The verdict in three sentences
A referral partner's income depends on three variables: the number of sales, the pole (hence the ticket size) and the recurring income accumulated. At Kolonell, the rates are 15 % on showcase sites (+5 % recurring), 12 % on e-commerce, 10 % on marketplace and 8 % on institutional. A cautious scenario targets 1.5 to 2 million FCFA per year, while an active one exceeds 5 million FCFA.
The math per sale, pole by pole
Before projecting, you must anchor the unit commission of each sale type. It is the building block of any simulation.
| Pole | Average ticket 2026 | Rate | Commission per sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 500,000 FCFA | 15 % | 75,000 FCFA |
| E-commerce | 2,000,000 FCFA | 12 % | 240,000 FCFA |
| Marketplace | 5,000,000 FCFA | 10 % | 500,000 FCFA |
| Institutional | 10,000,000 FCFA | 8 % | 800,000 FCFA |
A single institutional sale is worth more than ten showcase sites in commission. But the cycles are longer and rarer: the winning balance combines showcase volume with a few big tickets per year.
Two scenarios over 12 months
Let's compare a cautious partner (occasional, limited network) and an active partner (steady prospecting, several poles).
| Item | Cautious scenario | Active scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase / month | 1 | 2 |
| E-commerce / month | 0 | 2 |
| Big ticket / year | 0 | 1 marketplace |
| Sale commission / month | 75,000 FCFA | 630,000 FCFA |
| Recurring by year-end | ~20,000 FCFA/month | ~90,000 FCFA/month |
| Year-1 total | ~1,100,000 FCFA | ~8,000,000 FCFA |
In the active scenario, two e-commerce sales per month already make 480,000 FCFA/month (2 × 240,000), on top of showcase sites and the annual big ticket. The recurring income, invisible at first, becomes a solid base by year-end.
Mini case study
Ibrahima, a consultant in Thiès, adopts the active pace. Over the year: 24 showcase sites, 24 e-commerce and 1 marketplace.
- Showcase: 24 × 75,000 = 1,800,000 FCFA.
- E-commerce: 24 × 240,000 = 5,760,000 FCFA.
- Marketplace: 1 × 500,000 = 500,000 FCFA.
- Accumulated recurring (progressive): about 600,000 FCFA over the year.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Year-1 total: about 8,660,000 FCFA, with no production or support. These figures are a 2026 order of magnitude that depends heavily on his real closing rate.
FAQ
Is the recurring income really worth it?
Yes, over time. At 5 % on maintenance of 60,000 FCFA/month, 20 active clients bring 60,000 FCFA/month passively, or 720,000 FCFA/year with no new sale.
Which pole is most profitable for a beginner?
The showcase site: short cycle, fast decision, accessible ticket for SMEs. You build volume and learn the pitch there before tackling e-commerce and institutional.
Are these projections guaranteed?
No, they are 2026 estimates based on average tickets. The real result depends on the number of qualified contacts and the conversion rate, typically 1 sale per 10 contacts.
How long until the first commission?
Expect 2 to 4 weeks between the first contact and signing a showcase site, then 7 to 15 days for payout after the client pays.
Can you live off referral work alone?
It is possible in an active multi-pole scenario, but most start as a side income before going full-time once the pipeline stabilizes.
Let's talk about your project. We help you build your referral projection pole by pole. 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.
