Getting Started in the ATM Machine Business via ATMDepot.com

Getting Started in the ATM Machine Business

Want to Start Your Own ATM Machine Business?

Here is a list of our most used resources when learning about how much it is to start an ATM Business. Learning as much about owning your own ATM machine business is your very first step.

The knowledge you have over another ATM Owner may be key. It could be the reason a Business Owner chooses you over the other ATM Business guy.

  1. Download a Free PDF About the ATM Machine Business

    • How to Profit from the ATM Machine Business – This FREE 17 Page ATM Machine Business Start Up PDF is an excellent, informative document for the person currently entering the ATM Machine industry. Click this link to get your free PDF: https://atmdepot.com/free-atm-business-start-guide/

  2. Read How to Start and Grow an ATM Business: The Ultimate Side Hustle

    • How to Start and Grow an ATM Business: The Ultimate Side Hustle – This is an updated version of the best selling ATM Business book on Amazon (The Amazing Money Machine) which is a more intricately detailed and descriptive version of the How to Profit from the ATM Business.

      Written by ATMDepot CEO, Noah Wieder, the book is a GREAT read for anyone interested in the business. Plus, it’s less than $15 to purchase. (Less than $8 if you have a Kindle) https://amzn.to/4ev69yb

  3. Join ATMDepot’s Member’s Area

    • ATMDepot.com Member’s Area – The online Member’s Area features time saving documents, informative audio, and helpful how-to and other videos that teach, support and help you grow your ATM Business.

      There’s information on how the business works, what to do when your first ATM arrives, and time saving tips on how to speak with merchants and acquire locations, The ATMDepot Member’s area also includes many more resources to assist you. https://atmdepot.com/members/become-a-member/

      Great News! We just launched the “Members Area Pro” which features a comprehensive 9 step training system to help you get started on your ATM Business journey.

  4. Join the ATM Business Entrepreneurs Facebook Group

    • On Facebook like the rest of the world? Ha, ATMDepot.com is too. We’ve also got a Facebook Group for ATM Business Entrepreneurs. In the group, we post educational content and tips about the ATM Business. Free inside information, free camaraderie, free networking, free to join!* Come check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ATMEntrepreneurs/

      Do you own more than 10 ATMs? You may want to send a request to join our Veteran ATM Entrepreneurs Mastermind. Not too much learning about the ATM Business in there. In the veteran group, it’s more about networking and talking about hot ATM Business topics. Join us and feel free to invite your colleagues.

      *You only have to answer three questions to join the group. The faster you answer them, the faster the group admin will reach out regarding your request ??

Common ATM Machine Business Terms You Should Know

Firstly, it’s ATM Business, not ATM Machine Business. The reason? ATM means Automated Teller Machine and saying ATM Machine is quite redundant. However, this page is all about learning so we’ve used both terms interchangeably, so you get it.

When discussing paperwork and learning the ATM business some of the terms may feel foreign to you. We’d like you to be able to keep up! Here are a few of the most common ATM Business terms you should know.

ATM Owner

The ATM Owner decides who shares in the revenue. (the location, a referrer, or a partner). The ATM Owner completes a payee form for ATM Depot so we know who you want us to pay (yes, we do that for you).

ATM Depot’s processing center distributes the surcharge revenue share. Distributions occur according to the ATM owner’s instructions. Your payees will receive an ATM transaction statement with each payment. Each payee will also receive a 1099 at the end of the year (if over the IRS limit) so you don’t have to do that either.

ATM Operator

Occasionally we refer to the ATM Owner as the ATM Operator. Sometimes, it’s just one individual. However, a group of individuals, or a company can own the actual ATM and someone else can operate the ATM.

The ATM Operator is typically the person that is responsible for loading it with cash (also known as the ATM Vaulter). He/she is also responsible for handling any service issues (albeit rare), balancing funds, and maintaining the relationship with the location.

ATM Vaulter

The ATM vaulter is typically the person that is responsible for loading the ATM with cash. This can be either an individual or a company. Usually, the ATM Operator takes this role. Though, sometimes the location and/or a third party can fill the machine if the ATM Owner decides to outsource that part of the business.

Surcharge / Income Account

Your surcharge / income account is the bank account where your surcharge (aka residuals or commissions) will be electronically deposited by the ATM Processor. You will complete an ATMDepot ACH form upon starting your ATM Business. You will also need to provide a Voided Check for confirmation.

Vault Cash Account

Your vault cash account is the bank account you have set for “vault cash” and/or settlement funds. The “vault cash” refers to any funds you add to your ATM. When dispensed, settlement funds are ‘settled’ back to your Vault Cash Account. Sometimes this is the same as your surcharge income account mentioned above.

JOIN OUR MEMBERS AREA

If you’re really serious about starting an ATM Machine Business, our Members Area is for you.

Get access to sales scripts, videos, and an editable sample ATM Business Contract, in ATMDepot’s Members Area

Become a Member

How to Start an ATM Business

ATM Machine Business Startup FAQs

To sum up, here are a few of the most common questions that potential IADs (Independent ATM Deployers) ask. If you’re just starting out in the ATM Biz and are wondering the answers to some of these questions, we’ve created this collection of questions and answers for you.

In what order should I start my ATM Machine Business? Do I find a location first? Paperwork first? What’s the best way?

Answer: If you’ve already read the PDF and the book, the next step is to become an IAD.

Do this by getting your paperwork in order and filed with your processor so you can be all set up. Don’t worry if you don’t have a location yet. You can submit your site location paperwork with your first deal.

Next, figure out what your startup costs are for your first piece of equipment and processing. That way when you are securing a location you are already set up as an IAD and are ready to make money.

If you want to jumpstart your ATM Biz, order an ATM in advance. We can send it to your place of business or residence within a few weeks. We can send you all of the programming materials and you can familiarize yourself with your new ATM machine. After that you can be more comfortable during your sales pitch.

Request Your ATM Processing Paperwork

Answer: Most IADs that don’t already have a business identity often start out as a sole proprietor or just as an individual.

As an individual all you need is your IAD paperwork in your own name. Once your ATM business is generating enough income to warrant a company or if you would like more tax advantages. Then, talk to your accountant or tax advisor about the best way to structure your business.

You do not need an official Sole Proprietor, LLC or a Company to run an ATM Business. However, if you are new to the ATM business we recommend you start or use an existing LLC at minimum. Being a legitimate business owner with your license or permit from your city will help you secure a bank account for your vault and settlement funds.

Plus, having your business entity already setup is helpful once you start making more money.

Above all, be sure to check with your local city whether a business license or business registration is a requirement to conduct business.

If you do start out as a sole proprietor, just let us know when you get an official Company name set up. We can do a change of ownership for you. This will move everything into your business name.

Check with your own town, city, or county offices to find out how to get started as a sole proprietor or a business. You might only need to file for a DBA (doing business as name, aka fictitious business name) to get a bank account

Answer: Start Up ATM business costs don’t vary much so these are some of the fixed costs.

Some of the initial ATM Business Start up expenses include:

  • Cost of setting up your official ATM Business (LLC, S-corp, or sole prop) and name. We recommend NOT using the word ATM in your official business name to make it easier to get a bank account. Use something with the word Vending, amusement, group, or even consulting in the name so you can tell the bank you’re not just in the ATM business.
  • ATM Business Cards
  • ATM Business Website (free or paid website)
  • Brochures or leave behinds (optional)
  • Cost of your first ATM Machine
  • ATM Installation and Setup (optional)
  • ATM Wireless Device
  • Start up funds for Cash loading

All totaled most of our IADs start up an ATM Biz for under $5000 and many use a credit card to get started. As soon as you install your first ATM, you will start earning surcharge income monthly to make the payments.

Answer: Your surcharge (aka residuals or commissions) payment goes via ACH deposit directly to the bank account you provide on your ACH Form and Voided Check.

Surcharge income deposits between the 8th and 12th of every month depending upon business banking hours and the Federal Reserve settlement times.

You can also elect to get paid by check or have surcharge funds deposited daily with settlement funds. However, we do not recommend daily surcharge deposits as it makes your accounting more tedious. You will receive a monthly statement for each location by email around the same time. On the other hand, if you’d prefer, you can also download them from the online portal.

Follow-Up Question: How do I get back the cash people take out of my ATM?

Answer: Funds withdrawn from the ATM are referred to as your “Vault Cash” or “vault funds”. Vault cash is sent (settled) back to your designated bank account (as noted on your ACH Form) the next banking business day.

Answers: Sometimes. A separate checking account for your ATM Business is highly recommended. For one thing, if you are starting out as an individual and don’t have an official business, it may be more difficult to get a bank to work with you.

If you already have another established business and business bank account you may consider running your ATM operation under the existing business and bank account if it’s easier when starting off.

Of course, we recommend you speak to your bank first and find out their policy on providing cash for vault funds. Tell them it will only be a few thousand a week and if it grows you’ll open an additional account as needed.

It is also a good idea to have a close relationship with your bank. Unfortunately, some banks do not like the ATM business due to cash requirements and bank audits.

Banking customers that use a lot of cash are expensive for banks. So, if they don’t make money from your account they may not want you as a customer. When talking to banks keep in mind that they want you to use as many of their services as possible. This includes not just a regular checking or savings account, but debit cards, credit cards, loans, lines of credit, mortgages, etc. The more services you use at a bank, the better you are as a customer.

Sometimes it’s better to work with smaller local and regional banks, small commercial banks, and local credit unions that are generally friendly about the ATM business (some aren’t).

Specifically, many of the bigger banks like Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America can be more difficult to work with.

When talking to banks mention that you are in the vending and ATM business and that you will need a certain amount of cash every week to see what their policy is on getting cash. When they ask about deposits, let them know that it is only one deposit per day per ATM machine so you can keep fees down.

Answer: Yes. ATMDepot provides online access to your terminals. You can login from a desktop or your mobile device to check on your ATM(s) transactions in real time. You can also print statements, view deposit reports, and a host of other functions. Additionally, we can also set up low balance alerts via text right to your phone to let you know when one of your ATM’s is running low on cash. This way, you can better manage cash replenishment.

Answer: This is a VERY hot topic in the ATM industry. There are a few ways ATMDepot suggests finding locations. Start with the businesses you frequent. Then, look around, do they already have an ATM machine? If they do, how does it look? Is it updated, is it taken care of, is it dirty?

Then, ask the manager if they are happy with their current ATM service provider. If they give you any indication that they are not, or if you notice any problems with the machine or error codes, open a discussion. If they don’t have a machine, ask them if they have ever had one or if customers ask about the location of the nearest ATM.

It’s a good idea to start close to where you work, live, and/or commute. When talking to merchants about the ATM business, make sure you emphasize a few key features and benefits of having an ATM such as:

  1. More cash in your customers’ hands so they spend more money
  2. Lower credit card usage so you save on processing
  3. Eliminate the need to send customers across the street or next door to use an ATM so they stay in your store and get cash to spend now

Follow-Up Question: Do you have any resources to help me close the deal?

Answer: Actually, yes we do! In our Members Area we have step by step swipe scripts that tell you exactly what to say to store owners if you’re unsure how to close your first deal. We also have an extensive guide on cold calling. Plus, a specific area filled with tips on how to find and close deals with profitable locations. Click here to learn more about it and sign up for access.

Answer: There are no monthly fees, statement fees, or monthly minimums when processing with ATMDepot.

Basically, you don’t pay us anything. Processing is free. To sum up, we give you the full surcharge and depending upon your total transaction volume you may be able to get a little more. The only fee you might encounter is for a wireless communication device. For instance, if you are connecting your ATM using a wireless device, the corresponding monthly fee will be charged by way of the payment option you selected.

Follow-Up Question: So how does ATMDepot get paid? Is there a catch?

Answer: No catch. We get paid by the networks via our processing center for helping you with your business. For example, manage your business, getting your paperwork in order, handling your ATM services, and providing full-service support. That way you can concentrate on sales, for example, while we handle everything on the backend.

  1. ATM Placement – Free Full Service Program
  2. ATM Partnership – Revenue Sharing
  3. Buy, Own and Operate Your Own ATM

1.) ATM Placement – Free Full Service Program – If you have a busy, high-traffic establishment, we will place one of our ATMs in your business. Not to mention, we will manage everything related to the ATM and cash loading and we will pay you some of the ATM surcharge revenue every month. In short, the full-service ATM placement is a completely hands-off, hassle-free program with no financial commitment. Certainly, it is our most popular option for those looking to get an ATM installed.

ATM Depot IAD Responsibility

  • Buy an ATM
  • Install the ATM by having it securely bolted to the floor
  • Handle the Programming
  • Set up the ATM’s transaction processing
  • Load ATM with cash
  • Monitor the cash level and activity status
  • Provide maintenance or repair needs
  • Supply receipt paper and signage
  • Provide a toll-free, 24/7 tech support helpline (If for any reason the ATM has a problem you can notify us immediately)

Merchant Responsibility

  • Provide a standard electrical outlet
  • Show us where to place it
  • Provide an internet line or we can connect the ATM wirelessly using a cellular modem

2.) ATM Partnership – Revenue Sharing – Merchant handles the cash loading and the ATM is provided free by the ATM Depot IAD. This is a popular program for independently owned and operated businesses that don’t want to purchase and maintain an ATM, however, they don’t mind loading the cash.

ATM Depot or IAD Responsibility

  • ATM (bought and owned by ATM Depot IAD)
  • Installation & programming
  • Provide transaction processing
  • Provide 2nd-line maintenance (big repairs, parts etc.)
  • Produce monthly transactions & earning reports
  • 24-hour monitoring
  • ATM network connections
  • Monthly surcharge deposits
  • Handle any customer disputes
  • ATM Supplies (receipt paper, signage)

Merchant Responsibility

  • Provide space for the ATM
  • Electricity (standard power outlet)
  • Cash replenishment
  • Receipt paper replenishment
  • First line maintenance (basic fixes, toll-free helpline)

3.) Buy, Own and Operate Your Own ATM – You will keep 100% of your surcharge per withdrawal transaction. In addition, there are no network fees, deductions, or hidden charges.

Should you decide to increase or decrease your surcharge you can do this at any time without any charge. Our program includes 24/7 technical support, real-time online ATM access, mobile text alerts, and detailed monthly transaction statements. Above all, the funds withdrawn from the ATM are deposited back into your bank account the next banking business day. Surcharge commissions are automatically deposited to your account between the 8th – 11th of each month or can be paid daily.