The verdict in three sentences
Migrating from a marketplace to your own store returns 15 to 20 margin points and gives you back ownership of your customer base — which the marketplace forbids you to export. The key is a gradual migration that keeps 60 to 70 % of revenue during transition, with no abrupt cut. In 2026 Kampala, budget UGX 3 to 8 million and 4 to 8 weeks.
The 4-step migration plan
A controlled switch runs in parallel, not by rupture (2026 timeline, Kampala).
| Step | Action | Timing | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Parallel store | Launch own store with mobile money | Week 1-3 | Alternative channel ready |
| 2. Customer redirect | WhatsApp insert + card in marketplace parcels | Week 3-5 | Capture the base |
| 3. Incentive | -10 % promo code on the own store | Week 4-6 | Convert |
| 4. Majority switch | Trim marketplace listing, push the store | Week 6-8 | 60-70 % of revenue migrated |
The marketplace parcel is your best legal channel to invite customers to return directly.
What you gain by migrating
The quantified benefits of an own store in Kampala (2026 order of magnitude).
| Indicator | On marketplace | Own store | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commission | 12-18 % | 0 % | +12-18 pts |
| Net margin | 65-75 % | 85-92 % | +15-20 pts |
| Payout delay | 14 days | 24-72 h | -12 days |
| Customer-base ownership | No | Yes | Free re-engagement |
| Migration cost | — | UGX 3-8 M | Recouped in 3-6 months |
| Mobile money fees | Included | 1.5-2 % | To budget |
On UGX 20 M/month revenue, recovering 15 margin points is worth UGX 3 M/month: the migration cost is recouped in 3 to 6 months.
Mini case study
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David sells home appliances in Kampala, UGX 18 M/month on a marketplace at 12 % commission, i.e. UGX 2.16 M given up each month. He invests UGX 6 M in his own store. In 8 weeks he migrates 65 % of revenue, i.e. UGX 11.7 M, on which he saves commission: ~UGX 1.4 M/month recovered. Add the reusable customer base: his migration cost is recouped in ~4.3 months, after which the gain is net and cumulative.
FAQ
Can you export your customers from the marketplace?
No, the marketplace forbids exporting the base. The legal method is to invite customers back via a WhatsApp insert or a card in the parcel, then convert them on your store with a promo code.
How much revenue do you keep during migration?
With a gradual, non-abrupt switch, you typically keep 60 to 70 % of revenue. Cutting the marketplace overnight loses far more traffic.
How much and how long does migration take in Kampala?
As an order of magnitude: UGX 3 to 8 million and 4 to 8 weeks, depending on catalog size and payment integrations.
What about Lome?
2026 order of magnitude: migration cost of FCFA 500,000 to 1.2 M, same principles — parallel store, parcel redirect, promo-code incentive, gradual switch.
Let's talk about your project. We build your migration plan without losing sales. 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.
