The verdict in three sentences
Starting a service without a deposit means financing the client and exposing yourself to last-minute cancellations. The deposit + balance split (30 to 50% on order, the rest on delivery) halves the cancellation rate and secures your cash flow. Automating balance reminders by WhatsApp adds +25% of on-time payments for a module costing 120,000–350,000 FCFA.
Flat or percentage deposit, manual or auto reminders
The deposit structure depends on your trade and average basket. Here are the key trade-offs.
| Criterion | No deposit | Flat deposit | Percentage deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation rate | high | medium | low (÷2) |
| Cash flow at start | none | fixed | proportional |
| Suits small baskets | — | yes | less |
| Suits large baskets | — | less | yes |
| Mobile money fee per slice | — | 1–1.5% | 1–1.5% |
| Client perception | risky | clear | fair |
Manual vs automatic balance reminders
The balance is where money leaks. An automated reminder changes everything.
| Criterion | Manual reminder | Automatic WhatsApp reminder |
|---|---|---|
| On-time payments | baseline | +25% |
| Time spent / file | 15–30 min | near zero |
| Missed reminders | frequent | none |
| Traceability | weak | timestamped |
| Cost | human time | included in module |
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Do you know service providers struggling with deposits and collection? Refer them to Kolonell and earn a referral commission. The program pays according to the signed project's segment.
| Project segment | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15% | + 5% recurring |
| E-commerce | 12% | — |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
A simple 2,000,000 FCFA e-commerce site referred earns 240,000 FCFA in commission; a 500,000 FCFA showcase site earns 75,000 FCFA + 5% on recurring maintenance.
Mini case study
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Mariama, an event caterer in Dakar, signs 10 jobs a month, averaging 600,000 FCFA. Without a deposit she absorbed 2 cancellations a month (wasted food and time). With a non-refundable 40% deposit (240,000 FCFA) collected via Wave (1.5% fee = 3,600 FCFA), cancellations drop to 1. WhatsApp balance reminders bring her +25% of balances paid on time, improving cash flow by several hundred thousand FCFA a month. The 200,000 FCFA module pays for itself in the first month.
FAQ
What deposit percentage should I ask for in 2026?
Common practice sits between 30 and 50% on order, balance on delivery. For material-heavy services (catering, printing), 40-50% better protects your cash flow.
Is a non-refundable deposit lawful?
Yes, provided you state it clearly in your terms and on the quote. It is precisely its non-refundable nature that halves the cancellation rate, because it commits the client.
How is this different from product installments (BNPL)?
The deposit/balance split stages a service (kickoff then delivery); it is not consumer credit. You advance nothing: you secure the start of the work.
Are automatic reminders worth the module cost?
Yes: +25% on-time payments and zero missed follow-ups quickly repay a 120,000–350,000 FCFA module. The cash-flow gain usually exceeds the cost within the first month.
How do I become a Kolonell referral partner?
Just introduce us to a qualified prospect. If the project signs, you earn 15% (showcase), 12% (e-commerce), 10% (marketplace) or 8% (institutional), plus 5% recurring on showcase sites.
Let's talk about your project. We automate your deposits, balances and reminders, and we reward your referrals. 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.
