7 Best ATM Business Start Up Resources

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Are you equipped to handle your own ATM business start up? An ATM business is the ultimate side hustle because of its simplicity. But that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. In fact, we highly recommend that you don’t. Why not learn from and rely on others with years of experience to get up and running as quickly as possible and with minimal mistakes?

If you are interested in an ATM business start up but don’t know where to begin, there are resources for that. If you don’t know how to fund an ATM business start up, there are resources for that. And if you don’t know how to maximize your profits once you’re in business—you guessed it—there are resources for that, too!

One of the best things about an ATM business start up is that it is so accessible. You don’t have to have any particular education, training, or experience to be successful! All you need to be is resourceful.

Starting an ATM business can be a profitable venture for anyone. Here are some valuable resources and tools that can provide you with the knowledge you need to get off the ground.

1. ATM Industry Resources

The ATM Industry Association (ATMIA) was created in 1997. It is a global nonprofit trade association established to service the ATM industry. It offers resources like guides on starting ATM businesses, compliance, and best practices. They also offer educational webinars and conferences.

The National ATM Council (NAC) is another nonprofit trade association that provides resources, support, and industry updates for ATM operators in the U.S. This council has dedicated itself to ethically and effectively representing the business interests of ATM owners, operators, and suppliers in their efforts to provide safe, secure and convenient delivery of cash to consumers. 

However, for more personal, localized support, seek resources from other organizations and mentors, too.

2. ATM Equipment Suppliers

You can get information on ATM equipment from the major manufacturers themselves: Nautilus Hyosung, Genmega, and Hantle. Reaching out to these suppliers can provide you with information on machine costs, features, and other equipment or technical support.

ATM distributors like ATMDepot can provide you with these resources as well. ATMDepot offers a complete array of ATM equipment (new, used, and certified refurbished). This includes the full line of Hyosung, Genmega, and Triton machines as well as BITCoin sidecars, and Crypto Kiosks.

ATMDepot can quote you on any ATM machine even if it isn’t listed on the website. Simply inquire if you have a specific ATM model in mind. An ATM Machine purchase is not required for our ATM processing services.

Many distributors offer bundled services like machine equipment, transaction processing, installation, maintenance, and more. In addition to receiving equipment support, for example, ATMDepot offers free ATM processing even if you’ve already purchased equipment from somewhere else. Another benefit of purchasing equipment from an ATM distributor rather than from the manufacturer is that you can typically get a discounted price!

3. Training and Educational Resources

Websites like Udemy or Coursera may have online courses on ATM business start up basics including compliance, customer service, and technical maintenance. But to ensure you are getting the best information for your time and money, you want to seek out mentors you know you can trust. 

This might be someone you know personally who has experience in the industry. Or it might be someone with an established reputation for expertise and success. Join networking groups or seek out mentors with experience in the ATM business who can provide guidance and insider tips.

Be wary of anyone promising to make you rich, though. Those ATM business “gurus” have established entire fleets of ATM machines in order to generate the thousands of dollars they advertise. That kind of profit isn’t the norm for the average ATM business operator.

Instead, seek out an ATM business mentor who can really walk you through the process from start to finish of owning and operating your first ATM machine. Then, once you start generating revenue, you can look into scaling your business. 

ATMDepot.com’s own founder and CEO, Noah Weider, created the ATM Business Road Map specifically for this purpose. With decades of experience behind him, Weider is motivated by the growing need for successful local ATM business owners and a desire to help them generate residual income. 

4. Support and Community Resources

You can also find support online and in your own community. Reddit has an ATM business subreddit where you can connect with other operators for advice, support, and troubleshooting. There are a number of ATM business Facebook groups like ATMDepot’s ATM Business Entrepreneurs. Even general entrepreneurial groups can be helpful.

5. Financial and Accounting Resources

ATM Business Start Up Funding Resources

You might be wondering where you’re going to get the money for your ATM business start up. Well you might not have to look very far. There are a number of ways you can start an ATM business with no money saved up. Your resources might include major credit cards; loans from friends, family, and/or a potential business partner; a line of credit with your bank; ATM leasing; or even an ATM business equipment financing program. 

ATM Business Start Up Bank Account Resources

You will also need to open an ATM business bank account. Unfortunately, not all banks accommodate this. Your number one resource here is your own, current bank. Let them know what you need and find out what they can do for you. It’s a good idea to start where you already have a good, established relationship (and multiple accounts). This is imperative to a healthy ATM business banking relationship. 

If your bank does not accommodate ATM business bank accounts, maybe they know of one that does. If all else fails, check out these best banks for ATM business. You can even search for the most accommodating branches in your state!

Accounting and Bookkeeping Resources

Once you start generating revenue, you’ll need to keep track of your finances. This is how you will measure your return on investment (ROI) and in turn your profit. Accounting software tools like QuickBooks, Wave, or Xero can help manage your business’s finances, track profits, and keep tabs on expenses. 

But your number one resource will be your remote monitoring dashboard. This is set up by your ATM processor and keeps a digital record of all ATM activity. Use this to monitor your machine’s activity frequently so that you can make the most informed decisions about cash vaulting, address anomalies, and keep track of what goes into and what comes out of your machine and when.

6. Location Resources

You can visit your local chamber of commerce for help identifying locations that might be in need of ATM service. These could be areas that frequently experience heavy foot traffic during select events, businesses that are cash only, or new businesses that might not have been approached or sought out ATM service yet.

Google Maps is another popular resource for scoping out locations. Google Maps allows you to see where ATM service is already offered and where you might be able to fill a gap in the market. You can also use Google Maps to get street views and read reviews of businesses you might be considering approaching. 

You want your ATM to get a lot of business, so locations that are popular are going to be the best ATM locations. Google, Yelp, and other reviews can let you know whether a business is one you are interested in working with. A location’s reputation could affect your own business.

Some of your best results, though, are going to come from local networking. Connect with local business owners and managers who may need an ATM in their establishment. Bars, restaurants, gas stations, and convenience stores are common ATM locations, especially ones that you frequent and have already built relationships with!

7. Marketing Resources

Once you have your equipment and you’ve found a location in which to install it, you want to draw attention to it and maybe even consider placing more machines! You can use some of the revenue generated by your first machine to do some light marketing.

It’s a good idea to have business cards and flyers printed out and ready, even before you get your first placement. ATM business cards are useful if you find yourself in an unexpected conversation. Who knows? Offer a business card, and maybe you’ll get a lead! Referrals are much easier when you have business cards at the ready.

ATM business flyers are better for leaving information behind when you are unable to speak with the location owner in person or when the location owner is hesitant. Flyers provide more information than business cards which allows location owners to think about your service and offer without the pressure of making a decision on the spot.

Services like Vistaprint or Canva allow you to create business cards, brochures, and other marketing materials to attract potential clients (businesses that may want your ATM installed). For the environmentally conscious, dot. is a new business card technology that allows you to share your details digitally from smartphone to smartphone!

And, of course, you can build your brand through any number of social media platforms. Add a link to your very own custom independent ATM deployer web page. ATMDepot’s team of professional web designers can create an affordable web design for your local ATM business and add you to the ATM Providers Near Me Directory, giving your ATM business instant credibility.

Your ATM Business Start Up Is Ready!

If uncertainty and lack of information was holding you back from getting your ATM business start up off the ground, now you have a host of resources that say otherwise. There is no shortage of information, advice, and resources available to you. 

There are no secrets when it comes to starting an ATM business. At the end of the day, all you really need is a clear goal and tenacity. Thousands of people have been where you are and are eager to share their knowledge and advice. Contact ATMDepot with any questions you might have, and get started today!

Scripts That Work: How to Close Deals with Location Owners When Starting an ATM Machine Business

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We’ve heard you! Several of our new ATM business entrepreneurs say that one of the most difficult parts of starting an ATM machine business is finding locations and closing deals with location owners (proprietors). If you want to avoid spending hundreds of dollars a month renting space for your ATM, you’ll want to find business owners who can benefit from having an ATM on-site. This creates a win-win-win scenario for you, the location owner, and the customers!

Once you locate a gap in the market—areas that might be in need of ATM service—you will need to find and then approach the owner of that location. This is the person you’ll need to strike a deal with. Here’s how to find and close deals with location owners (merchant proprietors) when starting an ATM business.

Finding Location Owners

There are many factors to consider when it comes to finding successful locations for ATM service. So after you have a list of leads—say, businesses with cash needs that are not too close to competing ATMs and are close enough to your home or work—you’ll need to get in touch with the owner or another “decision-maker.”

Whether you call ahead or stop by in person, speaking with an employee or even, sometimes, a manager isn’t enough. They can, however, help get you in contact with the owner/proprietor or decision-maker. This is the only person who really has the final say regarding adding an ATM to the location. So don’t waste your time pitching to anyone else, and don’t stop until you’ve spoken to the person in charge.

But how do you reach him or her, and what do you say when you do? ATMDepot sees so much value in cold calling as a strategy to close ATM placement deals with business owners that we’ve created a five-step process. Use these steps to guide you from researching your prospects to making the calls.

Our “ATM Cold Calling PDF Guide: How to Close Deals with Cold Calls in 5 Steps” in the Member’s Area of ATMDepot.com explains each step in detail, providing tips and advice along the way. It also includes complete scripts you can swipe so that you know exactly what to say on your calls and how to answer typical responses. 

These scripts also strategically help you transition to further correspondence and eventually seal the deal. We want you to be successful in starting an ATM business. To give you an idea, here are some lines to get you started:

Scripts To Start

Introductory Pitch (Cold Approach)

This script is useful when you’re approaching a business owner for the first time when starting an ATM machine business.

Script:

“Hi [Owner’s Name], my name is [Your Name], and I run an ATM placement business. I noticed that your business has a lot of foot traffic. I wanted to offer you a way to increase revenue and customer satisfaction with no upfront costs or responsibilities. Would you be open to discussing how placing an ATM in your location could benefit your business?”

Follow-Up (If Interested):

“Great! Our ATMs can help increase foot traffic by giving customers easy access to cash, which typically encourages them to spend more money in your store. We handle everything—installation, maintenance, cash loading, and security. Plus, you can earn a portion of the fee from every transaction, so it’s an additional income stream for your business without any hassle.”

Benefits-Focused Script

Here, you emphasize how the ATM will directly benefit the business owner.

Script:

“Did you know that businesses with ATMs often see a 10–20% increase in sales? Customers with easy access to cash are more likely to spend it on high-margin items like snacks, drinks, and impulse buys. Plus, with an ATM, you’re offering an additional service that can set your business apart from competitors. We’ll take care of everything—installation, maintenance, and cash management—so you can focus on running your business. You will also experience a 10-20% decrease in credit card transaction fees since customers that prefer to pay in cash don’t like going into debt by paying with credit cards.”

Overcoming Objections

If the business owner hesitates or brings up common objections, here’s how you can respond.

Objection 1: “I don’t think I have the space for an ATM.”

“I completely understand. ATMs don’t take up much room, and we have different models that are compact and can fit into small spaces like a corner or next to the entrance. We even have wall-mounted units that don’t take up any floor space. I’d be happy to visit your store to assess the best placement so it doesn’t interfere with your current layout.”

Objection 2: “I’m concerned about security.”

“Security is our top priority. Our ATMs are equipped with advanced security features like tamper-proof locks, cameras, and alarms. Additionally, we monitor the machine remotely 24/7 and handle all cash replenishment and servicing, so there’s minimal risk to you.”

Objection 3: “What’s in it for me?”

“Great question. First, you’ll notice a reduction in credit card fees. If you’re getting $40 or $50 thousand in monthly credit card payments and paying 2 or 3 percent, you can potentially save a few hundred dollars a month. And, depending on the ATM usage, you can receive a portion of the surcharge fee from every transaction. An ATM can also increase foot traffic as customers become used to getting cash in a nearby secure environment versus an outdoor ATM.  Customers with cash typically spend more, too, which means more revenue for your business. It’s a win-win situation.”

Closing Script (When the Owner Is Interested but Hesitant)

If they seem interested but aren’t ready to commit, you can use this script to close the deal.

Script:

“I understand you may want to take your time, but I’d like to reassure you that we make this process as easy and risk-free as possible. We don’t charge any installation fees, and you’ll save money on credit card fees and experience more cash sales as soon as the ATM is up and running. There’s no long-term commitment—if you ever feel it’s not working out, we can always remove the machine. Why not give it a try for a few months and see how it benefits your business?”

Revenue-Focused Script

If the owner is focused on financials, highlight how the ATM can create a passive revenue stream.

Script:

“With each ATM transaction, you can earn a portion of the surcharge. Even with moderate foot traffic, that income can really add up over time. For example, if just 5 people use the ATM a day, that’s 150 potential cash paying customers a month, and I’ll share a portion of the fee they pay with you. Over a year, that can add up to some nice additional income without any work on your part. Studies show that customers who withdraw cash often spend 25% of it on-site, so that’s more sales and less credit card transaction fees you’re paying.”

Trial Period Offer

If the business owner is reluctant to make a long-term commitment, offer a trial period.

Script:

“I totally understand if you’re hesitant to commit long-term without knowing the impact. How about we do a trial run for a few months? We’ll handle the setup, maintenance, and servicing, and you can see firsthand how having an ATM impacts your business. If you feel it’s not the right fit, we can always part ways with no strings attached.”

Offering to Solve Pain Points

Some businesses may have had bad experiences with ATMs or may feel that it’s unnecessary or may have had one in the past.

Script:

“I understand you may have concerns about ATMs (or you had a bad experience with your vendor), but I assure you, I pride myself on being the local ATM operator in our area and want to earn your business as well as others’. We provide top-of-the-line machines with low maintenance and handle all the management aspects like cash replenishment and security. If you’ve had issues with unreliable ATMs in the past, I guarantee I’m local, available, and won’t let you down.”

Urgency Close

If they’re interested but need a push to act quickly, create a sense of urgency.

Script:

“We currently have a few machines available that can be installed quickly. If you’re interested, I’d recommend acting soon since spots in high-traffic areas are limited. I’d hate for you to miss out on the opportunity to start earning extra revenue and benefiting from increased customer spending.”

Now, it’s important to tailor these scripts to your specific situation. For example, don’t offer to remove the machine at any time for any reason and then include a breach of contract clause in your site location agreement. Keep in mind that if you have to suddenly move your machine, you will be out of business until you find and negotiate a new location. Don’t offer it in your script if you aren’t equipped or prepared to do that! On the other hand, if you are open to it, it could make a great negotiation point.

Furthermore, you need to know precisely what ATM features and security measures you have in place. Then, refine your script to give an accurate picture of how you are prepared to handle security.

And you don’t even have to offer a share of the surcharge upfront if you don’t want to. Sometimes, the benefits of increased foot traffic, more sales, and reduced credit card fees are enough incentives.

Essentially, when starting your ATM business, you can effectively build trust and close deals with location owners by using a friendly, consultative, problem-solving approach. 

Other Tips and Strategies for Starting an ATM Machine Business

A good script is great for combating any nervousness you might feel about approaching location owners. But you want to make sure you are prepared for however that conversation goes. There are a few things you can do. 

First, it’s important to practice active listening when negotiating a deal. Location owners won’t want to work with you if you seem pushy or give them the impression that you’re not listening to their rejection or concerns. Don’t stick so much to a script that you fail to respond meaningfully to the lead.

Second, it’s a good idea to have business cards or fliers ready to leave behind with owners who are hesitant or want more time to think. This can help remind them of your offer so that when they are ready, they know how to contact you. A business flier or pamphlet can also contain an overview of your offer, the process, and the benefits to supplement what you deliver in your script. This way, the owner has both heard and read what you have to say.

Finally, ask for referrals! This is a simple way to turn a “no” into a “yes.” There’s another benefit to leaving something like a business card or flier behind: tell the owner to refer you to anyone who might be looking for ATM service. This can alleviate some of the pressure, too, and give the owner another way to help you out if they aren’t personally interested at the time.

Use Scripts When Starting an ATM Machine Business

If you are starting an ATM machine business and are dreading the negotiation of a location, take our advice:

Use scripts that are proven to work. You can find ATMDepot’s “ATM Cold Calling PDF Guide: How to Close Deals with Cold Calls in 5 Steps” in the Member’s Area of ATMDepot.com. This guide lets you know what to do and how to do it. Don’t let nervousness or not knowing what to say stop you from starting an ATM machine business right now.