How to Start a POS business

1. Plan your POS business

Table 1: Cost of starting 1 POS unit.

Considering the size of the market and competition, your POS business in Nigeria needs a clear plan:

• Feasibility study: 

You need to do a thorough assessment of the market. In your feasibility study, you want to know what your competition is doing to succeed and what they aren’t doing that you can do to make your business thrive.

Feasibility study will also help you map out suitable locations for your business.

• Business plan: 

This will carry the blueprint for your business. It describes everything from your business structure down to financial details. Get your free business plan now.

• Know the CBN Guidelines for POS businesses: 

Knowing these guidelines will keep you compliant as you prepare to start your business.

• Register your business:

Registering your business name with the CAC will give your POS business more credibility over other POS businesses that are operating without registration.

This will also give you access to business opportunities such as grants, government loans, etc.

• Get funds: 

This is an integral part of your planning. The amount of money you can raise determines the scale of your business. For instance, to set up 1 POS unit, you need between ₦50,000 – ₦100,000. So, to have 10 units, you will need about ₦1000,000.

2. Choose a perfect location 

To choose a location (s) you need to do the following:

Conduct location survey:

A location survey is important for you to know your competition and your potential customers. You should consider these factors  in your location survey:

• Proximity to banks and ATMs: 

Most people will not use a POS when they have banks or ATMs near them. So, you need to make certain that your POS unit (s) is not near banks or ATMs. This way you’ll be solving the problem of going to a faraway bank or ATM, which is one of the best ways to reach customers.

• Competitors: 

Choosing a location that already has too many POS centres could make it hard for you to make a good profit. It is advisable to set up your POS business in an area that has a good traffic of people but no POS centre or at the least, very few.

• Security: 

Ask questions about the location that bothers on security. You’ll be dealing with physical cash with your POS business, so it is essential to know if the area is safe for you or not.

• Network: 

It’s frustrating for both you and your customers if you are constantly having network issues with your POS. Your customers won’t get satisfaction and you, on the other hand, can’t make money. So, make sure that the location you choose has a good network to ensure smooth transactions.

Some location ideas for your POS business in Nigeria are markets, residential areas with middle or low income earners, near supermarkets, close to motor parks, etc.

Get a kiosk or shop

People commonly use small kiosks or umbrellas for POS businesses in Nigeria. You can also use Kiosks for your POS unit (s) but if you’re going for a large scale POS business, then a shop is ideal. 

Here’s an idea:

If you’re looking to have between 5 – 10 units in different locations like we noted earlier, you could get 1 shop while the other units will be kiosks. The shop will be your main business place where all your POS attendants report to either every morning or at the end of the business day.  This way, all your gadgets are kept safe in the shop.

Having a shop will also fast track your POS applications.

3. Apply for your POS

Thankfully, the CBN guidelines allow you to apply to over 1  financial institution for POS machines. Other than the popular banks you know, there are microfinance and FinTech institutions that also offer POS services. 

We list the top 5 POS platforms in Nigeria below:

Moniepoint

Moniepoint POS is owned by a FinTech company called TeamApt and managed by Moniepoint MFB. They have one of the fastest POS application processes. With ₦25,000, you will get your POS machine within 24 -72 hours. Follow these steps to become a Moniepoint POS agent:

• Visit the official website https://moniepoint.com/
• Complete the registration form provided for Moniepoint agents and submit.
• Make sure to confirm your contact details, which will be used to contact you after 48 hours.
• An agent will help you on the next steps to take.

Opay

Opay, also known as Paycom, is a fast-growing FinTech  company in Nigeria. You can get the Opay POS machine with just  ₦20,000. Follow these steps to apply:

• Download the Opay app from Google play store or Apple store.
• Follow the instructions to set up your account and upgrade your KYC to level 3
• Email  [email protected] to request a merchant registration form.
• Complete the form, submit and wait for the next instructions after 48 hours.

Paga

Paga is a mobile payment platform that was launched in Nigeria in 2011. The Paga POS machine costs ₦30,000. Follow the steps below to apply:

• Email  [email protected] and the Paga team will contact you for the next steps.

or

• Visit http://www.mypaga.com/
• Click on ‘ Agent’ then click on ‘Become an Agent’.
• Complete the Paga Agency Interest Form.
• You will be contacted on the next actions to take.

Palmpay

Palmpay is a mobile money platform established in Nigeria in 2019. You will be required to pay a ₦30,000 deposit fee, though the POS itself is free. To apply for the Palmpay POS, follow these steps:

• Download the Palmpay App from Google play store or Apple store.
• Sign up for your account
• Upload your KYC documents.
• Complete your registration and you are ready for business.

Firstmonie

Firstmonie is managed by First Bank Nigeria. You will be required to pay a fee between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 depending on the branch. Follow the steps below to apply:

• Get your valid ID, utility bill, passport photo BVN and business registration (optional) ready.
• Visit the First Bank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/ways-to-bank/firstmonie/agent-banking/

or

Visit a physical branch.

• If you use the website, you will be required to fill a KYC form. You will do the same in the physical branch too.
• On the website, you will be directed to the next step. At the branch, an agent will lead you to the next steps to take.
• The process will take between 3 weeks – 6 weeks.

4. Hire the right Staff

A POS unit requires just one attendant. However, if you are going for a larger scale POS business as we had mentioned, you will need a manager, a cashier or accountant and a security guard at the main shop while other units will have just one attendant. 

To make sure that your business is safe, it is advisable to take your employment process as seriously as any corporate business. Involve a lawyer and make sure your employees have guarantors. This will give your money and business a good measure of safety. Speak with a seasoned lawyer about employment for your POS business.

In conclusion, the POS business in Nigeria is one of the top businesses with great opportunities in Nigeria. It is also one of the businesses you can start with little capital. Are you still concerned about how to start your POS business in Nigeria? Let’s help you build your business from scratch up. Start with this free virtual consultation with one of our experts.