The main reason for doing POS business is to earn commission from POS business. But let’s be honest, doing POS business in Lagos or any part of Nigeria isn’t easy.
You set up your table, plug in your machine, and before you know it, three more POS agents are sitting just a few meters away or opposite you doing the exact same thing. Same charges. Same services. Same customer pool. So, how do you stand out?
If you’re reading this, you probably want to earn more commission from your POS business, not just sit under the sun all day hoping customers will come to you. The good news? There are smarter, easier ways to grow your POS hustle especially if you’re a NowNow agent or thinking of becoming one.
Let’s see some practical, ways to identify growth opportunities for your small business POS business in 2025
1. Take Your POS Machine Where the Crowd Is
According to NIBSS, the value of transactions over Point of Sales (PoS) terminals in Nigeria surged to N18 trillion in 2024 . That means this business is not going out soon. That’s why you don’t always have to wait for customers to come to you. Instead, take your machine to where people need it most.
Think about it:
-
Churches on Sundays – Most big churches in Lagos are packed. Some members come with transfers in mind, but the offering basket doesn’t take transfers. That’s where you come in. Offer quick cash withdrawal before or after the service. You’ll be surprised how much you can make in just one Sunday.
-
Wedding Receptions & Parties– The typical Nigeria wedding always have rich aunties and uncles who want to spray cash. That’s your opportunity to earn commission from POS business. Set up near event entrances (with permission) or work with event planners to offer POS services on-site.
-
School Environments (especially during resumption or exam periods)– Think of Post UME, JAMB, GCE examinations where candidates and their parents always need quick cash to sort one fee or the other. With many ATMs having queues or being out of service, your POS becomes a saviour.
-
Markets on Peak Days– Some market women prefer cash to transfers. If you set up near market entrances or inside busy sections (with proper agreement), you can make a good commission.
2. Become the Go-To Mobile POS Agent
You know how some people have a “trusted mechanic” or “their own tailor”? You want to become someone’s “go-to POS guy.” Start small. Talk to shops in your area such as boutiques, salons, barbershops, restaurants owners who are reluctant to accept transfers and no do have a POS device. Offer to bring cash to them when they need it. They don’t have to close their shop and rush to the ATM. They call you instead.
It’s convenient for them. And you? You earn loyalty plus regular commission from your POS business.
Tip: Keep your business card or a small flyer with your number and services. Hand it to customers who use your POS. It works like magic.
3. Offer Extras That Your Competition Doesn’t
Next, to really stand out and make commission from your POS business, you need to take advantage of doing things like;
- Mobile Airtime/Data Top-Up – Let customers know they can buy airtime and data from you too. Small commission, yes. But it adds up.
- Utility Bill Payments – Light bill? DSTV? GOTV? Help customers make payments while earning extra.
- Small Business Registrations – If you’re a NowNow agent, explore the added services like agent-to-agent transfers, or if available, small business support tools.
Well, these little extras make customers come back. And repeat customers give you more money.
4. Partner with Local Businesses for Shared Profit
Similarly, another smart strategy is collaborate, don’t compete. Talk to local businesses like food vendors, bet shops, hairdressers or barbers, and offer them a cut of your commission if they refer people to use your POS machine. Think of it as street-level affiliate marketing.
5. Be Available When Others Are Not
You know how people love saying, “POS no dey work today”? Flip that around. Become the trusted agent who shows up during:
- Rainy days
- Late evenings
- Public holidays
- End-of-month rush
If your machine is charged, working, and you’re available when others are not, guess who customers will run to? You. Once this happens, you earn more commission from your POS business.
6. Stay Visible and Look Professional
While it may sound small, but it matters.
- Use a simple branded umbrella or tablecloth.
- Wear a badge or vest with your name and phone number.
- Be polite, smile, and say “thank you” even when the transaction is small.
In Nigeria, trust is everything. If people see you as reliable and respectful, they’ll always come back to your POS business and even bring others along.
Bottomline
In summary, your POS business can do more than survive, it can thrive in the midst of competition. Therefore, you just need to think beyond “stationary table and chair” and start moving with strategy.