The verdict in three sentences
Paying 500,000 FCFA for a site or 4,000,000 FCFA for an app all at once is not sustainable for many SMEs: installment payment solves this blockage. Three formulas dominate — deposit + monthly payments, all-inclusive subscription and site rental — each with its own deposit, duration and possible surcharge. The right choice depends on your horizon: outright ownership or continuous service, tight cash or comfortable.
Three spreading formulas compared
Here is how each formula fits (2026 orders of magnitude, excluding special cases).
| Formula | Deposit | Spread duration | Surcharge | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit + monthly | 30 – 50% | 3 – 12 months | 0 – 10% | SMEs wanting to own the site |
| All-inclusive subscription | 0 – 20% | Ongoing monthly | In the sub | Tight cash, needs maintenance |
| Site rental | 0 – 1 month | Ongoing monthly | Included | Testing, very limited budget |
| Upfront | 100% | — | 0% (sometimes discount) | Comfortable cash |
Deposit + monthly keeps the spirit of a purchase: you own the site at the end. Subscription and rental turn the investment into a monthly charge, often with hosting and maintenance included.
Impact on cashflow
Take a Growth e-commerce at 2,000,000 FCFA and compare the initial cash outflow.
| Formula | Initial outflow | Monthly charge | Total cost 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront | 2,000,000 FCFA | 0 | ~2,000,000 FCFA |
| 40% deposit + 6 months | 800,000 FCFA | ~220,000 FCFA | ~2,120,000 FCFA |
| 30% deposit + 12 months | 600,000 FCFA | ~123,000 FCFA | ~2,080,000 FCFA |
| All-inclusive subscription | ~200,000 FCFA | ~180,000 FCFA | ~2,360,000 FCFA |
Spreading adds a slight surcharge (0 to 10%) but frees cash for stock, advertising or salaries — often far more profitable than the saving from paying upfront.
Spread for yourself, earn by recommending
Installments make digital accessible. And through the Kolonell business referrer program, every project you recommend pays you.
| Division | Commission on sale | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15% | 5% |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
Even a client paying in installments generates your commission at signature: a referred Growth e-commerce = 240,000 FCFA for you.
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Mini case study
Ousmane, a restaurateur in Saint-Louis, wants a Starter e-commerce at 1,000,000 FCFA for delivery. Paying upfront would empty his cash before high season. He picks a 40% deposit (400,000 FCFA) then 6 monthly payments of ~106,000 FCFA. He keeps 600,000 FCFA in cash to buy ingredients and run a small campaign — the site self-funds on the first online orders.
FAQ
What deposit is usually asked?
Roughly 30 to 50% of the total to launch the project. The deposit covers startup and commits both parties.
Over how many months can I spread?
Generally 3 to 12 months depending on the amount and formula. The longer the duration, the lower the monthly payment, sometimes with a slight surcharge.
Is there a surcharge versus upfront?
Often 0 to 10% depending on duration. This surcharge is frequently offset by the cash you keep available for your business.
What is the difference between subscription and installment purchase?
With installment purchase, you own the site at the end. With subscription or rental, you pay for a continuous service (hosting, maintenance included) without owning the code.
What happens if I stop paying?
Terms are set in the contract: with installment purchase, full delivery may be conditioned on the balance; with subscription, the service simply stops at the end of the paid period.
Let's talk about your project. We build a payment schedule that fits your cashflow so you launch without waiting. 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.
