The verdict in three sentences
You don't need an e-commerce site to get paid remotely: a payment link shared on WhatsApp is enough. You generate it in 30 seconds, it collects via mobile money with 1 to 2.5 % fees, expires in 24 to 72 h and converts at 55-70 %. For a freelancer or small seller, it's the fastest tool to set up, with no code.
Payment link versus a full store
The link covers "one customer, one invoice". The store covers "catalog, cart, volume". Choosing depends on your model and sales frequency.
| Channel | Fees | Setup time | Conversion (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment link | 1 - 2.5 % | 30 s - 1 h | 55 - 70 % |
| WhatsApp store | 1 - 2 % | 1 - 3 days | 40 - 55 % |
| Full e-commerce site | 1 - 2 % | 2 - 6 weeks | 1.5 - 3 % (broad traffic) |
| In-store QR | ~1 % | immediate | in-person |
Conversion rates are a 2026 order of magnitude, highly dependent on channel and customer relationship.
What a good payment link handles
A professional link is more than an amount: it carries a reference, an expiry, an automatic receipt and an instant notification the moment it's paid.
| Feature | 2026 parameter |
|---|---|
| Link generation | ~30 seconds |
| Transaction fees | 1 - 2.5 % |
| Configurable expiry | 24 - 72 h |
| Seller notification | Instant |
| Customer receipt | Automatic |
| USSD fallback | By operator |
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Know freelancers, merchants or companies that need payment links, a store or a site? Our referral partner program pays you on every project you bring us. You introduce, we deliver, you earn a commission.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
| Segment | Sale commission | Recurring commission |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15 % | 5 % |
| E-commerce | 12 % | 5 % |
| Marketplace | 10 % | — |
| Institutional | 8 % | — |
A single e-commerce project at 2,000,000 FCFA earns you 240,000 FCFA in referral commission. No commitment, no quota.
Mini case study
Binta, a freelance designer in Thiès, invoiced by bank transfer with 3 to 5 days' wait and unpaid bills. She switches to payment links: she sends a WhatsApp link of 75,000 FCFA to each client, 48 h expiry. On 10 quotes a month at 65 % conversion, she collects 6.5 invoices = 487,500 FCFA, versus 4 before. Fees at 2 % cost ~9,750 FCFA, easily offset by fewer unpaid bills and instant settlement.
FAQ
Do I need a site to use a payment link? No, that's the whole point: the link works alone, shared on WhatsApp, SMS or email, with no catalog or cart.
How fast do I get the money? The payment is confirmed instantly on the operator side; settlement to your merchant account follows the operator's grid (often T+0 to T+1).
What happens if the customer doesn't pay in time? The link expires (24 to 72 h configurable) and becomes unusable. You regenerate one in 30 seconds if needed.
Does the link handle multiple operators? Yes, hosted links usually offer mobile money and card at the customer's choice, with USSD fallback by operator.
How much can I earn as a Kolonell referral partner? From 8 to 15 % of the project value by segment, plus 5 % recurring on showcase and e-commerce. An average e-commerce project earns around 240,000 FCFA.
Let's talk about your project. We set up your mobile-money payment links, or we discuss you joining as a Kolonell referral partner. 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.
