The verdict in three sentences
Charging a fixed fee rather than by the hour protects your margin and reassures the client on the final budget. The price derives from a target day rate computed from your real costs and the number of billable days (often 12-15/month, not 22). Selling value — leads, sales, time saved — always beats slashing prices.
Price grid by project type
A clear grid stops you underpricing for lack of benchmarks. Here are 2026 ranges used across Africa.
| Service | Low (FCFA) | High (FCFA) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase Starter (5 pages) | 250,000 | 400,000 | 5-8 days |
| Showcase Growth | 450,000 | 700,000 | 8-12 days |
| Showcase Premium | 800,000 | 1,200,000 | 12-20 days |
| E-commerce Starter | 1,000,000 | 1,500,000 | 3-4 wks |
| E-commerce Growth | 2,000,000 | 3,000,000 | 5-7 wks |
| E-commerce Premium | 4,000,000 | 6,000,000 | 8-12 wks |
| Monthly maintenance | 50,000 | 200,000 | recurring |
The fixed fee must include a precise scope and a defined number of revisions. Any out-of-scope request is billed extra, at the day rate.
Computing your day rate
The day rate is the compass of all fixed-fee pricing. It's built from target income and truly billable days.
| Item | Example | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Target net income/month | 800,000 FCFA | goal |
| Business costs/month | 200,000 FCFA | rent, tools, data |
| Tax provision (15%) | ~150,000 FCFA | on turnover |
| Gross turnover needed | ~1,150,000 FCFA | sum |
| Billable days/month | 13 | 60% of time |
| Target day rate | ~88,000 FCFA | 1,150,000 / 13 |
At that rate, a showcase site estimated at 6 days of work is priced around 530,000 FCFA, consistent with the Growth grid. Never bill 22 days a month: prospecting, admin and revisions consume the rest.
Mini case study
Ibrahim, a freelance developer, wants 800,000 FCFA net/month. With 200,000 FCFA costs and a 150,000 FCFA tax provision, he needs 1,150,000 FCFA gross turnover. At 13 billable days, his day rate is ~88,000 FCFA. So an e-commerce Starter estimated at 15 days sells for ~1,320,000 FCFA, within market range. He avoids pricing at 900,000 FCFA a project that would have eaten his entire margin.
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FAQ
Fixed fee or hourly rate, which to choose?
A fixed fee suits most web projects: it sets a clear budget for the client and protects your margin if you're efficient. Hourly fits mainly vague missions or maintenance.
How many billable days per month?
Realistically 12 to 15, not 22. The rest goes to prospecting, admin, revisions and the unexpected. Basing your rate on 22 days leads to systematic underpricing.
How do I justify a price to a client who negotiates?
Lead with value: leads generated, expected sales, time saved. An e-commerce site at 2,000,000 FCFA earning 350,000 FCFA/month pays back in 6-8 months.
Should I display my prices publicly?
Showing ranges by tier filters prospects and avoids pointless exchanges. Custom projects (marketplace, institutional) stay quote-based.
How do I raise rates without losing clients?
Step up gradually, on new clients first, by enriching the offer (SEO, maintenance, analytics). Perceived value must rise with price.
Let's talk about your project. We help you frame scope and price for a profitable engagement. 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.
