The verdict in three sentences
In South Africa in 2026, a good online store quote itemises the cost centres — catalogue, payment, delivery, admin, SEO — rather than showing a single opaque price. The right call is to compare three quotes on strictly equal scope, with timelines (10-20 days) and recurring costs priced out. A 40% deposit at kickoff is the professional norm in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The quote structure to demand
A serious quote lists each cost centre with its deliverable and price. If it fits in one line "e-commerce site: 30,000 ZAR", ask for the breakdown. Here is the structure to demand in 2026.
| Cost centre | What it must include | 2026 order of magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Catalogue | # products, variants, photos | 4,000-10,000 ZAR |
| Payment | Cards + EFT + SnapScan, tested callback | 6,000-10,000 ZAR |
| Delivery | Zones, rates, tracking | 2,000-5,000 ZAR |
| Admin | Orders dashboard, stock | included / 4,000 ZAR |
| Basic SEO | Tags, sitemap, speed | 2,000-4,000 ZAR |
| Recurring | Hosting + maintenance/month | 1,500-2,500 ZAR/month |
| Terms | 40% deposit, timelines, warranty | — |
Comparing three quotes without mistakes
The only honest comparison puts all three quotes on the same scope. A low price that excludes tested payment or maintenance is not cheaper: it is incomplete. Here is a typical comparison grid.
| Criterion | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build price | 24,000 ZAR | 32,000 ZAR | 28,000 ZAR |
| Tested cards/EFT payment | No | Yes | Yes |
| Go-live timeline | 25 days | 12 days | 18 days |
| Recurring shown | No | Yes | Yes |
| Deposit | 50% | 40% | 40% |
| Post-delivery warranty | 15 days | 60 days | 30 days |
In Burkina Faso, an equivalent quote lists Orange Money + Moov and itemises each line — the same demand for transparency applies.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Do you know merchants who want an e-commerce quote? The Kolonell referral (apporteur d'affaires) programme pays you for every project signed thanks to you. The 2026 commissions are clear and stackable.
| Pole | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15% | 5% |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
A signed e-commerce quote at 2,000,000 FCFA earns you 240,000 FCFA (12%), plus 5% on recurring costs. No quota, no commitment: you refer, we deliver, you get paid.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Salif, an accountant in Ouagadougou, refers a restaurateur friend who wants to sell online. The project is signed on a Growth plan at 2,500,000 FCFA with 100,000 FCFA/month recurring. Salif earns 300,000 FCFA at signing (12%) plus 5,000 FCFA/month recurring (5%). Over 12 months, his commission reaches 360,000 FCFA for a simple introduction.
FAQ
What must an online store quote include in South Africa in 2026?
It must detail catalogue, tested cards/EFT payment, delivery, admin, SEO and recurring costs, with timelines and deposit. A global price with no detail is a red flag.
What deposit is normal?
A 40% deposit at kickoff is the professional norm in 2026, with the balance staged through to delivery.
How long to deliver a store?
Budget 10 to 20 days for standard scope. A timeline of 25 days or more should be justified by complexity.
How do I compare three quotes fairly?
Bring them to the same scope and compare tested payment, timelines, recurring costs and warranty, not just the build price.
How do I become a Kolonell referral partner?
Contact us: you earn 12% on a signed e-commerce project (15% on showcase sites) plus 5% on recurring, with no quota or commitment.
Let's talk about your project. We give you a detailed, line-by-line quote, or we sign you up as a 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.