The verdict in three sentences
A nursery does not just sell plants, it sells advice, seasonality and long-term maintenance. The site must clearly separate the consumer offer (one-off purchases, fragile delivery) from the professional offer (landscapers, hotels, property managers) that carries most of the revenue. The real profit lever is not the catalog but the green-space maintenance subscription that smooths out the rainy season and creates recurring income.
Living catalog and seasonality
The heart of the site is a catalog where each plant shows price, real availability and seasonal advice (planting, watering, exposure). In the Sahel, the rainy season (July-October) concentrates planting demand; the site must push the right products at the right time and avoid selling what will not survive the dry season.
The price range is wide and structures the merchandising:
| Product category | Unit price FCFA | Estimated gross margin | Peak season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor plants / pots | 1,000 - 8,000 | 45-55% | All year |
| Ornamental shrubs | 5,000 - 20,000 | 40-50% | Rainy season |
| Fruit trees (mango, lemon) | 8,000 - 35,000 | 35-45% | Early rainy season |
| Palms / landscape specimens | 25,000 - 50,000 | 30-40% | On order |
| Soil, fertilizer, pots (consumables) | 1,500 - 15,000 | 25-35% | All year |
Delivering fragile living goods is its own topic: the site states a Dakar delivery fee of 3,000-6,000 FCFA, a 7-day return guarantee on fragile specimens, and a free nursery pickup option that stays the most profitable.
Consumers vs professionals: two offers, one site
B2B buyers (landscapers, hotels, developers, local authorities) buy in volume, negotiate and want a proper invoice. Consumers want advice and simplicity. The site serves both with distinct journeys:
| Criterion | Consumers | Professionals (B2B) |
|---|---|---|
| Average basket | 8,000 - 30,000 FCFA | 150,000 - 2,000,000 FCFA |
| Payment | Wave / Orange Money | Quote + transfer / 30 days |
| Pricing | Catalog price | Volume discount 10-25% |
| Key need | Advice, delivery | Availability, lead time, invoice |
| Recurrence | Low | Maintenance subscription |
| Channel | Online catalog | Pro account + fast quote |
The green-space maintenance subscription is the B2B flagship: mowing, pruning, watering and replacement, invoiced at 50,000 to 200,000 FCFA/month depending on surface, paid by direct debit or recurring Wave.
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Mini case study
Fatou runs a nursery on the outskirts of Dakar. Before the site she sold mostly during the rainy season and ran slow the rest of the year. With the new site she structures a B2B offer and signs 4 maintenance contracts with hotels and residences at 75,000 FCFA/month.
Recurring revenue calculation: 4 x 75,000 = 300,000 FCFA/month, i.e. 3,600,000 FCFA/year guaranteed regardless of season. Adding 1,200,000 FCFA of online catalog sales during the rainy season, the site generates 4.8 million FCFA in year one, for a Growth investment of about 500,000 FCFA paid back in under two months of contracts.
FAQ
How much does a nursery website with a catalog cost? A Starter showcase site begins at 250,000 FCFA. For a real catalog with availability, seasonal advice and a B2B pro account, expect a Growth package around 500,000 to 800,000 FCFA (2026 estimate).
How do you handle rainy-season seasonality? The site schedules seasonal highlights and shifts communication toward the maintenance subscription in the dry season, keeping recurring income all year instead of a 3-4 month spike.
Can you sell fragile plants online with delivery? Yes, with a local delivery fee of 3,000-6,000 FCFA, a 7-day return guarantee and a free nursery-pickup option that stays the most profitable.
Are Wave and Orange Money payments integrated? Yes for consumers (instant payment), while professionals go through quotes and 30-day settlement, with a compliant invoice generated automatically.
How do you reach landscapers and hotels? Through a dedicated professional area with volume discounts, fast quotes and promotion of the maintenance subscription, the most profitable channel over time.
Let's talk about your project. We structure your catalog, your B2B offer and your maintenance subscriptions to turn the season into yearly revenue. 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.
