The verdict in three sentences
A partial deposit turns a customer into a committed one: someone who paid 3,000 FCFA comes to collect their parcel. Well-tuned, it filters 60 % of fake orders while costing only 3 % of conversion. The secret: a trigger threshold (say, above 30,000 FCFA) and a guaranteed refund for legitimate cancellations.
How much to ask and when
The deposit must be high enough to commit, low enough not to block. The percentage matters as much as the absolute amount.
| Basket tier (FCFA) | Recommended deposit | Fake orders drop |
|---|---|---|
| < 30,000 | none (free COD) | — |
| 30,000 – 50,000 | 2,000 FCFA flat | -45 % |
| 50,000 – 100,000 | 3,000 – 4,000 FCFA | -55 % |
| 100,000 – 200,000 | 20 % of basket | -60 % |
| > 200,000 | 25 % of basket | -65 % |
Below 30,000 FCFA the deposit hinders more than it protects: better keep COD free and rely on confirmation.
The net effect on your metrics
The deposit isn't free in conversion terms, but its return on the rejection rate is dramatic.
| Metric | Without deposit | With deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Fake orders | 100 % (base) | 40 % (-60 %) |
| Rejection rate | 25 % | 12 % (÷2) |
| Checkout conversion | 100 % (base) | 97 % (-3 %) |
| Cash tied up/parcel | 20,000 FCFA | 16,000 FCFA |
| Refusal logistics cost/month | 240,000 FCFA | 120,000 FCFA |
Refunding the deposit for legitimate cancellations (stock-out, product error) is essential to preserve trust.
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Mini case study
Fatou, who runs an electronics store in Thiès, suffers 28 % refusals on baskets above 50,000 FCFA, often non-serious orders. She introduces a 4,000 FCFA deposit above 50,000 FCFA. On 250 relevant orders/month, fake orders fall 55 %, and her rejection rate drops from 28 % to 13 %. She avoids ~38 refusals a month at 3,000 FCFA, saving 114,000 FCFA/month, while her conversion loses only 3 %.
FAQ
Won't a deposit scare off honest customers? Barely: conversion drops only about 3 % when the deposit stays under 5,000 FCFA and is refundable. Serious customers understand the logic.
Must I refund the deposit on cancellation? Yes, always, when the cancellation comes from the merchant (stock-out, error) or a legitimate reason. Automatic refund via Wave/OM in 24-48 h protects your reputation.
At what amount should the deposit trigger? A 30,000 FCFA threshold is a good starting point in 2026. Below it, the deposit hurts conversion without cutting enough fraud.
Flat deposit or percentage? Flat (2,000-5,000 FCFA) for mid baskets, percentage (20-25 %) above 100,000 FCFA. The percentage commits more on large, risky baskets.
How do I collect the deposit technically? A partial Wave or Orange Money payment at checkout, the balance in COD on delivery. It's a hybrid flow we integrate directly into the funnel.
Let's talk about your project. We set up partial Wave/OM deposits with thresholds and automatic refunds to filter your fake orders. 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.
