The verdict in three sentences
A one-off project commission pays once; a recurring subscription commission pays every month the client stays. Over a year, SaaS recurrence crushes a one-off website fee — as long as you watch churn. Referring software like Facturo or StockAfrik means building an MRR portfolio that pays you in your sleep.
One-off project vs recurring commission
The classic beginner trap: chasing one-off sales. Every month you start from zero. The SaaS referrer stacks instead: the client signed in January is still paying in December.
| Criterion | Website (one-off) | SaaS (recurring) |
|---|---|---|
| Payment frequency | Once, at sale | Every month |
| Rate | 15 % + 5 % recurring | 20-30 % of MRR |
| Effort per revenue | Repeated each sale | Cumulative |
| Risk | None after sale | Churn 3-7 %/month |
| Revenue over 24 months | Capped | High LTV |
| Portfolio effect | Weak | Strong |
Websites remain excellent for immediate cash (75,000 FCFA on a Growth). SaaS plays the long game: it's a complement, not a competitor.
How recurring MRR works
Kolonell's SaaS (Facturo, StockAfrik) subscribe at 9,900 to 24,900 FCFA/month. The referrer earns 20-30 % of the MRR for as long as the client pays. Here's the 12-month cumulative for a single client (2026 orders of magnitude, before churn).
| Product | Price/month | Recurring rate | Commission/month | 12-month cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facturo Starter | 9,900 FCFA | 25 % | ~2,475 FCFA | ~29,700 FCFA |
| Facturo Pro | 24,900 FCFA | 25 % | ~6,225 FCFA | ~74,700 FCFA |
| StockAfrik Starter | 9,900 FCFA | 25 % | ~2,475 FCFA | ~29,700 FCFA |
| StockAfrik Pro | 24,900 FCFA | 30 % | ~7,470 FCFA | ~89,640 FCFA |
| Portfolio of 20 Pro | — | 25 % | ~124,500 FCFA | ~1,494,000 FCFA |
A single Facturo Pro client earns over 12 months almost as much as a Growth website commission (75,000 FCFA) — except it keeps paying the following year.
Mini case study
Chidi, an accountant in Lagos, recommends Facturo Pro to his SME clients. In 4 months he places 20 Pro subscriptions at 24,900 FCFA/month.
His recurring commission: 20 × 24,900 × 25 % = 124,500 FCFA/month of passive income. With a realistic 5 %/month churn, he loses about 1 client a month — but he signs 2 or 3, so his portfolio grows. Over 24 months, the cumulative LTV of this book far exceeds what he'd have earned on one-off websites for the same prospecting effort. Monthly payout to bank account or MoMo.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
How much does a SaaS client earn over a year?
A Facturo Pro at 24,900 FCFA/month at 25 % earns ~6,225 FCFA/month, i.e. ~74,700 FCFA over 12 months — and it continues the following year as long as the client stays.
Does churn kill the passive income?
A 3-7 %/month churn erodes the portfolio: without new clients, it melts. But as long as you sign more than you lose, the MRR grows. It's a living portfolio, not a frozen annuity.
SaaS or website — which to choose?
Both. The website gives 75,000 FCFA up front (15 % on 500,000 FCFA + 5 % recurring); SaaS builds an annuity. The ideal: cash the site fees and stack subscription MRR.
How am I paid?
A monthly payout calculated on your portfolio's active subscriptions, paid to bank account or mobile money. In Nigeria, refer stores paying ₦9,900/month, payout to bank or MoMo.
How many clients to reach 100,000 FCFA/month passive?
About 16 Facturo Pro clients at 24,900 FCFA (25 %). A reachable target within a few months of targeted SME referrals.
Become a Kolonell SaaS referral partner
The Kolonell referral program also covers software: earn a recurring commission on the MRR of every subscription you place, on top of 15 % + 5 % recurring for websites, 12 % e-commerce, 10 % marketplace and 8 % institutional. Build a portfolio that pays you every month.
Let's talk about your project. We'll open access to the Kolonell SaaS catalog and your referral dashboard. 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.
