The verdict in three sentences
On a marketplace, every payment must split automatically between the platform and the vendor at collection time. The common model: 85% to the vendor, 15% platform commission, with weekly payouts via Paystack transfers. The three bricks not to neglect are escrow (hold until delivery), dispute handling and full traceability of each payout.
How an order breaks down
Take an NGN 10,000 order paid online. Here is the split, transfer/processing fees included (2026 order of magnitude).
| Line | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Price paid by buyer | NGN 10,000 | 100% |
| Processing fee (~1.5%) | NGN 150 | 1.5% |
| Platform commission (15%) | NGN 1,500 | 15% |
| Paid to vendor | NGN 8,350 | 83.5% |
| Dispute hold (escrow, if any) | variable | - |
The key question: who bears the processing fee? The cleanest approach is to deduct it before the split, as above, so it does not erode the platform margin.
Payout and disputes
Payout should be neither instant (fraud risk) nor too slow (unhappy vendors). Here is a typical frame.
| Parameter | Typical value | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Payout frequency | Weekly | Cash flow/trust balance |
| Escrow window | 3 to 7 days after delivery | Dispute window |
| Minimum payout threshold | NGN 2,000 | Avoid micro-transfers |
| Observed dispute rate | 1 to 3% | Provision for it |
| Refund hold | up to 100% of the order | Cover a refund |
An open dispute freezes the payout of that order only, not the vendor's whole balance.
The Kolonell referral (apporteur) program
Know an entrepreneur who wants to launch a marketplace? Our referral program rewards you for the introduction, with clear net rates per pole.
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Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
| Pole | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15% | + 5% on recurring |
| E-commerce | 12% | per contract |
| Marketplace | 10% | per contract |
| Institutional | 8% | per contract |
A marketplace sells for NGN 4M to 20M (or 2,500,000-12,000,000 FCFA): at 10%, a referrer earns a substantial cut on a single introduction. Bring us a project and become a referrer.
Mini case study
Ngozi launches a crafts marketplace in Lagos. She handles about 600 orders/month at an average basket of NGN 8,000, i.e. NGN 4,800,000 in volume. At 15% commission she collects NGN 720,000/month; after processing fees (~1.5%, i.e. NGN 72,000), she keeps NGN 648,000 gross margin. Vendors receive NGN 4,080,000 paid out weekly, and a 3% dispute provision (NGN 144,000) covers refunds without breaking cash flow.
FAQ
What is payment splitting? The automatic division of each payment between platform and vendor at collection, using a configured commission rate (often 10 to 20%).
Who pays the processing fee? The cleanest way is to deduct it from the total before the split, so commission and vendor share are computed on the net amount.
How often should I pay vendors? A weekly payout is a good balance: fast enough for vendor trust, spaced enough to manage disputes and cash flow.
How do I handle a dispute or refund? Put the contested order in escrow: its payout is frozen 3 to 7 days after delivery while you decide, without blocking the vendor's other balance.
How much does a split setup cost? It depends on volume and providers, but it is bundled in our marketplace offers. The split and payouts are tested with real amounts before launch.
Let's talk about your project. We build your marketplace with automatic split, escrow and vendor payouts tested under real conditions. 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.
