The verdict in three sentences
The automatic split between vendor and platform is the nerve of a profitable marketplace: without it, you spend your nights splitting payments by hand. In 2026, platform commission sits between 8 and 20 %, with weekly payouts via Wave, Orange Money or M-Pesa and payout fees around 1 %. The difference between a healthy marketplace and a dispute factory comes down to three details: split net of fees, dispute reserve and traced partial refunds.
How the split works
On each paid order, the system automatically slices the amount: the vendor share, the platform commission and, if enabled, a dispute reserve held for a few days. The vendor sees their balance grow in real time and receives payout on a fixed schedule.
| Flow on a 10,000 FCFA sale | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Price paid by buyer | 10,000 FCFA | 100 % |
| Vendor share | 8,500 FCFA | 85 % |
| Platform commission | 1,500 FCFA | 15 % |
| Payout fee (~ 1 %) | ~ 85 FCFA | taken from vendor or platform share |
| Dispute reserve (optional) | 500 FCFA | 5 %, released at D+7 |
2026 commission and payout grid
The right rate depends on the category and the platform's added value. Here are 2026 ballparks by marketplace type.
| Marketplace type | Platform commission | Payout frequency | Suggested reserve |
|---|---|---|---|
| General goods | 10 to 15 % | weekly | 5 % |
| Services / freelance | 12 to 20 % | on delivery + D+3 | 8 % |
| Food / delivery | 8 to 12 % | 2x/week | 3 % |
| Real estate / listings | flat fee or 5 to 10 % | monthly | variable |
| Premium crafts | 15 to 20 % | weekly | 5 % |
An automated weekly payout removes the admin load and reassures vendors, who stay on the platform because they are paid on time.
Mini case study
Mariam launches a crafts marketplace in Dakar with 40 vendors. Monthly volume reaches 6,000,000 FCFA, commission at 15 %, i.e. 900,000 FCFA in platform revenue. Weekly payouts cost ~ 1 % of the vendor volume (5,100,000 FCFA), i.e. ~ 51,000 FCFA in fees. Without automation, splitting and paying 40 vendors each week took her 12 h; the 3,000,000 FCFA split module does it continuously, with a 5 % reserve that already neutralised two disputes worth 140,000 FCFA. The module pays back in about 4 months of commissions.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Do you know entrepreneurs who want to launch a marketplace or an online store? The Kolonell referral (apporteur d'affaires) program pays you for every signed project. The rates: 15 % + 5 % recurring on showcase sites, 12 % on e-commerce, 10 % on marketplaces (high tickets from 2,500,000 to 20,000,000+ FCFA), 8 % on institutional. On a marketplace signed at 5,000,000 FCFA, your referral commission reaches 500,000 FCFA.
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FAQ
Is the split really automatic on every sale?
Yes. As soon as payment is confirmed by webhook, the amount is split instantly between vendor, platform and reserve, with no manual step.
How is a partial refund handled?
The system links the refund to the original sale, recomputes the vendor share and commission pro rata, and adjusts the next payout automatically.
What is the dispute reserve for?
It holds a small share (often 5 %) for a few days to cover a dispute or return. If no dispute is opened, it is released to the vendor, usually at D+7.
Which operators for payouts?
Wave, Orange Money and M-Pesa depending on the country, with fees around 1 %. A vendor in Kenya can be paid in M-Pesa while a Senegalese vendor gets theirs in Wave.
How much does a split module cost?
2026 ballpark: from 2,500,000 FCFA for a Starter marketplace to 12,000,000+ FCFA at Premium, depending on volume, reserve and integrations.
Let's talk about your project. We model your split, commission and payout schedule on your real numbers. 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.
