5 Common ATM Error Codes and How to Fix Them

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ATM error codes can help you keep your ATM working properly. No one likes to see an “Out of Order” sign. Customers expect ATMs to be available and functioning when they need cash. And that’s your service—convenient access to their accounts.

So it hurts your business as well when your ATM isn’t functioning. You lose out on transactions, so it’s important to get your machine back up and running as quickly as possible.

It isn’t very common for new ATM machines to malfunction, but anything can happen at any time. So no matter the age of your machine, it’s a good idea to conduct regular servicing and maintenance to keep your machine running for as long as possible with as little downtime as possible.

There are 5 common ATM error codes that you are bound to see throughout the course of your ATM ownership. But they are easy fixes that you can handle yourself. It’s also fairly simple to conduct other troubleshooting if you follow the right steps. Follow this guide as well as the appropriate owner manuals to help.

How to Troubleshoot Your ATM

There are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot your ATM if you encounter issues. The first step is to assess the situation. This involves you recognizing that your ATM machine isn’t functioning properly. The first thing you should look for are error codes.

The second step is to identify the problem. You might obviously know what part or function of your ATM machine isn’t working. If not, an error code can help. An error code may or may not identify the problem specifically. If it doesn’t, it should at least guide you in the right direction.

Next, you need to resolve the issue. Consult outside resources such as your ATM manual or an ATM technician to determine the severity of the issue. There are two categories of ATM troubleshooting: first line maintenance (FLM) and second line maintenance (SLM). 

FLM can be performed by the ATM owner or cash loader. Most ATM troubleshooting can be done by the ATM owner by following simple directions associated with the error codes and referencing instructions or using the proper ATM owner manuals. 

Simple issues like paper jams, cash jams, and empty receipt paper you can fix yourself. SLM will need to be performed by a qualified technician. 

Hopefully your problem requires only FLM. Fixing the problem yourself is quicker and cheaper than calling a technician.

But, if the machine needs to be opened up for servicing, you might need SLM. It’s best to call an expert when tools and specialized knowledge are required.

Finally, make sure you document everything. Take note of what went wrong, what action you took, and what the result was. You might need this information later for warranties, equipment audits, or to advise employees when future troubleshooting is necessary.  

5 Common ATM Error Codes and How to Fix Them

The purpose of ATM error codes is to diagnose a problem with your machine. They should guide you to the proper repair strategy. There are dozens of ATM error codes you could come across during your time as an ATM business owner, and they vary by machine.

However, we’ve identified the 5 most common ATM error codes and explained how you can quickly fix them:

1. 40047 – Dispenser Error

This means that there is a cassette misfeed and the dispenser isn’t working properly. To fix the problem, check for bill jam. If no bills are jammed, clean the dispenser sensors. If the problem persists, you may need to exchange the cassette box.

2. 20013 – No Receipt Paper

If you receive this error, one of two things could have happened. One, the receipt paper is empty. Or two, there is a printer jam or some obstruction. If you are still having trouble, try the paper reset switch. The printer may require service if it still isn’t working and your troubleshooting has been unsuccessful.

3. D1500 – Connection Error

This means there’s a modem disconnection or timeout. If the host doesn’t respond in 60 seconds it can result in this error. To fix it, verify the host phone number and modem speed. If they’re consistent, your modem could be defective and you’ll need to contact the telephone company.

There’s also a chance that the modem cannot support the connection or there is excessive line noise (D170x). This happens when the phone line connected to the ATM will not support data-communication. You might be able to fix this with an in-line filter.

Another cause could be excessive EMI transmissions from an outside source such as a neon sign or freezer. Or, it could be a programming issue. Check all programming, especially the Dual Master Key setting and Host Processor Mode.

4. F000F – Incorrect/Empty TID

If the terminal ID (TID) is not set, you will need to do so. This error code is triggered when the TID is not set or is set incorrectly. You can check this in the Host Setup.

5. 20002 – Low Cash or No Cash

You will get this error when the low cash warning sensor on the dispenser is open. If “Low Cash Warning” is enabled in the Transaction Setup menu, this sensor will open when the cassette reaches (+/-) 75 bills. If your machine is typically stocked with a low amount of bills, you might want to disable this function. And of course, to fix this error, feed the ATM!

ATM Troubleshooting Resources

When you work with ATMDepot, you’ll never be at a loss for resources or assistance. Here is a list of resources you can draw on if you need help addressing an issue with your ATM machine:

Error Code Lists

You might encounter an error code that’s specific to the manufacturer of your machine. You can search the list of Triton ATM error codes here and Tranax (Hantle) ATM error codes here. The list of Genmega’s error codes can be found in Appendix A of the Operator Menu Guide.

ATM Owner Manuals

Your ATM machine should come with an owner manual, but it’s possible that it’s been misplaced since you received it. If you ever need to quickly reference the owner manual for your ATM machine, we’ve got them all listed here.

Warranties

Each new ATM terminal offered on ATMDepot.com comes with at least a 12-month warranty. Some machines come with a 24-month parts warranty. And others include labor in the warranty. Refurbished ATM machines include a certified 1-year parts and labor warranty. 

So you’ll want to check for this if you encounter issues within these timeframes. You could save yourself a lot of money if your machine is under warranty. Details for each machine can be found here.

Tech Support

For quick service questions, you can call our toll-free support number 888-959-2269 or complete a form online to contact us with a service request or other inquiry. Also, by entering your terminal identification number (TID), you can access our technical support number that can assist you 24/7/365.

ATM Error Codes and Troubleshooting

The most common ATM error codes are going to be simple fixes you can take care of yourself. On the rare occasion that you’ll have to consult outside resources, you should know that they are available and easy to access. The most important thing is identifying the problem immediately and resolving the issue quickly. Because you don’t want your customers to face an “Out of Order” sign on your machine!

The Importance and Benefits of Cold Calling in 2023

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In the age of the Internet, you might think cold calling is dead or at least old-fashioned. Well, we can assure you that there are many benefits of cold calling even in 2023. This assurance comes from the fact that the Internet actually has made business so much more competitive than it was when cold calling first began.

If you have a problem, you more than likely go to Google for the solution. If someone has a solution for you that isn’t on the first page of search results, you might never know about it unless he or she contacts you. Therefore, you want to use every route you can to make sure your prospects know you exist and can help solve their problems. 

The saying, “If you build it, they will come,” does not apply to your business. Are your prospects aware of the benefits of adding an ATM machine to their businesses? Do they know that they don’t have to purchase the machine themselves, they can simply provide the space? Probably not. And that’s where you come in. Your business requires you to educate your audience.

How Cold Calling has Evolved

Cold calling is still alive, but strategies have evolved with customer buying habits. Although you aren’t selling anything, the same concept applies: you need to engage with your prospects.

Don’t confuse cold calling with sleazy telemarketing. We would never recommend that. Don’t use a tactic that wouldn’t work on yourself. Cold calling is, on the other hand, a helpful tool for lead generation. Especially if you’re just starting out in the ATM business.

Customers have heard umpteen sales pitches, seen thousands of ads, and deleted a mass of emails without even opening them. They’re tired of being sold to. What they want is to be heard, understood, and helped.

By the end of this article, you’ll not only be able to see the value and effectiveness of cold calling but also how you can use it successfully to jump-start your own business. 

What is Cold Calling?

Cold calling carries quite a stigma. Most definitions you’ll find suggest a negative connotation. Yes, cold calling means making an unsolicited call to someone you’ve never had contact with before in order to convince him or her to purchase a product or service.

And yes, we recommend that you use this strategy to close ATM placement deals with business owners. But let’s take a second to consider what we don’t mean by cold calling. Cold calling is NOT

  • about harassing people until they purchase something
  • a dead pitch to a stranger
  • a sales call from a random person
  • grabbing a phone book and randomly dialing numbers

While these are methods of cold calling, they aren’t successful. But there are other methods.

The cold calling that is successful is about identifying the people you most want to work with and building relationships with them. So it’s not random at all. You carefully prospect your callees and eventually pitch your services. But not right away….

The Goals of Cold Calling

First, you need to make a connection. Your goal isn’t to land the deal on the first call. It’s to try to earn a little more time to connect. Think of the first cold call as a verbal landing page—you want to build awareness of your brand and get your prospect to engage with you. It’s just one touchpoint on the path to building a relationship with your prospect.

All you need at first is a micro-commitment. And then you’ll slowly build on that as you gain your prospects’ trust. The commitment we’re talking about is getting them to engage and share with you. A micro-commitment could be as short as a 5-minute phone call or as simple as a look at an informational email or resource from you.

You want them to talk about the issues they are experiencing in their business. You want them to open your email later that day or week to get you a second point of contact.

While the end goal of cold calling is to solve your prospect’s problems by placing your ATM machine, the initial goal is to pique your prospect’s interest enough that they take your offer seriously when the time comes.

Successful cold calling is, unfortunately, time-consuming. The more prospects you call the better your chances are of sealing some deals. 

Say you call 100 people tomorrow. Maybe only 20 people actually answer your call. Of those 20 people you talk to, only 1 or 2 are interested in corresponding further. But don’t let that discourage you! If nothing else, you at least open yourself up to more leads.

Benefits of Cold Calling

We’ve briefly discussed one of the major benefits of cold calling: opening yourself up to leads. But the best part is that you get to choose those leads. You don’t have to wait for someone to answer your ad who may or may not be the person you’d like to work with. 

So, you don’t have to waste your time talking to people who aren’t a good fit for you. You choose the people you’d like to work with and pursue them as leads.

A second benefit is that cold calling requires minimal effort for a big result. Even if you can only spend 2 hours a day reaching out to prospects, the more people you talk to, the more deals you have the opportunity to close. 

Another benefit is that it can easily be outsourced. If you’d rather not speak to prospects over the phone or if you just don’t have the time, you can pass it off to an employee or hire a virtual assistant. Once you have landed a client or two you’ll be able to use part of the revenue to hire out your cold calling.

Finally, cold calling works, even in 2023. Cold calling will exist for as long as people use phones to communicate. It allows you to approach the market directly without having to rely solely on referrals. It gives you control over your lead generation by meeting the market rather than waiting for it to come to you.

How to Cold Call

Cold calling does not work if you don’t do your research. You want to build a relationship with your prospects, so you’re going to have to find ways to connect with them. That means you need to know who they are, what they do, how they do it, etc. Most importantly, you need to know what their pain points, or problems, are.

You won’t be successful if you join the call with a selling mindset. You need to maintain a helping mindset. Remember that your goal isn’t to sell your service, it’s to solve a problem. In order to provide value to your prospects, you have to understand them before you can pitch your solution.

When you call, here’s what you need to know:

  • Your industry
  • Your prospects’ pain points
  • How you can solve your prospects’ pain points

Here’s what you need to do:

  • State your prospects’ pain points
  • Propose a valuable solution
  • Counter objections
  • Close the deal

As you can see, your call cannot only present your offer or even be centered on it. Otherwise, your prospects will view your calls as salesy and sleazy and they will probably hang up before you even finish. Instead, your call needs to provide immediate value to demonstrate that you can make their lives easier.

“Share something valuable before you ask for something valuable in return,” says founder of Inflexion-Point Consulting, Bob Apollo. That’s how to make cold calling work.

How to Overcome the Fear of Cold Calling

Now, you might still be experiencing some hesitancy to pick up the phone and strike up a conversation with a stranger who you want to agree to work with you, another stranger. And you might still even be concerned about the ethics of cold calling. Hopefully, we can squelch some of those fears.

First of all, if industry peers are successfully cold-calling, then you should be too. How do you know if they are? Ask them! Talk to people who are successfully cold calling to help boost your confidence and avoid losing out on business to your competitors.

Second, just because you are approaching your prospects instead of the other way around doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in what you have to offer. You shouldn’t base your prospects’ interest in your offer on how much they know about you and your service. You should instead base it on what problems they have that you can solve.

And that leads us to our third point: cold calling does not have to be sleazy telemarketing. The difference between the two is that at the end of your call, your prospects will feel like they have learned something useful, that their time was well-spent, and that they will benefit from continuing the conversation.

The Importance and Benefits of Cold Calling: Jump Start Your Business in 5 Steps

We see so much value in cold calling as a strategy to close ATM placement deals with business owners that we’ve created a 5-step process for you to follow. From researching your prospects to making the call, we explain each step in detail and provide tips and advice along the way.

We’ve even put together scripts you can swipe to use on your calls. So don’t worry if you aren’t sure what to say or if phone calls make you nervous. With our help, you can prepare a script ahead of time and manage the nervousness that sometimes accompanies cold calling.

Our scripts also strategically help you transition to further correspondence and eventually seal the deal. We want you to be successful and have developed a valuable resource to help you jump-start your ATM business. You can find ATMDepot’s “ATM Cold Calling PDF Guide: How to Close Deals with Cold Cals in 5 Steps” in the Member’s Area of ATMDepot.com. This guide not only tells you what to do, it tells you how to do it. In 2023, cold calling is as important as ever. So don’t wait to get started and place your next ATM!

5 Key Points to Make on an ATM Business Flyer

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One of the first steps for setting up an ATM business is choosing a location. This can be tricky to do if you are in an area where there is already an abundance of ATM machines in operation. However, if you are able to find a business or location where an ATM machine could be lucrative, you then run into the challenge of convincing the location owner to work with you by reminding them of the benefits of an atm machine. A simple way to do this is to make an ATM business flyer.

There are a few compelling reasons you can use to seal the deal. When negotiating a partnership, be sure to mention all of the benefits of an ATM machine.

Benefits of an ATM machine include:

  1. Saving money on credit card fees
  2. Keeping customers in the store that need cash
  3. Increasing opportunities for cash sales
  4. Encouraging future business by offering coupons on your ATM screen and/or ATM receipts

If you already have a machine or two in operation, don’t hesitate to discuss testimonials from other businesses you have worked with. This is a great way to settle any doubts the location owner might have about working with you.

Use these 5 points (your testimonials included) to help negotiate your way into a partnership and lock down the perfect location for your next ATM machine. We also recommend creating an ATM business flyer listing these 5 points. You can leave it with the location owners you speak with if they want time to think it over. Or maybe they’ll change their minds if they initially decline.

Point #1: Reduce Credit Card Fees

The first point to make on your ATM business flyer is that an in-store ATM machine reduces credit card fees. This is a major benefit of having an ATM machine in a business. Businesses are charged between 1.3% and 3.5% in credit card processing fees for each transaction made. An ATM offers customers the opportunity to pay with cash rather than card. So the chances of avoiding those processing fees increases.

Credit card processing fees can also be offset by the ATM surcharge. If the location owner gets a share of the ATM surcharge revenue, it can cover the credit card processing fees and the remainder kept as profit!

After installing an ATM, some locations even opt to get rid of credit card processors altogether. This would be a great selling point for small businesses rather than convenience stores where customers expect the option of paying with a card. But a small, local business could save a lot of money on credit card processing fees by encouraging cash-only transactions and offering ATM service.

Point #2: Keep Customers Who Need Cash

An ATM machine draws in customers who need to withdraw cash. This puts businesses with ATMs at an advantage over competing businesses without an ATM. 

The main selling point of your ATM machine is convenience. Convenience is another major benefit of an ATM machine. If customers can access their accounts from the places they’re already shopping, your ATM machine will do well. And, the location owner can count on repeat business from these customers.

Be sure to mention on your ATM business flyer that an ATM machine retains customers who need cash. It’s an added convenience that can give your prospective location an edge against their competition.

Point #3: Provide More Cash for Spending

Convenience stores, for one, experience 23% more in sales from ATM users. This means that businesses could expect to see about a 20% increase in sales just by having an ATM machine on the premises. What is the point of withdrawing cash if not to spend it?

Offering customers the convenience of withdrawing cash in-store in turn benefits the store owner by increasing impulse purchases. Customers now have the cash to do so. And passers by who only intend to use the ATM machine are visiting a business they might not have otherwise.

Therefore, providing ATM service to patrons and non-patrons alike gets more people in the door and creates more opportunities for sales. Not to mention just promoting the business itself. Setting up an ATM machine is an easy, no-cost way for location owners to draw in new customers. 

Point #4: Offer Valuable Coupons

Another way to promote future business and increase sales is to offer coupons. Coupons can be printed on ATM receipts or shown on the screen of your ATM. They not only incentivize customers to use your ATM machine, but they also create repeat customers for the location owner. 

And they don’t have to be used indefinitely. You can offer coupons while your ATM machine is new to create awareness of the added service. Then, once you’ve established a customer base, you can offer coupons only promotionally if you and the location owner would like to.

Coupons give customers a reason to return to that location and a reason to shop there specifically. Using the ATM as an advertising method is also a benefit of an ATM machine. Increased visits equals increased sales and potentially increased ATM transactions.

Point #5: Testimonials

Finally, include testimonials on your ATM business flyer. If you have worked with location owners who have saved and/or made money from one of your ATM machines, get a statement and share it with prospective location owners. 

If you are pitching your ATM machine as a stranger, it can help to have some proven success to back you up. Location owners want to hear from people like them about why they should be open to partnering with an ATM owner and how it can benefit them.

If you don’t already have successful machines in other locations, you can borrow testimony. This might be a statement from any business owner who has benefitted from an ATM machine, even if it wasn’t yours. 

You can also cite the successes of your ATM provider. Knowing that you work with a company whose name is well-known and that has a proven track record can help ease you into a partnership as well.

Benefits of an ATM Machine for Location Owners

If you want to run your ATM machine out of someone else’s store or business, you will have to convince him or her to share the space with you. The best way to do that is to outline all of the benefits of an ATM machine. 

What it really comes down to is extra revenue. Surcharge fees reduce or at least cover credit card fees. ATM machines draw more customers to stores and businesses. And once users are inside, the opportunities for impulse purchases and future business increase. 

ATM machines are money-makers, especially for location owners since you, the ATM owner, handle all of the start-up costs. But it can still be daunting for location owners to enter into a partnership with a stranger. That’s why we recommend including testimonials on your ATM business flyer as well. 

Convince your prospect that installing an ATM machine is simple, lucrative, and safe. List these 5 key points on your ATM business flyer to leave with prospective location owners and expect to be met with interest.

Then, once you have a location secured, contact ATMDepot.com to order your equipment!

Benefits to an ATM Machine and other Key Points and to Make on an ATM Business Flyer via ATMDepot.com

Meeting User Needs: User Requirements for ATM Machines

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It’s important to understand the user requirements for ATM machines because you want to make sure your equipment meets the needs of your customers. User requirements can be broken down into two categories: functional and non-functional. 

Functional and non-functional requirements, or functional specifications, are not terms specific to ATM machines. You can find these terms used within any business that develops software or systems. User requirements are often accompanied by business requirements and system requirements.

User requirements refer to user needs. For example, what the user actually does with the system (in this case ATM machines) and what activities the user should be able to perform. The customers and their needs inform manufacturer decisions about upgrades and model adjustments.

Now, there are both functional and non-functional user requirements. Functional requirements are mandatory. These are the requirements that users expect each time they visit an ATM machine. 

Non-functional requirements are not essential. These requirements are what can make or break the cost of a machine. Non-functional requirements can be left out to save on cost. As long as doing so does not negatively affect the user experience, of course. You might think of functional requirements as needs and non-functional requirements as wants.

For the purpose of this article, we will discuss what functional and non-functional user requirements look like when it comes to your ATM machine. Each has its place, but it’s important that you know what your machine offers your customers.

Functional Requirements for ATM Machines

Functional requirements refer to what the ATM machine should do. This includes ATM behaviors and how the ATM should react when certain conditions are met. For example, the ATM receives input, reacts, and delivers the appropriate output.

The advantage of functional requirements is that they help define service and behavior expectations. If something is missing or if there are errors, it is obvious and can be adjusted. And functional errors are typically relatively cheap to fix. 

Functional requirements support user goals, tasks, and activities. Let’s take a look at some examples of functional user requirements for ATM machines. 

Examples of Functional User Requirements for ATM Machines

Functional requirements are the mandatory actions the ATM should perform upon user request. We can automatically list those pretty easily: withdraw, deposit, transfer, pay bill, account balance, print receipt, exit. Now let’s look at some of those in terms of input and output. When a user

  • inputs the selection to withdraw funds, the ATM should dispense the selected amount
  • inputs the selection to receive an account balance, the ATM should display the available amount
  • indicates that all transactions have ended, the ATM should return the card and return to its idle state

Above we said that functional requirements refer to how the ATM should behave when certain conditions are met. For instance, when a user inputs the selection to withdraw funds, the ATM should dispense the selected amount from any suitable account linked to the card and upon approval from the bank. 

These functional requirements are not unconditional. The ATM can only respond accordingly under the appropriate conditions. Functional requirements include descriptions of

  • data entered into the ATM (card, PIN)
  • operations performed by each screen (withdraw, deposit, transfer)
  • workflows performed by the ATM (transferring funds, accepting envelopes, reporting deposits)
  • ATM reports or other outputs (dispensing cash, printing receipt)
  • who can enter the data into the system
  • how the ATM meets applicable regulatory requirements

When thinking of functional requirements, think of what the customer needs in order to perform his or her transaction. And of course there are many many more user requirements that fall under this category. 

But hopefully you get the idea. When the customer does X, the machine does Y. Functional requirements are the observable tasks or processes that must be performed by the ATM machine. So everything else is non-functional.

Non-Functional User Requirements for ATM Machines 

The qualities or standards the ATM must have or comply with are non-functional requirements. You might hear them referred to as supplemental requirements or quality of service requirements. They define how the ATM works and describe limits on functionality. So in other words, they specify criteria that judge the operation of the ATM rather than the specific behaviors of the ATM. 

While functional requirements answer “what” and “who,” non-functional requirements answer “how” and “to what extent.” And if non-functional requirements are not met, the ATM will still work. Functionality is not dependent upon non-functional requirements.

However, non-functional requirements do help make the ATM easy to use and enhance the ATM performance. They are properties, not features, and focus on user expectations rather than user requirements or needs.

Examples of Non-Functional User Requirements for ATM Machines

Some elements that come to mind when describing non-functional user requirements for ATM machines are accessibility, compliance, performance, security, and usability. 

Functional requirements refer to the ATM output itself. And non-functional requirements refer to how quickly the output is received, how easy it is to get the output, and how safely the output is obtained.

So non-functional requirements include safety functions like the key-operated power switch and operator panel. And security protocols like retaining the card after too many unsuccessful PIN attempts. Or performance indicators like speed of transactions.

A Side-by-Side Glance at Functional and Non-Functional Requirements

Again, functional requirements refer to the ATM behavior. Non-functional requirements define the ATM behavior per certain standards. Take a look at the following examples:

FunctionalNon-Functional
PINCorrect PIN allows transactionsMust be entered correctly within a certain number of attempts
Cash DispenserDispenses cashCan be opened and refilled with cash
PrinterReceipt printed upon demandCan be opened and refilled with paper
ATM StateDefaults to idle upon completion of transactionsCan be shut down and restarted
Functional vs. Non-Functional Requirements

Functional requirements refer to what the system should do. Non-functional requirements refer to how the system should fulfill those functional requirements. So functional requirements relate to components while non-functional requirements relate to the system as a whole.

The customer doesn’t care how cash is refilled, just that it dispenses cash when prompted. Nor does the customer care how the ATM is powered on and off, just that it’s on when he or she needs to use it. Make sense?

Why it is Important to Understand Functional and Non-Functional Requirements

You can think of these requirements from two perspectives. First, you can think in terms of your customers and users. For example, do the machines you provide offer them the options they both want and need? Are they happy to pay associated fees for these abilities? 

Second, you can think of yourself as the customer. What do you need and want from an ATM machine? Does the manufacturer meet those needs for a fair price? If the price is too high, what non-functional or supplemental requirements can you sacrifice to lower the scope or cost of the machine? 

And your answers to these questions might be based on your customers’ answers to the same questions. The purpose of functional and non-functional requirements is to make sure customers get a high quality product exactly as they expect it.

Keep this in mind as you shop for ATM machines from different manufacturers. Which model best meets your and your customers’ needs for the best price? Consider non-functional requirements as you weigh your options. ATMDepot.com provides detailed information for each machine listed on the website as well as owner manuals. Take a look and rest assured that you know exactly what you get before you purchase. Still have questions? Contact us today to speak with a representative!

How to Keep Your ATM Business Going During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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Make no mistake, we are at war with an invisible opponent and it takes an Army to overcome it. You all are an Army! No one here is alone in this. We’re a family of ATM Entrepreneurs with tons of experience and ideas. We will get through this and many innovations and relationships can be borne from it.  Take advantage of any opportunities you can. Here are some thoughts and ATM Business Coronavirus Tips …

Hang in there, people. Believe it or not there could be an opportunity if you’re willing to risk it.  

While at home, you could be planning for the future. This situation is not going to last forever. Stay safe but you can still do things to grow and maintain your ATM Business. Like …

  1. Calling Local Essential Store Owners: Call local essential store owners and offer to take over their ATM for 90 days so they can focus on their main business. Offer to sterilize the ATM often or add value that can help them during this crisis. Think about what might help them and benefit you or your future relationship with them.
  2. Placing an ATM in Your Neighborhood: Think about what would make a difference in your neighborhood. Would a mobile ATM help? People might not want to use an ATM in the grocery store, target, or Wal-Mart right now. They are probably not as sanitized as one that would be brought to their house in a van or on a trailer.
    • Get creative. Even a small 3′ x 5′ trailer (enclosed or open) would accommodate an ATM. Bolt it to the floor of the trailer and reinforce it with some steel “L” metal or large galvanized eye bolts if you want, that will allow you to even add a lock if you want from inside the ATM.
    • Add an ATM Wireless device, Car battery, inverter, and a car battery trickle charger at home overnight and you’ve got a low budget mobile essential service ATM.
    • Advertise on the nextdoor.com app; clean, safe, cash delivery. You can probably set the surcharge at whatever makes it worthwhile for all parties.

Place an ATM in Your Neighborhood

They are paying you for an essential service that lessens their risk to exposure. You are risking exposure as are first responders, medical professionals, grocery clerks, and other essential businesses and employees. 

Contactless delivery of cash would mean they use your just sanitized ATM, you stay back at least 10+ feet while they process the transaction.  You can even have a few of the items you sell displayed in the trailer if it’s enclosed or make a flyer or sign and put it on top of the ATM in a plexiglass holder (like a table tent). Or take the orders in advance and have them bagged and ready to deliver.

I’d also guess banks that service ATMs are being neglected due to short staff, cutbacks, and trying to run leaner. So they might not be cleaned as often or if the store’s maintenance crew is so busy cleaning everything else and they don’t own the ATM it may be neglected.

If you’re willing and need to provide for yourself or others, you are considered an essential business.  You can even offer smaller shop owners who may be struggling and are running to lean to help; even offer to stock shelves for an hour to show him you’re for real and you live in that town and want to help.

This is how true relationships are developed.

Just remember, don’t let this shut you down. There are still ways to earn money for your ATM Business.

Since you’re offering cash delivery it makes sense to also offer a basic delivery service with other essentials. Pick up various kinds of fruits and vegetables that are popular in your neighborhood, add some soda, coffee beans, or whatever makes sense in your neighborhood.  

Maybe even consider liquor delivery (but you’d have to make a deal with a local liquor store to be “their delivery service” since there are laws around booze delivery but many states are relaxing those a bit.

If you have an ATM in a restaurant and it’s closed, talk to the owner or manager. Perhaps they have some food they want to get rid of or sell. Maybe their food distributor wants to move some items they can’t sell to the restaurants now since they are closed. You might be able to help a restaurant just sell their food inventory or work out a delivery deal with them. This restaurant turned into a grocery store to keep the doors open.

Offer items at a fair markup, add the delivery fee in the surcharge (make sure that’s disclosed), $15 – $20 is not out of line if you have a decent selection of common items and they pay in cash with the ATM machine so you have no CC fees (obviously you could take CC with PayPal, Venmo, etc) but if you want to promote your local ATM business and make deals with local merchants that see little to no traffic, offer their items on consignment even. It’s a great way to get to know store owners and perhaps secure the ATM location in the future.

I don’t advise being out of your house, but for some that don’t have any emergency funds or have a lot of bills to pay and absolutely need some income coming in, there are ways.  Just be sure to “Suit up” if you venture out to conduct business. That means real PPE gear to protect yourself.

The more Personal Protection Equipment you use, the safer you’ll be and your customers will trust that you’re serious about the sanitary nature of the ATM and your items. You can also offer wipes, masks, and anything people might need or be running out of.

Some of these items take a few weeks to get. Make no mistake, we’ll most likely be in this mode of operating for at least another 8 weeks, maybe 12.  Get prepared. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is only a few more weeks. This virus isn’t going to magically disappear. 

Links to Personal Protection Equipment: 

Not everyone has a credit card to use for food delivery. Everyone needs fresh fruits, veggies, and some staples often and can’t risk visiting the store often if they are at high risk.  You can turn this into a temporary business and keep some cash coming in. During the great depression, people were selling fruit in the streets of New York, this is nothing new, just a modern twist on survival.

Here’s a Sample nextdoor.com ad (I’m not sure nextdoor.com will allow this but it’s worth a shot. It may get flagged but keep posting). I’d also contact the local chamber of commerce and any other outreach programs to help get the word out. Even 4 – 5 deliveries a day will help you bring in a couple of grand a month.

Howdy neighbors! My name is [     ] and I’m in your neighborhood. I’m in the ATM business and with the virus disrupting my everyday livelihood I’m trying to take care of myself and my family.  Do you need Cash or basic essentials like fruit, veggies, coffee, soda, or something else?

Since most of the locations where my ATMs are located are now closed, I’m offering to bring an ATM to your house or neighborhood and deliver essential everyday items like fresh fruit, vegetables, and some other items to reduce your risk of going outside.

If you need some cash for when you do need to venture out to stock up on other supplies you can count on my ATM to be safe. It will be sanitized after every single person uses it (unlike the ones at the stores). Having cash before you go to the store will also reduce your risk of exposure since you won’t have to touch the credit or debit card machines and you can get in and out of the store faster. 

In order to make my delivery service convenient and safe for everyone, I will be wearing personal protection (Mask, Gloves, etc) and everything I sell will have been sanitized prior to delivery. I will wear gloves when getting your selections. 

For example. I will have bananas, apples, onions, potatoes, (list items you plan to offer here including any cleaning supplies. Think of things your neighbors might want).  If there is something else you want, I will be going to the store to stock up on (pick some days) and you can email items that interest you. If I can find them available, I can provide them.  There will be a minimal markup on items but I do ask that you pay for them with the cash from my ATM machine and the delivery charge will be included in the ATM surcharge of (enter what you want to charge here – $15, $20  ??). It is a flat fee for delivery and cash withdrawal. The maximum cash you can get per visit is $200 (there will not be much more than that available in the ATM for each delivery for safety reasons). If you prefer to pay with Venmo (or enter another form of payment you might take) the delivery fee will be added to that payment method.

Thank you for helping me support my family during this crisis. God bless us all!