A convenient way to shop, pay bills

In a bid to offer technological solution to commerce in Nigeria, Chithub has come out with an innovative product called ChitBox, a point of sale terminal that may likely change the way businesses are run in the country.

The official launch which took place recently at The Protea Hotel, Oakwood, Awolowo Road Ikoyi offered those in attendance to have a first hand experience of how to use the product.

According to Micheal Agbogon, managing director, Chithub, the manufacturer of ChitBox, the new device can be used to make payments for services rendered by organisations in the country.

“Change in the consumer behaviour is common today. We are moving into a time when the consumer no longer goes to the service; the service goes to the consumers. Hence there is a need for a device like ChitBox that would change the way business is done. It is a product we intend to export around the world. We are very excited about what we have created and the possibilities it brings.”

The value that ChitBox brings to the consumer is big. For instance consumers can now conveniently pay PHCN bills payment by walking into the street or any store where ChitBox is available. “With a ChitBox available on my street,” adds Agbongon “you can simply walk to the nearest ChitBox operator and make this payment, after which a receipt/invoice will be issued instantly for you as a proof of payment.”

The services available on this platform include: payment for intra-state travels bus tickets, airline tickets, satellite TV subscriptions, utility bills payment, airtime vending, lottery ticket payment, sports bet tickets payment, hotel reservations, and cinema tickets amongst others.

ChitBox also offers good benefits to business owners as it enables them start their own business with little capital and expand their sales reach by selling more services. “A merchant can make profit or get commission on every transaction on his ChitBox. It offers extra-long battery-life that lasts up to two days without being charged and it is easy to use,” Agbongon explained.

Fred Isoh, managing partner at Fred Isoh & Partner, said the launch of ChitBox is timely considering the latest cashless policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria. “Technology is the in-thing and every Nigerian must take advantage of it. ChitBox will be convenient for business owners and the consumers as it reduces the risk of fraud and theft.”

Hence, it also reduces the hassle of carrying cash while shopping and non-availability of change at merchant locations.