The verdict in three sentences
A marketplace collects from the buyer, keeps its commission (often 10-15 %), then pays the balance to the vendor. Two models exist: real-time split handled by the aggregator, or an internal ledger where you track each balance and trigger a batch payout (weekly). Beyond code, the sensitive topic is compliance: vendor KYC and anti-money-laundering, without which no serious payout holds.
Anatomy of a split: where the money goes
The flow starts at the buyer, passes through the platform, then splits. Let's break down a typical 10,000 FCFA sale with 15 % commission.
| Item | Amount | % | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price paid by buyer | 10,000 FCFA | 100 % | — |
| Aggregator collection fee (estimate) | ~150 FCFA | ~1.5 % | Aggregator |
| Platform commission | 1,500 FCFA | 15 % | Marketplace |
| Balance owed to vendor | 8,500 FCFA | 85 % | Vendor |
| Outbound payout fee (estimate) | ~50-100 FCFA | <1 % | Aggregator |
| Effective vendor net | ~8,400 FCFA | ~84 % | Vendor |
Collection and payout fees (2026 order of magnitude) eat into margin: factor them into your commission grid from day one.
Real-time split vs internal ledger + batch payout
| Criterion | Real-time split (aggregator) | Internal ledger + batch payout |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor payout | Instant at sale | Weekly (D+7) |
| Technical complexity | Low (aggregator splits) | High (internal accounting to code) |
| Wave/OM 2026 availability | Partial | Universal |
| Refund handling | Hard (funds already gone) | Easy (held until payout) |
| Platform cash flow | None (pass-through) | 7-day buffer |
| Reconciliation | By aggregator | On you |
| Recommended for | Low volume, few disputes | Volume, frequent disputes, control |
The internal ledger wins as soon as you have refunds and disputes: holding funds 7 days before payout lets you reverse a contested sale without chasing money already sent to the vendor.
Compliance: KYC and anti-money-laundering
Paying money to third parties brings obligations. A vendor must be identified (ID, verified mobile money number) before any payout. Set thresholds: enhanced verification above a monthly volume, blocked payouts to unverified accounts, full traceability of each movement.
| Vendor tier | Monthly payout cap (order of magnitude) | KYC required |
|---|---|---|
| Unverified | 0 FCFA (payout blocked) | — |
| Basic | up to ~500,000 FCFA | Name + mobile money number |
| Verified | up to ~3,000,000 FCFA | ID document + selfie |
| Pro / business | beyond | Business registry + bank details |
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Mini case study
Ibrahim launches an artisan marketplace, 40 vendors, 600 sales/month at 12,000 FCFA average, 15 % commission. Transacted revenue: 7.2M FCFA. Gross commission: 1.08M FCFA. With a ledger + weekly payout model, he keeps a buffer that absorbs ~3 % refunds (216,000 FCFA) without paying out of pocket, whereas real-time split would have forced him to claw funds back from 18 different vendors.
FAQ
What commission should a Senegal marketplace charge?
The 2026 standard ranges from 10 to 20 % by category. A generalist marketplace often sits around 15 %, accounting for ~1.5-2 % of collection and payout fees to absorb.
Does real-time split really exist on Wave and Orange Money?
Coverage is partial in 2026. Many platforms prefer an internal ledger plus an API payout, which works everywhere and keeps control over refunds.
How long should funds be held before paying the vendor?
A weekly cycle (D+7) is a good compromise: long enough to cover the dispute window, short enough for vendor cash flow. Some platforms pay at D+14 on high-return categories.
Is vendor KYC mandatory?
As soon as you pay money to third parties, yes, for anti-money-laundering prudence. Blocking payouts until the vendor is verified protects the platform and limits fraud.
Let's talk about your project. We build your split and payout engine with a ledger, KYC and dispute handling built in. 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.
