini case study
Fatou runs an event agency in Dakar and stages a concert of 500 seats at 10,000 FCFA, for 5,000,000 FCFA gross revenue. On a third-party platform at 10 %, she loses 500,000 FCFA in commission. With her own ticketing at 5 % all-in, she only pays 250,000 FCFA: she keeps 250,000 FCFA more per event. Her ticketing module (500,000 FCFA) is therefore paid off by the second concert, and every night after earns her a quarter-million more.
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FAQ
How much does online ticketing on my own site cost?
Budget about 500,000 FCFA on top of a 350,000 to 700,000 FCFA showcase, for a 850,000 to 1,200,000 FCFA total. The commission then drops to 3 - 7 % per ticket versus 8 - 12 % on platforms.
Are Wave and Orange Money reliable for ticketing?
Yes: they are the most-used methods in Senegal and payout is near-instant. We set up confirmation webhooks so a ticket is only issued after payment is actually collected.
How does QR code access control work?
Each ticket sold generates a unique QR code scanned at the door with a plain smartphone. The system automatically rejects duplicates, killing fraud across the 500 to 2,000 entries of an event.
How fast is my ticketing site ready?
Between 15 and 21 days depending on event-catalog complexity. Plan to open sales at least three weeks before the first night to maximize pre-sales.
Let's talk about your project. We build your event showcase with Wave/OM ticketing and QR access control, ready to sell before your next night. 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.
