The verdict in three sentences
Delivery is neither a gift nor a profit center: it is a real cost to pass on precisely. The right 2026 model combines three variables — zone, weight and speed — rather than a single flat fee that penalizes half your customers. A free-delivery threshold at 2x your average basket protects margin while pushing order value up.
Price by zone: the base of any grid
The flat fee is the classic trap: at a single rate everywhere, you lose money on far runs and scare off nearby customers. Zone logic fixes both. In Lagos, the mainland/island split is decisive; draw rings: island core, mainland near, mainland far, inter-city.
| Zone | Indicative distance | 2026 rate (NGN) | Target time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island core | 0-5 km | 1 500 - 2 200 | < 3 h |
| Mainland near | 5-12 km | 2 200 - 3 000 | same day |
| Mainland far | 12-25 km | 3 000 - 4 000 | next day |
| Inter-city regional | 25-120 km | 5 000 - 8 000 | 1-2 days |
| Inter-city long haul | > 120 km | 8 000 - 12 000 | 2-3 days |
These figures are a 2026 order of magnitude for Lagos; adjust for order density and fuel.
Add weight and speed
A zone is not enough: a 15 kg parcel needs a vehicle, not a bike. Stack weight tiers and an express option above the base rate.
| Weight tier | Multiplier | Express surcharge (same day) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 kg | x1 (base) | + 1 500 NGN |
| 2-5 kg | x1.3 | + 2 500 NGN |
| 5-10 kg | x1.7 | + 3 500 NGN |
| 10-20 kg | x2.4 | + 5 000 NGN |
| > 20 kg / bulky | quote | quote |
The courier's share hovers around 60-75 % of the fee; the fuel surcharge (5-10 %) triggers above a per-litre price threshold you set in advance to avoid weekly renegotiation.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Mini case study
Chidi runs a cosmetics shop in Lagos, average basket 18 000 NGN. He charged 3 000 NGN flat everywhere, losing money on far mainland runs while annoying island customers. New grid: island 2 000 NGN, far mainland 4 000 NGN, free delivery above 36 000 NGN. One month later: average basket up to 23 000 NGN (customers add an item to hit the threshold), and losses on far runs are absorbed. Across 180 orders he recovers roughly 400 000 NGN of delivery margin previously swallowed.
FAQ
Should I offer free delivery? Yes, but with a threshold near 2x your average basket. Below it you fund the run; above it product margin covers it and the threshold drives upsell (often +15-30 % basket).
How do I set the courier's share? Between 60 and 75 % of the charged fee in 2026. Below that you lose couriers, above it your margin vanishes. Negotiate a flat per-zone rate rather than case by case.
What about addresses with no street number? Capture a GPS pin at checkout plus a landmark ("opposite X pharmacy"). This cuts failed deliveries, which cost a second run of 1 500-4 000 NGN.
Is a fuel surcharge well received? Yes if conditional and transparent: "applied only if the litre exceeds X NGN." Customers accept a rule, not an arbitrary hike.
Should I bill on volumetric weight? For big, low-density parcels (cushions, empty cartons), yes: take the max of real and volumetric weight, otherwise a light but bulky box costs more than its rate.
Let's talk about your project. We configure your delivery grid by zone, weight and speed directly in your online store. 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.
