Azar is a name that has lived in Ghanaian homes for generations. Established in 1921, the brand has become synonymous with quality paints and coatings. Today, its showroom is a busy hub where customers stream in daily for paints, hardware, tools, and waterproofing solutions. 

Now, imagine running such a place with only cash payments. That was Azar’s reality in the early years when digital payments were not so popular. Customers who came with their cards had to find the nearest ATM to withdraw cash, and sometimes, they never returned. 

Later, Azar introduced POS machines to collect payments, but this also came with its own set of problems. “Sometimes the payment would go, but it would not appear on our system,” recalls Mr. Jesse Eglow, Senior Salesman at Azar. 

These challenges didn’t just frustrate customers; they cost sales. 

A Better Way to Pay 

Switching to Hubtel’s Unique USSD felt like a breath of fresh air. Customers no longer had to depend on cash or cards. Payments could now be made instantly from any mobile device, without worrying about internet or network failures. 

“The time for processing is just within 20 seconds, and it’s done,” Jesse explains. “Before, you’d be standing there for two minutes or more. The speed has helped us serve more customers in a day.” 

For Mr. Marc Jarjoura, Assistant Showroom Manager, the ease of use makes a big difference. “At the end of the day, when we’re closing, I just access my dashboard and check the sales done for the day. It’s very easy to navigate.” 

More Than Speed 

Beyond convenience, security has been another big win. With mobile money fraud on the rise, Hubtel’s system gives Azar extra peace of mind. Payments go straight into the Hubtel wallet; traceable and protected. Fraudsters don’t even get the chance to call or trick anyone. 

Customers have noticed the change and embraced it. At first, some needed a little guidance, but before long, many preferred it. “Our regular customers have seen the improvement and are enjoying using the USSD,” Jesse says. 

Standing Out Through Service 

For Azar, one thing that has always been non-negotiable is quality service. In an area filled with competing shops, standing out is essential. 

“We like to have the most advanced system in serving our customers,” says Marc. “This area is full of shops, so you need something different. Customers come here and say the service we give; they don’t see it anywhere else.” 

With Hubtel’s Unique USSD, Azar has been able to serve customers faster, reduce stress at the counter, and strengthen its reputation for excellent service. 

When asked to describe the payment solution in one word, Jesse said “Speed.” Marc added, “Efficiency.” 

For a company that has served Ghanaians for more than 100 years, embracing payment solutions like Hubtel’s Unique USSD shows that Azar is not just keeping up with the times, but setting the pace for what excellent customer service should look like.