The verdict in three sentences
The highest commission rate is not always the most profitable: a small percentage on a big ticket beats a big percentage on a small ticket. At Kolonell the grid runs from 15% + 5% recurring on showcase sites to 8% on institutional, but 8% of 25,000,000 FCFA is worth far more than 15% of 500,000 FCFA. The right referrer strategy combines showcase volume with a few big institutional or marketplace deals.
The full grid by pole
Each pole has its rate, calibrated to ticket size and sales duration. Here is the Kolonell 2026 grid.
| Pole | Sales rate | Recurring | Average ticket | Average commission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15% | 5% maintenance | 500,000 FCFA | 75,000 FCFA |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% maintenance | 2,000,000 FCFA | 240,000 FCFA |
| Marketplace | 10% | — | 5,000,000 FCFA | 500,000 FCFA |
| Institutional | 8% | — | 12,000,000 FCFA | 960,000 FCFA |
The percentage drops as the ticket climbs, but the absolute commission explodes. A single Premium institutional deal at 12,000,000 FCFA pays as much as thirteen Growth showcase sites.
Lower rate, giant ticket: the calculation that matters
What decides your income is the absolute commission multiplied by the conversion rate, not the headline percentage. Here is the comparison on real deals.
| Pole | Sample ticket | Rate | Commission | Close rate | Sales cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 500,000 FCFA | 15% | 75,000 FCFA | ~30% | 1 to 3 weeks |
| E-commerce | 4,000,000 FCFA | 12% | 480,000 FCFA | ~20% | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Marketplace | 5,000,000 FCFA | 10% | 500,000 FCFA | ~15% | 2 to 4 months |
| Institutional | 25,000,000 FCFA | 8% | 2,000,000 FCFA | ~10% | 3 to 6 months |
Showcase converts fast and often (30%), ideal for steady flow. Institutional converts rarely (10%) but a single "yes" covers several months of income. A good referrer doesn't choose: they feed both pipelines in parallel.
Mini case study
Moussa, a banking executive in Abidjan, has access to C-suites. Over a quarter he introduces eight prospects.
- 5 showcase sites introduced, 30% close rate → 1.5 signatures ≈ 1 signed showcase = 75,000 FCFA
- 3 institutionals introduced, 10% close rate → 0.3 signatures ≈ 1 deal signed over the year
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When that 25,000,000 FCFA institutional deal closes, Moussa earns 8%, or 2,000,000 FCFA. A single institutional signature in the quarter weighs more than twenty-six showcase sites. This is a 2026 order of magnitude: close rates vary with prospect quality.
FAQ
Why does institutional only pay 8%?
Because the ticket is huge: 8% of 25,000,000 FCFA is 2,000,000 FCFA. The lower percentage reflects margin and the long cycle, but the absolute commission stays the highest on the grid.
Is showcase really worth it with a small ticket?
Yes, thanks to volume and the ~30% close rate. Five showcase sites a month is 375,000 FCFA, plus the 5% recurring that stacks contract after contract.
Does recurring exist on every pole?
No, only on showcase and e-commerce (5% of maintenance). Marketplace and institutional pay only at the sale, but on far larger amounts.
How do I know which pole to focus on?
It depends on your network: an SME address book favours showcase and e-commerce; access to executives or investors favours institutional and marketplace.
Can the rates change?
The 2026 grid is stable and communicated in advance. Any change is announced to all referrers, with no retroactive effect on already-attributed deals.
Let's talk about your project. Join the Kolonell referral program: showcase 15% + 5%, e-commerce 12%, marketplace 10%, institutional 8%. 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.
