Operators of Point of Sale ( POS) outlets at the ongoing 2021 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) have started making appreciable patronage of their services by visitors and exhibitors at the Lagos International Trade fair.
Some of the operators reported have been able to make good profits five days into the fair holding at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, began.
The operators paid a mandatory fee of N5,000 fee to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the organisers of the fair.
Miss Bidemi Alake, an operator said the competition was stiff as they were many operators but the advantage they have was that many banks were yet to set up their Automated Teller Machine (ATM) stands at the fair.
” We are making good profit. We charge N100 commission for a withdrawal of N5,000 and N400 for N20,000 by visitors.
“Sometimes we reduce the commission when the amount is huge. At the average I make about N7, 000 profit daily,” she said.
Another operator, Mr Tony Ajeh, said many visitors come to the fair with only their ATM cards and patronise POS outlets for withdrawals to pay for their items.
Ajeh said his daily profit was about N10,000 except on the first day of the fair when he didn’t set up on time.
He, however noted that the operators were not given any particular stand by the organisers hence they were roaming about looking for clients.
“I think it will be more befitting if we are allocated a particular location with cover so that we can be more comfortable instead of sitting or standing in the sun,” he said.
A visitor, Mr Tayo Olumide said the patronage of the POS operators was because some visitors prefer to come to the fair without cash due to security issues.
“Many people are coming here to buy things and they prefer to make use of the services of POS operators.
“I just bought some electronics and my bank app is not working so that is why I am here to withdraw money,” he said.
The fair holding from Nov. 5 to Nov. 14 and has as its theme: “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value”.
Over 200,000 visitors are expected while about 1,500 exhibitors from 16 countries are participating in the 35th edition of the fair.
