The verdict in three sentences
A weekly fresh-produce subscription turns irregular sales into predictable recurring revenue, with an annualised ARPU of 600,000 to 1,200,000 FCFA. The price is tight cold logistics: a product-loss rate of 8-15 % and logistics cost of 12-18 % of revenue. Fixed 2 h slots and retention (55-70 % at 3 months) are the two profitability locks.
Key metrics of a fresh subscription
Demand predictability is the decisive advantage over on-demand fresh e-commerce.
| Indicator | 2026 order of magnitude |
|---|---|
| Subscription basket | 15,000-30,000 FCFA/week |
| Product-loss rate | 8-15 % |
| 3-month retention | 55-70 % |
| Delivery slot | 2 h |
| Logistics cost | 12-18 % of revenue |
| Annualised ARPU | 600,000-1,200,000 FCFA |
Subscription vs one-off orders
Subscription smooths demand and cuts waste, at the price of a supply commitment.
| Criterion | One-off order | Weekly subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Demand predictability | Low | High |
| Product-loss rate | 15-25 % | 8-15 % |
| Amortised acquisition cost | Over 1 purchase | Over 6-12 months |
| Cash flow | Irregular | Recurring |
| Logistics slot | Variable | Fixed (2 h) |
| 3-month retention | 20-35 % | 55-70 % |
Mini case study
Eric launches a fresh-basket subscription in Lagos: 200 subscribers, basket 22,000 FCFA/week (about 33 EUR), i.e. 17,600,000 FCFA monthly revenue (4 weeks). With logistics at 15 % (2,640,000 FCFA), product loss at 10 % (1,760,000 FCFA) and 50 % cost of goods (8,800,000 FCFA), his monthly gross margin is about 4,400,000 FCFA. A 60 % retention at 3 months guarantees a recurring revenue base that funds his fixed slots.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Know a shopkeeper, a grower or a creator ready to sell online? Our referral (apporteur d'affaires) programme pays you on every project signed thanks to you, with no technical work on your side.
| Pole | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15 % | + 5 % |
| E-commerce | 12 % | — |
| Marketplace | 10 % | — |
| Institutional | 8 % | — |
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
On an e-commerce store at 1,500,000 FCFA, a referrer earns 180,000 FCFA. You refer, we deliver, you get paid.
FAQ
Why subscription rather than one-off sales?
Because it makes demand predictable and cuts the product-loss rate from 15-25 % to 8-15 %. That predictability lets you buy tightly and smooth cold logistics.
What's the real logistics cost of fresh?
Between 12 and 18 % of revenue in 2026, due to the cold chain and tight slots. Fixed 2 h slots reduce delivery failures and therefore waste.
What ARPU should I target per subscriber?
A subscriber at 22,000 FCFA/week generates an annualised ARPU of ~1,100,000 FCFA if they stay 12 months. The 3-month retention (55-70 %) is the best predictor of that value.
How do I limit product waste?
Order against confirmed subscriptions, not forecasts. A loss rate held at 8-10 % instead of 15 % can mean over a million FCFA in monthly savings at this scale.
How much does the referral programme pay?
On an e-commerce project the commission is 12 % at sale, i.e. 180,000 FCFA on a 1,500,000 FCFA store. On showcase sites you earn 15 % plus 5 % recurring on maintenance.
Let's talk about your project. Launch your fresh subscription or become a Kolonell referral partner. 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.
