3 Major Benefits of ATM Machines in Your Businesses

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If you own a store or other business, you might wonder what benefits of ATM machines you could reap. If you haven’t wondered about this, you should. In this article, we cover 3 major benefits of ATM machines to store owners. However, you will find that each major benefit breaks down into so many different opportunities!

Not only do ATMs generate revenue, they are also convenient for your employees and customers. So an asset that serves all three parties is definitely something to consider! Keep reading to see if an ATM machine is a good idea for your business.

Increase Revenues

ATM machines increase revenue. Think of an ATM machine as a mini-business. There are thousands of independent ATM deployers (IADs) nationwide whose entire business is ATM machines. They wouldn’t do it if ATMs didn’t generate income! 

Of course, it’s not necessarily a mini-business to them because they might have upwards of 10 machines to operate. But for you to add just one ATM machine to your existing business is a small way to make big revenue.

Surcharge Revenue

How do IADs make a profit? The entire business model for an IAD is to charge a convenience fee—for ATM machines this is known as a surcharge—for users to have quick, convenient access to their cash without having to get to a bank. 

This surcharge is an IAD’s sole source of revenue, and whatever is left after making the return on investment (ROI) and subtracting small maintenance costs (receipt paper, transportation costs, cleaning supplies, etc.) is profit!

Now, most IAD’s have to find location owners who are willing to host the ATM machine. Otherwise, they’d have nowhere to put their machines! To make the deal worthwhile for the owner of the location, the IAD typically offers to share part of the surcharge revenue.

If this is an arrangement you’re interested in, you can be matched with an IAD who will take care of servicing the machine (and potentially share some of the surcharge revenue) while you reap some of the other benefits of having an ATM machine in your store. 

All you have to do is send in an ATM placement services, and ATMDepot.com will set you up with someone who will place and operate an ATM in your store at no cost to you!

Alternatively, you can purchase, own, and operate your own machine. You would be responsible, then, for loading cash, refilling receipt paper, cleaning the machine, addressing errors, etc. However, you would also get to keep the entire surcharge fee, rather than just a portion, to compensate you for your time. If you are interested in this route, check out our ATM startup kit!

Whether you operate your own ATM machine or work with an IAD, there are still plenty of other opportunities to increase your revenue.

Increase Average Spent

If you own a store, maybe a convenience store, gas station, boutique, etc., you want to increase the amount each visitor spends. An ATM is a great way to do this. Why? Cash. When people have cash in their hands, it’s convenient, it’s available, it’s quick, it’s ready. 

Having an ATM machine available to your visitors and existing customers increases the chances of them purchasing more items, especially those impulse purchases like snacks, gadgets, souvenirs, reusable totes…. All of this adds up in the course of a month to drive up your sales (and the surcharge revenue is the cherry on top!).

Increase Traffic

When you add an ATM machine to your store or business, you draw new customers who might only stop by specifically because of that ATM machine. Put a sign up to advertise that you offer ATM services, and you appeal to a whole new range of customers aside from those who might want and need the services of your actual store.

The more services you offer, the wider range of customers you appeal to, and the more business you create for yourself simply by bringing people into your business. Some of these people might not have ever stopped by otherwise, and others still might see something they never knew they needed from your store or business! Therefore, an ATM machine can be quite the lead magnet….

Increase Customer Loyalty

In addition to bringing new traffic to your store or business, an ATM also promotes repeat customers. Almost every consumer (82%) is happy that ATMs are available to suit their needs. This means that a majority of consumers have convenient access to ATMs. Yours could be one of them.

Once users know the ATM exists, they know where they can always quickly and easily access their money. In this way, you bring in more customers regularly.

You can also look for an ATM machine with the ability to print coupons on ATM transaction receipts. Offering coupons to ATM users provides an incentive for passersby to choose your ATM (as opposed to, say, the one across the street) and also encourages purchases of goods and services from your regular business!

Advertise

Another upgrade you can make to an ATM machine to increase revenue is a graphics screen. With a large screen that has the ability to display graphics, you can promote your business with your logo, sales, promotions, etc. Or, you can add another revenue stream by selling ad space on your ATM to nearby businesses!

Save Money on Credit Card Fees

Not only can you make extra money with an ATM machine in your store by increasing revenue, but you can also save money. If you don’t (already) run a cash-only establishment, you likely have to pay a fee every time you process a customer’s credit card. And these fees add up.

If you offer access to cash in your store, you encourage more cash payments. More cash payments mean less credit card transactions, less fees, and more money in your pockets. Then, if it works for your business, you might be able to become a cash-only establishment and never pay another credit card transaction fee again!

Another option you have is Bitcoin. As cryptocurrency becomes more and more popular, you might find that you want to start accepting crypto payments. Depending on where your business is located and the needs of the consumers in the area, you might find that converting your ATM machine to a Bitcoin ATM machine (BTM) brings in customers who may have trouble finding this service. You might even decide to have both!

Improve Safety

Why will passersby use your ATM machine as opposed to the one across the street? People who need to use an ATM machine want to feel safe and comfortable doing so. Most ATM users feel safer using a machine that is located in or near a trusted store or business that has surveillance, lighting, and a good reputation. 

Even if your business is lacking one or more of these, just having an ATM inside your store or business will make users more comfortable than using one out in the open on the street. To ensure you place your ATM machine strategically in your store to enhance comfort and safety, check out our article about ATM security tips.

An ATM machine might also benefit your employees. Do your employees really want to make another stop before or after work to access their money? Probably not. Additionally, they should feel more comfortable using a machine in an environment they are familiar with. So the ability to bank where you work is a plus for your employees, too!

As far as you and the money generated by your store or business, an ATM machine keeps you safe as well. Using store money to load the ATM machine keeps those funds safe and secure. In this way, an ATM machine functions as an on-site safe as well as a money-maker. 

Is Your Business Right for an ATM?

While there are many benefits of ATM machines for store and business owners, it might not be a good fit for everyone. There are some costs associated with operating an ATM machine, including the cost of the machine itself, so you want to be sure you will make enough revenue in surcharge fees to justify the purchase of the machine.

So how do you know how well an ATM will do before you purchase the equipment? Here are a few factors to consider:

Traffic

There are two rules of thumb you can use to predict the success of an ATM machine:

First, calculate 2-3% of the average number of customers your business sees in a day, then multiply that number by the surcharge amount (about $3). Multiply that by the number of days you are open in a year to get a rough estimate of your yearly ATM revenue.

Alternatively, you can take the number of adult patrons your business sees every day and multiply that number by the surcharge amount to get a rough estimate of your monthly ATM revenue. To create a range, take the number of daily adult patrons and add 10% to get a higher monthly estimate and subtract 10% to get a lower monthly estimate. Then look somewhere in the middle of those two numbers for a closer estimate of monthly revenue.

If your business doesn’t see enough daily traffic, these numbers might not be worth the effort of maintaining an ATM machine. So when evaluating the need for an ATM machine, you’re really looking at the demand for the service. Do enough people visit or pass by your store to make an ATM machine worthwhile?

Proximity of Nearest ATM

Furthermore, you want to consider whether or not the market for an ATM has already been cornered. If the store next to you, down the block, or across the street already offers this service, you might have to share customers. This can impact your ATM revenue. However, you can always offer a competitive surcharge fee and coupons to draw that business away from nearby ATMs. 

Number of Employees

If you own an office building as opposed to a retail store, you might want to add an ATM machine to the premises to benefit your employees more than customers or clients. In this case, you want to make sure there are at least 200 people in the building every day and that there is a need for the service. 

If there is a coffee shop, gift shop, cafeteria, or other nearby place for employees to spend money, then an ATM might be beneficial. You might also see an increase in transactions on Fridays before employees go out for the weekend and payday. This might also be extremely convenient for them. So just make sure you properly gauge the need for an ATM machine before committing.

Special Events

Mobile ATM machines are great for use at outdoor events. If you own a bar, restaurant, food truck, or any other business where events take place like carnivals, live music, fundraisers, pop-up markets, etc., then an ATM machine could be a great benefit to patrons.

Essentially, any place where patrons have the opportunity to make donations or purchase merchandise, food, and beverages is the perfect place for an ATM machine. 

Start Reaping the Benefits of ATM!

There are many benefits of ATM machines in retail stores and other businesses. It all comes down to demand. An ATM is a great opportunity for you to make some extra cash as well as satisfy the needs of your customers and employees.

To own and operate your own ATM machine and keep every cent of the ATM profit, request an ATM start-up kit, and we’ll get you started! If you’d rather partner with an IAD and simply reap the benefits of increased traffic and sales, just send in an ATM placement services! Once you evaluate the need for an ATM machine in your store or business, contact us to get started! Click here for more information about special offers for business owners.

Protect Your ATM Machine with These 5 ATM Security Tips

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These 5 ATM security tips will help you protect your one and only business asset: your ATM machine. Aside from the machine itself, which cost you a few thousand dollars, that machine houses hundreds of dollars in cash as well as access to consumer data. 

To protect yourself, your customers, and the banks, follow these 5 security tips. They’re simple and cost much less than the consequences of an attack.

Potential ATM Machine Security Risks

There are two types of risks you face operating an ATM machine: physical attacks and logical attacks.

Physical attacks involve tampering with the machine itself whether it be vandalism or an attempt to break into the safe, uproot the machine, and access the cash inside. 

Logical attacks involve accessing the mainboard and other internal electronics to breach the software or hardware. If successful, logical attackers are able to control the machine or cause it to malfunction therefore giving them access to cash without having to break into the safe.

There are a number of ways fraudsters and scammers can tamper with an ATM machine in order to access users’ card and PIN information. As an ATM owner, check your machine carefully every time you visit it to protect your machine and your customers.

Pinhole Cameras

Pinhole cameras can be inserted into ATM machines in order to record users’ PIN numbers. This is why it’s wise to cover the PIN pad with the other hand when using it because, as the name suggests, the camera is not obviously visible. However, loose parts around the card slot or keypad can indicate the presence of a pinhole camera.

Fake Fronts

Fake fronts are card or cash capture and PIN capture devices. They provide fraudsters with quick access to cash. By attaching an entirely fake front to an ATM machine, fraudsters are able to capture PINs and money.

Skimmers and Shimmers

Skimmers are tools that attach to an ATM’s card slot and secretly capture card details when withdrawals are made. A shimmer is smaller than a skimmer and is used to collect data from a card’s chip. 

An unusually bulky card slot indicates that a skimmer is being used. Misaligned or misprinted stickers are another red flag. These indicate an attempt to cover up where a device has been installed.

Lebanese Loop

A Lebanese loop is a device that traps a card inside the machine. When this happens, the ATM will keep asking for a PIN since it can’t read the card. This leads users to believe that the card has been swallowed by the machine, which sometimes happens. 

However, in the case of a Lebanese loop, once you abandon the machine, the fraudster then has the opportunity to collect your card. Therefore, if you lose your card inside of an ATM machine, call a technician to retrieve it or immediately cancel the card with your bank and get a replacement with a new card number.

Counterfeit PIN Pad

Counterfeit PIN pads will feel loose, thick, or sponge-like. This is because there is a device on top of the legitimate PIN pad that is capturing the PIN while recording it correctly on the ATM to complete the transaction. This way, users remain unsuspecting because the transaction takes place as usual. Numbers are typically transferred instantly via WiFi to the fraudster to use later.

To protect yourself and your customers from these attacks, follow the following 5 ATM security tips:

5 ATM Security Tips

1. Place Carefully

First, place your ATM machine carefully. Not only should you consider the location of the establishment itself, but also the location within the establishment.

Plan ahead for locations with high crime rates like gas stations, convenience stores, pawn shops, etc. Make sure there are security cameras in the area or provide your own. Cameras not only deter criminals, they also provide a real-time feed of your ATM machine and its activity.

Place your ATM in an open, well-lit area. Position the machine to have as many eyes on it as possible, whether it be in a busy aisle or in view of cashiers and other employees.

Finally, limit physical access to the case to prevent logical attacks and tampering. If the machine is against the wall or blocked by shelves or other furniture, it will be difficult for scammers to access points of ingress.

2. Bolt Down the Machine

Bolting down the ATM machine prevents strangers from moving and manipulating it. You will want to get permission from the location owner first as you will have to bolt the machine to the location’s floor, but damage is minimal and residual blemishes can be covered up easily. It will be worth it in the end to prevent any physical attacks.

Your machine should come with 4 pre-drilled holes, one in each corner of the base. Then, with a hammer drill and ½” concrete bits, you will drill about 4” deep. You can also finish with red heads, special concrete anchors (½” x 4.25”) that are hammered through the hole in the base plate and then into the concrete. You can also instruct the ATM installer to bolt the machine down for you.

3. Restrict Access to the ATM Case

Logical attacks require access to the mainboard or other internal electronics, so you will want to secure the top of the case and the seam on the side. If there are gaps, criminals can access cabling between the mainboard and dispenser and gain control of the machine or cause it to malfunction. 

You can either fill the seams or place an internal barrier between the case and the critical electrical components. This creates a second barrier which can deter a criminal even if he or she succeeds in breaching the seam.

Finally, limit the number of people who have access to the ATM. Provide keys to only a few trusted individuals as needed and change them periodically if possible.

4. Regularly Update Software

Logical attacks require access to software. The older the software, the easier it is to breach because it will lack modern safeguards. This is why it’s important to keep software updated. Criminals will target machines with software security holes, so establish a schedule to ensure you don’t forget or neglect to update your software with the latest security upgrades.

5. ATM Insurance

If all else fails, hopefully you will have an insurance policy. ATM insurance won’t prevent an attack, but it can protect you after the fact. In the worst case scenario, you will want to be able to recoup any losses. Fortunately, ATM insurance is relatively inexpensive.

If you own your own store or business where your machine is located, see if you can add the ATM machine to your existing business insurance policy. If not, or if your machine is located in a standalone location, shop around for an ATM insurance policy.

Like any other insurance policy, ATM insurance can be customized to meet your specific wants, needs, and budget. You will want a policy that covers your machine and cash. The premium rate is based on the amount of coverage, the company providing it, and your budget—your policy can be customized to cover any potential risks you want to mitigate.

Consider coverage for any of these scenarios:

  • Stolen cash
  • Removal of the machine
  • Repairs or replacement due to physical damage
  • Robbery while cash is loaded or unloaded

General liability coverage can range from about $400-$700 a year. For many people, it’s well worth it for peace of mind.

Protect Yourself and Your Customers with These Security Tips

Preventing attacks—whether physical or logical—protects your ATM machine, yourself, your customers, and the banks that have to deal with fraudulent transactions and replacement cards. Use these 5 ATM security tips to safeguard your machine, but also be on the lookout for any signs of tampering.

Purchasing a camera is the best way to prevent any kind of attack. Not only will it deter criminals, but with your own camera you can also always keep an eye on your machine and make sure no one tampers with or lingers around it.

The better prepared you are, the less likely you are to experience an attack. And remember to always check for signs of tampering.