The verdict in three sentences
In 2026, offering same-day delivery in the city adds 20 to 35% conversion: the urban customer pays for speed. But each trip costs between 1,500 and 4,000 FCFA; without zoning by neighborhood and an order threshold, delivery eats all the margin. The right setup combines concentric zones, transparent fees and a clear-eyed choice between in-house courier and logistics aggregator.
In-house courier vs aggregator
The choice isn't ideological, it's arithmetic: below a certain volume the aggregator wins; above it, the in-house fleet becomes profitable.
| Criterion | In-house courier (bike) | Aggregator (Yango, Glovo, local) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per trip | 1,000 to 2,500 FCFA | 1,500 to 4,000 FCFA |
| Monthly fixed cost | Salary + bike + fuel | 0 (on demand) |
| Capacity/day | 12 to 20 trips | Unlimited |
| Quality control | High | Variable |
| Break-even | ~15 trips/day | Low volume |
| Setup | Slow | Immediate |
Simple rule: under 10 to 12 deliveries/day, the aggregator avoids fixed costs. Beyond 15 regular trips/day, an in-house bike courier costs less per trip and improves the experience.
Zoning and break-even
Charging the same delivery price for everyone means losing money on distant customers and overcharging nearby ones. Concentric zones by travel time fix that.
| Zone | Target delay | Real trip cost | Recommended customer fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center (near) | 45 min to 1h30 | 1,500 FCFA | 1,000 to 1,500 FCFA |
| Intermediate | 1h30 to 2h30 | 2,500 FCFA | 2,000 to 2,500 FCFA |
| Outskirts | 2h30 to 4h | 4,000 FCFA | 3,000 to 4,000 FCFA |
| Above cart threshold | — | — | Free from 30,000 FCFA |
Offering free delivery above a cart threshold (say 30,000 FCFA) pushes the average basket up while protecting margin on small orders.
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Mini case study
Tunde runs an online deli in Lagos, averaging 18 deliveries/day. With an aggregator at 3,000 FCFA/trip, logistics cost 54,000 FCFA/day, i.e. ~1,620,000 FCFA/month. He hires a bike courier: salary + fuel + maintenance ≈ 250,000 FCFA/month, capacity 18 trips/day at a real cost of about 1,400 FCFA per trip, i.e. ~756,000 FCFA/month all-in. Saving: about 860,000 FCFA/month, plus a more reliable service and better reviews.
FAQ
How much does a same-day city delivery cost in 2026? Between 1,500 and 4,000 FCFA per trip depending on distance and provider, versus 1,000 to 2,500 FCFA for an in-house bike courier.
When does an in-house courier become profitable? Around 15 regular trips/day. Below 10 to 12 daily deliveries, an aggregator avoids fixed costs.
How much conversion does same-day add? In urban areas, 20 to 35% extra conversion, because speed reassures and triggers impulse buying.
Should I charge for or offer delivery? Charge by concentric zone and offer it above a cart threshold (say 30,000 FCFA) to raise the average basket without sacrificing margin.
What capacity for a bike courier? About 12 to 20 trips per day in urban areas, depending on traffic and how routes are cut by neighborhood.
Let's talk about your project. We integrate delivery zones, dynamic fees and tracking into your store. 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.
