“Oga/Madam, na me and you dey hustle…” that would probably be its first statement.

Imagine your POS machine suddenly gets a voice on a busy Monday morning. NEPA don blink small. The network is doing “Ehn,” like it’s shy. Customers are lining up. One person is shouting, “I’ve been debited!” Another is asking for a transfer. Someone else wants to withdraw cash for an amount you don’t have.

Then your POS clears its throat and says, “My oga, if you want us to survive this business, make we talk.”

This post is for POS agents in Nigeria, who are the real, everyday financial lifelines on our streets, in our estates, and in our markets. 

If your POS machine could talk, these are the things it would likely say to help you run a smooth business, reduce loss, and earn more.

1. “Stop using me like I’m a stress ball. Treat me well.”

Your POS is not just a device. It’s your daily income partner. If you treat it anyhow, it will embarrass you in front of customers.

What advice would it give?

• Keep it clean (dust and oil from food stalls can affect ports and the keypad).
• Use a strong charger and avoid cheap ones that spoil the battery.
• Don’t leave it under the hot sun or inside a hot car. Heat kills batteries fast.
• Get a power bank for backup. Power issues are normal; your plan should be normal too.

• “Your network is my oxygen. Give me options.”

As an agent, you already know that the network can make or break your day.

Your POS would say;

• Have at least two network options (two SIMs or a spare MiFi).
• Track which network works best at different times. Morning and evening can behave differently.
• Position yourself where the signal is stronger. Sometimes, it’s as simple as moving five steps.

2. “Please reconcile today. Don’t carry today’s problem to tomorrow.”

This one is big. Most POS losses come from poor tracking, not “village people”.

Your POS would beg you to;

• Do an end-of-day summary every single day.
• Record total withdrawals, transfers, deposits, charges collected, and cash on hand.
• Save evidence: screenshots, receipts, or transaction IDs for disputes.

Simple daily reconciliation routine

1. Print or check POS summary
2. Compare with bank app/settlement alerts
3. Count cash at hand
4. Write profit separately from capital 

You will be able to detect any discrepancies, when you reconcile your account daily.

4. “Oga, protect your float like your life depends on it.”

Your float (capital) is your fuel. If you mismanage it, you’ll be doing “no cash” by 2 pm.

Your POS would advise that you;

• Start the day with a float plan: how much cash you need vs how much is in the bank.
• Don’t over-serve one customer and run out of cash early.
• Keep smaller denominations. Change is a hidden profit killer.
• Separate business cash from personal spending.
  If you must collect salary from the business, do it as a planned withdrawal.

Small habit that helps
Have two envelopes or two pockets; one for float and the other for profit. Never mix them up, so you don’t mistakenly ‘eat’ your capital.

5. “Failed transactions are not the end of the world; panic is.”

Every POS agent is familiar with, “It failed, but I’ve been debited!”

In this situation, your POS would tell you to, “Stay calm. Follow a process. Don’t shout. Don’t guess.”

Use this smart response script

• “Sorry about that. Let’s confirm your transaction status with the transaction ID.”
• “If it’s a debit without success, reversal may happen automatically. If not, we’ll escalate immediately.”
• “Please share the debit alert or bank app screenshot, and I’ll log it properly.”

Pro Tip: Don’t promise instant reversal if you’re not sure. Promise follow-up and documentation instead.

6. “Stop trusting everybody. Fraud is real, and it’s getting smarter.”

POS agents are targets. Fraudsters look for agents who are tired, rushing, or too friendly.

Your POS would warn you:

• Be careful with customers who pressure you.
• Watch out for fake alerts.
• Confirm transfers in your bank app, not only SMS.
• Avoid doing “special help” that breaks your rules.

Pro Tip: If you can’t confirm payment, don’t give out cash. This is not wickedness. It’s business survival.

7.  “State your charges clearly. Don’t be shy.”

Many agents lose money because they undercharge or argue too much over fees.

Your POS would say:

• Put your charges on a clear price list. Example:
  • ₦1,000–₦5,000 = ₦100
  • ₦5,100–₦10,000 = ₦200
  • ₦10,100–₦20,000 = ₦300
  • Transfers = ₦50–₦100 (based on your area)

When you display prices, there will be no negotiation stress and you’ll look more professional.

8. “Customer service is your marketing. I’m just the tool.”

Your POS can’t build trust for you. You have to do that.

Your POS would tell you:

• Greet customers. Even a simple “Good afternoon” increases loyalty.
• Be patient with older customers or first-timers.
• When an issue happens, don’t get defensive. Communicate clearly.
• Be tidy. People trust tidy businesses.

9. “Keep receipts and records. Evidence is power.”

When a dispute comes, what saves you is not your voice. It’s your evidence.

Your POS would advise to;

• Always give customers a receipt or send transaction details (if your system supports it).
• Keep a simple notebook or Google Sheet for date, customer name (optional), amount, charges, transaction reference, and status (success/failed)
• Keep records for at least 30–90 days.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to be too formal. Just be consistent.

10. “Upgrade your hustle: don’t be only a POS agent. Add services.”

Smart agents don’t rely on one income line. They add other essential services. That’s how they increase daily earnings and encourage customers to visit more often.

Your POS would suggest adding;

• Airtime and data sales
• Bill payments
• Cash deposit services
• Mini printing/photocopy if you’re in a student environment
• Small retail add-ons like water and snacks

Quick Checklist: What Your POS Wants You To Do Daily

•  Clean device  and have a stable power plan
•  Network backup ready
•  Confirm transfers before giving out cash
•  Keep charges visible
•  Store receipts/IDs for every transaction
•  Reconcile at closing time
•  Separate profit from capital
•  Treat customers with respect

Our Take 

Your POS machine is your business partner. If it could talk, the summary of it would probably be, “I want you to win. You can only win if you run this business with sense and structure.”

If you heed the advice of your POS machine, maybe Kashzoo or another, you don’t just “survive” as an agent, you grow into a trusted mini-financial centre in your area.