The verdict in three sentences
An artisan who sends a clean, priced quote in 2 minutes looks three times more serious than a competitor scribbling a figure in a notebook. The app calculates VAT, produces a tidy PDF and attaches a Wave/OM/Paystack payment link the client settles from their phone. Measured result among our users: collection time cut in half and unpaid bills down about 25 %, for a subscription starting at 9 900 FCFA/month.
What the app actually does
A carpenter, plumber or electrician wastes hours rewriting quotes, sometimes forgets VAT, and chases payments endlessly. The app flips that flow: a service catalogue, automatic calculation, WhatsApp sending, scheduled reminders and a built-in mobile money link.
| Task | Without app (notebook + WhatsApp) | With trade app |
|---|---|---|
| Create a quote | 15-25 min | 2-3 min |
| VAT calculation (18 %) | Manual, error-prone | Automatic |
| Send PDF to client | Blurry photo of notebook | Clean timestamped PDF |
| Chase unpaid bill | Often forgotten | Auto at D+7, D+15 |
| Payment link | None | Wave / OM in 1 tap |
| Revenue tracking | Approximate | Live dashboard |
The core value is the payment link. Instead of waiting for a transfer or cash, the artisan sends "Pay here", the client enters their Wave code, and the money lands. That shortcut is what melts unpaid bills away.
What it costs in 2026
Two models coexist: the monthly SaaS subscription (ideal to start) and a custom-branded app in the company's colours.
| Plan | 2026 price | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| SaaS Starter | 9 900 FCFA/month | Solo artisan, quotes + invoices |
| SaaS Pro | 24 900 FCFA/month | Micro-firm, multi-user, auto reminders |
| Custom app Starter | 400 000 FCFA | Own brand, 1 trade |
| Custom app Growth | 900 000 FCFA | Catalogue + stock + team |
| Wave fee (collection) | ~1 % of amount | Per transaction |
| Orange Money fee | 1-1.5 % by tier | Per transaction |
In Lagos or Accra, the same tool works with a compliant invoice and a Paystack or MTN MoMo link; commission rates hover around 1.5 % for Paystack local cards, a 2026 order of magnitude.
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Mini case study
Moussa, a plumber in Rufisque, bills around 1 200 000 FCFA/month across 20 jobs. Before the app he waited 30 to 45 days for payment and lost ~150 000 FCFA/year in final bad debt. With the Pro plan at 24 900 FCFA/month (298 800 FCFA/year) plus the Wave link, his average delay drops to 12 days and bad debt to ~40 000 FCFA/year. Net gain: 110 000 FCFA of avoided losses plus cash collected twice as fast, well above the subscription cost.
FAQ
Do I need to be tech-savvy? No. The interface runs on an entry-level smartphone and sending happens via WhatsApp, which everyone knows. Real onboarding takes under an hour.
Is VAT handled correctly? Yes, the Senegal rate of 18 % (or your country's) applies automatically, with a tax-exempt option for exempt clients. The PDF clearly shows net, VAT and gross.
How much do mobile money payments cost? Expect about 1 % with Wave and 1 to 1.5 % with Orange Money per collection in 2026. These fees are easily offset by fewer unpaid bills.
Can I keep my old quotes? Yes, the full history is stored and exportable to PDF or spreadsheet. You can retrieve a client, a job or an amount in seconds.
What if I want my own brand on the app? The custom app starts at 400 000 FCFA with your logo, colours and service catalogue. It belongs to you and grows with your business.
Let's talk about your project. We set up your quote and invoicing app with a Wave/OM link in one week. 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.
