The verdict in three sentences
On a single order mixing several vendors, the right model is to split at settlement (once collection is confirmed), not on the fly, and to withhold the platform share before payout. The variable per-vendor commission (8 to 18 %) and split fees (0.3-0.5 %) must be computed line by line, since each vendor may carry a different rate. The trickiest part remains the partial refund (4-6 % of orders): you must be able to cancel one vendor's share without breaking the rest of the order.
Split at collection vs at settlement
Two schools: split the money the moment the customer pays, or wait for confirmed settlement then split. For emerging markets, settlement is safer.
| Criterion | Split at collection | Split at settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Split timing | Instant | After confirmation |
| Premature payout risk | High | Low |
| Refund handling | Complex | Simple |
| Platform cash control | Weak | Strong |
| Wallet compatibility | Medium | Good |
| Recommendation | No | Yes |
Splitting at settlement leaves a window to cancel or adjust before disbursing, which massively simplifies partial refunds.
Line-by-line allocation
Each order line carries its own vendor and its own commission rate. Here is a typical 3-vendor basket.
| Vendor | Line amount | Commission | Platform share | Vendor net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor A | ZAR 500 | 10 % | ZAR 50 | ZAR 450 |
| Vendor B | ZAR 375 | 15 % | ZAR 56 | ZAR 319 |
| Vendor C | ZAR 125 | 18 % | ZAR 22 | ZAR 103 |
| Total | ZAR 1,000 | - | ZAR 128 | ZAR 872 |
The platform withholds ZAR 128 (12.9 % weighted average) and pays out ZAR 872 split across the 3 vendors, less the 0.3-0.5 % split fee.
Mini case study
Thandi runs a fashion marketplace in Johannesburg. A customer pays a ZAR 1,000 order mixing 3 vendors (see table above). The platform withholds ZAR 128 in commission. Then the customer returns Vendor B's item (ZAR 375): a partial refund cancels only line B, returning ZAR 375 to the customer and reclaiming Vendor B's ZAR 56 commission, without touching Vendors A and C. In a month with 5 % of orders in partial refund and 1,200 orders, that is 60 cases to handle cleanly: without line-by-line logic, each is a manual headache.
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FAQ
Do I need a separate aggregator account per vendor?
Not necessarily: you can run one platform wallet and split internally at payout. That simplifies KYC and centralizes cash.
How do I handle a partial refund on a multi-vendor order?
Cancel only the affected line and its associated commission. On a ZAR 375 refund, the platform reclaims its ZAR 56 without touching other vendors.
What does the split fee cost?
Budget 0.3 to 0.5 % of the split amount, on top of collection fees. On ZAR 1,000 that is ZAR 3 to 5.
Can I apply a different commission rate per vendor?
Yes, and it is recommended: 8 % for a large loyal vendor, 18 % for a new one. Line-by-line allocation handles it automatically.
How long to build this logic?
A settlement-time split engine with per-vendor commission and partial refunds is a core marketplace building block, typically delivered within a mid-range project budget.
Let's talk about your project. We build your multi-vendor split engine with per-line commission and partial refunds. 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.
