The verdict in three sentences
Reselling websites rests on two distinct models: white-label, where you buy a build and resell it at your own price, and the business referrer model, where you collect a commission without producing anything. In white-label, the margin runs around 40 to 60 % per site; as a referrer, the Kolonell commission reaches 15 % + 5 % recurring on showcase sites. The real passive-income lever remains recurring maintenance, which builds 25,000 to 150,000 FCFA/month of predictable revenue.
The two models compared
White-label requires management (client relationship, revisions, support) but offers a wider margin. The referrer only brings the client and signs: no production, no support, but a thinner commission.
| Criterion | White-label (resale) | Business referrer |
|---|---|---|
| Build purchase price | 200,000-400,000 FCFA | 0 (you don't produce) |
| Client resale price | 500,000-800,000 FCFA | Client pays Kolonell |
| Margin / commission | 40-60 % of price | 12-15 % (showcase 15 %) |
| Client & support | On you | On Kolonell |
| Recurring | 25,000-150,000 FCFA/month | 5 % recurring (showcase) |
| Risk | Medium (unpaid, revisions) | Low |
| Effort per sale | High | Low |
The Kolonell referrer program
If you don't want to handle production, the Kolonell business-referrer program pays you a commission on every signed project you bring, without coding, designing or providing support. The 2026 rates depend on the pole.
| Pole | Sale commission | Recurring | Example commission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15 % | 5 % | 75,000 FCFA on a 500,000 FCFA site |
| E-commerce | 12 % | 5 % | 240,000 FCFA on a 2,000,000 FCFA store |
| Marketplace | 10 % | - | 500,000 FCFA on a 5,000,000 FCFA project |
| Institutional | 8 % | - | 400,000 FCFA on a 5,000,000 FCFA project |
With 3 to 6 showcase sites brought per month, a steady referrer targets 225,000 to 450,000 FCFA/month in commissions, plus the recurring that accumulates.
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Mini case study
Fatou, a freelance web developer in Thies, resells white-label. She buys a build at 300,000 FCFA and resells it at 700,000 FCFA: a margin of 400,000 FCFA (57 %). At 4 sites/month, that is 1,600,000 FCFA of gross margin. She adds a maintenance contract at 40,000 FCFA/month per client: after 10 clients, she accumulates 400,000 FCFA/month of passive recurring revenue, even before the next sale. In parallel, for prospects she doesn't want to handle herself, she refers them to Kolonell and earns 15 %.
FAQ
What is a realistic white-label margin? Count on 40 to 60 % depending on your buy and resale prices. Buying at 300,000 FCFA and reselling at 700,000 FCFA gives 57 % margin, i.e. 400,000 FCFA per site.
How much does the referrer model pay? The showcase commission is 15 % + 5 % recurring. On a 500,000 FCFA site, you earn 75,000 FCFA immediately, plus 5 % on maintenance.
White-label or referrer: which to pick? White-label if you want maximum margin and accept managing the client; referrer if you prefer income without management or support. Many combine both.
Is recurring really worth it? Yes: 10 maintenance contracts at 40,000 FCFA/month make 400,000 FCFA/month of predictable revenue, independent of new sales.
How many sites a month to live on it? A target volume of 3 to 6 sites/month in white-label or referral is enough to earn a comfortable income in West Africa in 2026.
Let's talk about your project. Become a Kolonell business referrer and earn 15 % on every showcase site you bring, without handling production. 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.
