The right time to discuss an upgrade is usually visible in the business itself. A Knomart Agent should not create pressure just to generate a commission. The better approach is to watch for a genuine change in what the merchant needs.
Look for changes in the business
A Free merchant can remain Free. An upgrade becomes worth discussing when the business starts doing something that makes its current setup less suitable.
One of the clearest signals is hiring. When a second person starts working behind the counter, the business may have moved into a different stage. More people can mean new requirements around how the business operates and how the system is used.
Other signals to notice
- The merchant's workload is changing: The business is becoming more active or more complex.
- The merchant asks for more capability: They start asking whether the paid tiers can handle a need they now have.
- More people are involved: A new employee or additional person helping in the business can change how the system needs to be used.
- The merchant raises the subject: A direct question about paid tiers is a strong reason to explain the options clearly.
Do not manufacture the signal
An Agent should not tell a merchant that they need to upgrade simply because the Agent wants recurring commission. The merchant's actual situation should lead the conversation.
If there is no meaningful change, keep supporting the Free merchant. If there is a clear change, explain what the relevant paid tier provides and allow the merchant to decide.
Why timing matters
The Agent who notices a genuine business change can have a much better conversation than an Agent who simply asks, “Are you ready to upgrade?” The discussion becomes about the merchant's operation rather than the Agent's income.
And because the signing Agent keeps the claim when a Free merchant upgrades later, there is no need to rush the process.
The practical rule
Watch the business, not the calendar. A merchant is ready when its needs change. Your job as an Agent is to notice that change, explain the available option honestly and let the merchant make the decision.
That is how a Free merchant relationship can develop into a paid relationship without turning support into pressure.
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