Tag Archive for: atm business

7 Tips for Maximizing ATM Revenue in 2022

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We’ve talked about maximizing ATM revenue before, but we think it bears repeating. Plus, some things have changed in the economy and the industry in recent years. So, here is a modified, modernized, fresh list of things you can do to maximize your ATM revenue this year.

What is ATM Revenue?

Your ATM revenue is the money your machine brings in. So, how many people use your ATM in a day? A month? A year? The number of transactions made multiplied by your surcharge equals your revenue. The more revenue you make, the more profit you make because that means there is more left over after you cover business expenses. Maximum revenue is good for your business, and it’s good for you!

How to Make ATM Revenue Projections

There are a couple of ways you can predict your revenue and set revenue goals. First, if your ATM machine is in a store, restaurant, or other business, you might expect an average of 200 customers to visit the establishment every day. Now, the ATM industry estimates that about 1-5% of people who see an ATM actually use it, so you can count on about 6 or so people using your machine each day.

Another way to figure revenue projections is to determine how many adult patrons the establishment sees in a day. This should equal (plus or minus 10%) the same number of ATM transactions your machine will have in a month. This number might be a little lower if the establishment accepts credit cards or offers cash back at the point of sale (POS). 

For estimation’s sake, then, say the establishment where your machine is located sees 200 patrons a day. At the higher end of the spectrum, you could expect 200 ATM transactions in a month. At the lower end of the spectrum, you might expect 20-40% less (120-160). Multiplied by an average surcharge of about $3.00, you’re looking at a range of about $360-$480 in revenue each month.

Now, these figures won’t be exact. As you can see from the following list, there are a number of factors to take into consideration when it comes to maximizing your ATM revenue. So if you are experiencing numbers lower than the projections you get from the formulas, try implementing one or more of these 7 tips.

How to Maximize ATM Revenue

1. Adjust Surcharge

One of the most obvious ways to bring in more money is to adjust the surcharge. This is, after all, where your revenue comes from. However, while raising your surcharge could bring in more revenue, it could also deter customers if it’s too high.

If you already have a relatively high surcharge (the average is about $3.00), lowering it might bring in more users. Eight transactions at $2.50 is more than 6 transactions at $3.00. So you’ll want to experiment to find the sweet spot. 

Your surcharge fee will also depend on your competition. Consider the rates of nearby ATM machines. If you can offer a lower surcharge, you might be able to corner the market. If you don’t have any competition, you might be able to increase your surcharge without compromising the number of transactions you see.

And don’t forget, if your ATM is located in an establishment with a liquor license, your surcharge could be upwards of $4.00. So the establishment where your machine is located is a factor as well.

2. Diversify Denominations

Believe it or not, not all denominations perform the same in every location. In areas where there are more high dollar withdrawal amounts, higher denominations like 20s are standard and convenient for users. However, ATMs in areas where people prefer to withdraw smaller amounts of cash at a time perform better with smaller denominations like 5s or 10s.

To change the denomination(s) your machine dispenses, speak with your ATM processor. They will need to set you up with the right cassette and programming to make it happen.

3. Advertise

People cannot use your machine if they don’t know it exists. Therefore, advertising is key. There are a number of simple things you can do that won’t cost you a thing.

First of all, make passersby aware that your ATM is nearby even before they enter the establishment. Consider putting up a sign in the window for some cheap, easy advertising. Make your own sign for free, or purchase one depending on your needs and the preference of the location owner.

Second, advertise your ATM on the establishment’s website or on Google Maps. Make sure that people who are researching the establishment online or are looking specifically for an ATM machine know that there is one at that location.

Third, make sure the machine can be seen by patrons of the establishment. Is it in plain sight with no shelves or corners hiding it? Are there zero obstructions, making it easy to get to? Is the area well-lit? These are all factors to consider when it comes to drawing in more users, and the best part is that they can easily be adjusted without spending any extra money.

Now, if you do find that you need to do a little more, you might want to put some money into your advertising. You can purchase a topper for your ATM machine that helps make it more visible. You can even get one that can display messages and graphics to add to its appeal. Use LED signs and lights with bright colors to catch customers’ attention.

4. Offer Incentives

Your ATM might have the ability to print coupons on the ATM receipt paper. This is a great way to encourage repeat business. Gas discount coupons work well for gas stations. Car wash coupons, BOGO offers, and free drink with purchase are other good ideas. Customers are more likely to use an ATM if they get a bonus or extra benefit.

5. Update and Upgrade

Customers might not feel comfortable using your machine if it looks old, run-down, and out-of-order or likely to malfunction. If you are looking for ways to maximize your ATM revenue, we’re sure this isn’t the state of your machine. But customers might not know that just by looking at it. 

Make sure the area around the machine is clean, the machine itself is clean, the decals are new and not peeling, and your machine is fully stocked and functioning during all hours of operation. The less downtime your machine experiences, the more opportunities you open to transactions.

Your machine might look great! But certain upgrades can make your machine stand out from the competition. Earlier we mentioned using LED lights, topper, and graphics to help advertise your machine, but these features can also make your machine look more inviting if it’s already in a conspicuous area.

As long as you ensure your software is updated, then you minimize the downtime of your ATM and speed up transactions. This keeps users coming back. Upgrades are a nice touch if you find that you need them. 

6. Change Locations

You might want to experiment with the placement of your machine as well. Place the machine near the door where patrons have two opportunities to pass by it (coming and going). Or near the cash register where almost every patron is sure to stop and probably need cash. You might also consider placing it near a particularly popular aisle where more people are likely to spot it. Be strategic.

If your machine can be hooked up outside, you might want to consider this as well. This opens business up to passersby who never intended to enter the establishment in the first place. It’s also quite obviously visible this way, and if the establishment isn’t open 24/7, you open your machine up to more transaction opportunities by extending its hours of operation.

Finally, if all else fails and you aren’t seeing the numbers you want to, it might be a matter of slow business or foot traffic to the location. If you aren’t seeing at least 200 patrons in a day/transactions in a month, you might consider looking for a busier, more profitable location.

7. Scale Your Business

Now, if your machine is doing as well as you could hope, but you still want to bring in more revenue, it might be time to scale. This could mean adding another ATM machine or two (or ten!) to your route, or it could mean branching out into the Bitcoin ATM business. 

Cryptocurrency is rising in popularity. If you live in an area with a heavy population of crypto users, it might be worth it to give it a shot. Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs) allow users to purchase bitcoin with cash or debit card, and they can sell bitcoin for cash as well. Adding a BTM to your route would provide an additional source of revenue.

Maximize ATM Revenue in 2022

There is no shortage of opportunities when it comes to the ATM business. If one strategy doesn’t work, it doesn’t take much effort to try another! That’s the beauty of passive income. 

Unfortunately, we don’t have the perfect recipe for your success. It will require some trial and error. That’s because no two ATM businesses look the same. There are so many factors to consider, but that also means that there are many possibilities to explore. Find what works for you and your personal revenue goals this year.

The Future of Cash: Is the ATM Business Dying?

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Is the ATM business dying? The short answer: No. As long as there is cash, there will be ATM machines. 

Not only is cash not going away anytime soon, cash is the most widely accessible payment form. ATMs are needed to keep it that way. Digital payment systems have their place, but so does cash. People love to have options. And they don’t react positively when their choices are taken away.

Cash has been around for about 3,000 years. It won’t disappear overnight. There is actually more currency in circulation now than ever before because of the uncertainty caused by Covid-19 the past year.

Although cash payments may be declining, ATM machines can adapt (and already have been) to an increasingly digital society. So as the needs of the consumer evolve, so too will ATM machines. And you’ll want to be there when they do. 

Digital Payment Systems

There are many alternatives to cash payments. Obviously there is the option to pay with a debit or credit card. You have Automatic Clearing House (ACH) payments directly from a bank account. Your employer likely pays you via direct deposit. 

There are services like PayPal that allow you to make purchases online without even having to enter your payment information each time. Many apps like CashApp, Venmo, and Zelle have been developed to transfer small amounts of money between friends and family when cash isn’t readily accessible. And of course you’ve surely heard the buzz about cryptocurrency.

With all of these payment options, where does cash fit in? It’s enough to make you wonder, Is the ATM business dying?

But cash, like digital payment systems, has its benefits and disadvantages. That’s why we need them both: to keep our options open. 

Drawbacks of Digital Payment Systems

Digital payment systems definitely have their place. They’re efficient and flexible. It’s the only way ecommerce works. You can pay for goods and services with the click of a button. However, there are some drawbacks.

First, it’s risky. Card numbers can be compromised, crypto wallets can be hacked. Digital transactions aren’t tangible, so it’s not easy to keep track of. However, your digital transactions aren’t untraceable.

There is proof of your purchases on receipts, in your email, on your bank statement. Your bank accounts and crypto wallets have your name on them and other personal information attached. This increases the risk of identity theft.

Second, cryptocurrency is extremely volatile right now. There is a lot to learn, and although it isn’t going anywhere, no one is sure what its future looks like. Furthermore, most cryptocurrencies aren’t federally backed, which adds to its risk.

Third, digital payment systems contribute to the digital divide. The digital divide refers to the inaccessibility of the Internet for a certain portion of the population. Not everyone has access to reliable Internet, and not everyone who does have access has the literacy necessary to manage finances digitally. This is a huge disadvantage for those in rural areas, low-income households, and the elderly.

Additionally, mobile payments require the use of a smartphone. Only 85% of Americans own a smartphone. While that may seem like a lot, and it is, 15% is also a lot when you think about the thousands of people for whom mobile payments, online banking apps, and constant access to the Internet aren’t an option. 

So while there are some benefits to digital payment systems, they aren’t perfect, and they exclude certain demographics.

Benefits of Cash

It’s anonymous, it’s stable, and it’s accepted pretty much anywhere (and by anyone).

Quick

There are many obvious benefits to cash. First of all, it’s immediate. When you pay with cash, the recipient doesn’t have to wait for a transaction to process, they don’t have to bother with insufficient funds, and you don’t have to worry about overdrawing your account or accruing interest on a credit card transaction. The money is paid. That’s it. It’s done.

Physical

Second, cash is physical. It hurts just a little bit more when you pay for something with cash because you can see and feel the money leaving your side. This can help you be more conscious of your spending habits. It also makes it easier for you to keep track of. You don’t have to worry about hackers getting access to your stash remotely.

Accessible

Third, it’s accessible. Everyone—rich or poor, young or old—has access to cash. You don’t have to be tech savvy or connected to the Internet to manage your cash. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted earlier this year, that’s good news for the 7% of U.S. adults who don’t use the Internet.

As long as there are unbanked and underbanked people, there will be cash. About 6% of Americans are unbanked while 16% are underbanked. Unbanked people do not have a banking relationship. They either don’t have enough money to bother with an account, can’t keep up with the fees, or just don’t trust banks.

Without a bank account, these people must rely on alternative financial products and services (payday loans, check cashing services, prepaid cards, etc.). They are able to purchase prepaid cards and use them at ATMs without the fear of incurring an overdraft fee if the funds aren’t available.

Underbanked Americans might have a checking and/or savings account but might also rely on alternative financial services. The FDIC’s 2019 How America Banks survey found that 95% (124 million) of U.S. households have at least one bank account. 

That is both the highest number and percent since the survey was first conducted in 2009. That’s good news for cash and ATMs. 

Private

Finally, there is a certain degree of privacy with cash payments. Average cash transactions can’t be tracked, and aside from a paper receipt that can easily be discarded, there is no paper or digital trail. We won’t go into all of the hypothetical scenarios where this might be useful, but many people still value their privacy especially since there is so little of it online.

It is better, easier, and safer to use cash for purchases under $20 to minimize the risk of identity theft.

The Payment Choice Act of 2021

There are some businesses that have chosen to go cashless. However, to keep this from becoming a trend and excluding those who only have access to cash, Congress passed the Payment Choice Act of 2021.

This Act prohibits retail businesses that accept in-person payments from refusing cash. This protects the consumer’s right to use cash at retail businesses.

On the other hand, there are many businesses that encourage cash payments because they are charged fees for every credit card transaction they process. Cash payments also decrease their rate of chargeback fees which saves businesses money as well.

The Future of ATM Machines

Although cash payments are decreasing, it isn’t because cash isn’t valuable. It’s just because there are so many more options. There is more currency in circulation than ever before.

The current environment in light of Covid-19 has made ATM machines more necessary than ever. Banks are limiting traffic in their lobbies to keep up with social distancing protocols and for the overall health of their customers. ATMs allow customers to access their accounts with limited personal interaction, which is appreciated by more and more people these days.

ATMs serve other purposes, too. They not only allow users to make deposits and withdrawals, they also provide business owners with other marketing opportunities. Offering ATM access in their stores increases foot traffic, impulse purchases, and overall business.

ATMs can be fitted with toppers to run ads, screens are getting bigger to accommodate advertising, and coupons can be printed on receipts to encourage future purchases.

ATMs are also starting to feature Bitcoin capabilities. So if you get into the ATM business now, there’s no telling what opportunities lie ahead. Your business will be able to grow with the times if cryptocurrency is something you are interested in.

Is the ATM Business Dying?

Although there are many digital payment options available, cash is still a winning option for a number of reasons. Cash payments are decreasing, but that’s just because more and more transactions are happening online. It doesn’t mean those are the only transactions happening. 

In order for cash to be completely eliminated, it would have to be by government decree. Since the government easily collects taxes on currency, it isn’t likely that a decree like this will happen anytime soon.

So to answer the burning question, “Is the ATM business dying,” we can confidently say, “No.” Cash still plays a very important role in our society. Therefore, there is still a need for ATMs. There might even be more need now as people shift from in-person bank business due to Covid-19 precautions.

Even IF cash is phased out completely, it won’t happen in our lifetime. Therefore, you are safe to invest in ATM machines and start making passive income!

How to Run an ATM Business Successfully

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Want to know how to run an ATM business successfully? Running a successful ATM business is simple. As long as you are willing to do the work, there is money to be made. But when it comes to being successful in the ATM business, it’s important to remember that not all ATM businesses look the same.

Someone else’s success might not look like yours. What that means is that you have a lot of decisions to make that no one can make for you. You have to decide which processor to work with, which machine to purchase, where to place your ATM, and how much to set the surcharge.

The answers to all of these questions will depend on your specific lifestyle and goals. The most successful ATM business is the one that works for you. All you need is a little strategy and patience to run an ATM business that brings in the revenue you aim for.

Here we share 5 tips that show you how to run an ATM business successfully. Follow these tips to make sure you have all of the pieces in place to run a successful ATM business.

1. Find an ATM Processor That Meets Your Business Needs

The first thing you need to do is find an ATM processor you want to work with. There are many things you will want to consider in terms of overall cost, support, and perks. If you aren’t sure how to run an ATM business, you want to find an ATM processor that acts as a good business partner, not just a service provider.

ATM Sales

One important factor is whether or not the ATM processor sells ATM machines as well. If you purchase your machine from an ATM processor, your machine is guaranteed to be compatible with their service. 

An ATM processor that sells machines might even have used and refurbished options that are compatible. This saves you time purchasing the machine first and then having to find a processor that will support it.

Automated Payments

You are earning passive income with your ATM business. That means you sit back, relax, and let the business work for you. But if you have to initiate transfers yourself, that’s time and energy you’re spending unnecessarily. Especially if you need to split the payment.

You might have a business partner with a separate account or you might have multiple accounts yourself that you use for different reasons. An ATM processor that offers automated ATM payments and payment splitting can save you the hassle of online banking to manage this yourself.

ATM Vaulting

It’s important to keep your ATMs stocked with cash. You have three different options when it comes to vaulting:

You can vault the ATM yourself which will save you money but cost you in time. If you vault yourself, you’ll want to work with an ATM processor that provides monitoring services to alert you when your machine is low on funds.

You can have the location owner vault the ATM. This is convenient since the location owner should be near the ATM regularly anyway. The location owner may or may not negotiate compensation for providing this service.

Or, you can have your ATM processor vault for you. There will be a charge for this, of course, but working with an ATM processor that at least offers the service can provide you with more options as you add more ATMs to your business and need to reduce your workload while also keeping your machines stocked.

Installation and Setup

You will want to work with an ATM processor that provides instructions for setting up and programming your ATM. The best ATM processors will offer to send a technician out to install an ATM in a new location for you. This might be convenient for you if you’re a first-time ATM owner who isn’t familiar with the technical side of owning an ATM machine.

Service Agreement Templates

A good service agreement leaves no room for error. You don’t want to have to hire a lawyer to settle a discrepancy in your service agreement if there is an issue between you and the location owner. 

You also don’t want to hire a lawyer to draft a service agreement for you. So if you aren’t qualified to draft a fool-proof service agreement, and you don’t want to spend money on a lawyer, you want to be working with an ATM processor that has templates for you.

By using a template, you ensure that all of your bases are covered while still saving yourself money by not hiring out and by avoiding long-term losses in the case of an incomplete service agreement.

Low Fees and Short Contracts

Some ATM processors charge more than others. Those that offer low prices on the sale of their ATM machines make up for the difference by locking you into a long-term contract and charging fees throughout the duration of the contract. 

There are ATM processors that do not do this. Try to find a good balance between fees and contracts when comparing ATM processors.

Support

Your relationship with your ATM processor doesn’t begin with ATM setup and installation and end with payment. Anything can go wrong at any time and you will need a resource to turn to for help. Make sure you have an ATM processor that will be available for you when you need technical support. There are ATM processors that offer 24/7 support should you need it.

When it comes to choosing an ATM processor, look at the options the processors provide. Which do you need at the current stage of your business?

Are you a new ATM owner who will need a lot of support? Do you plan on adding more ATM machines to your business? Are you an experienced ATM owner dissatisfied with your current ATM processor? What do you need that you don’t currently have?

In the end, you want to work with an ATM processor that will help you build the ATM business that helps you meet your goals.

2. Choose an Appropriate Machine

There are three factors you need to consider when purchasing an ATM machine: type, manufacturer, new vs. refurbished.

ATM Type

The type of machine you purchase is going to depend on the space you have available. A free-standing ATM generally has a small footprint. It can be placed anywhere there is a power supply. 

Through-the-wall (TTW) ATMs are typically quite bulky and you will need to invest in a little bit of construction if you don’t already have the space available. This is because the bulk of the machine, the interface, sits inside of the wall and extends into an adjacent room.

You might want a TTW ATM if you want more controlled access to the vault. If the interface extends into a room you can lock or where there is little foot traffic, you make the machine more secure. It isn’t accessible to the public and makes it safer for you when loading the machine.

TTW ATMs also work well when you have a space where the front (the chassis) can face outside. This makes the machine available 24/7 to all passers by, not just in-store customers during hours of operation.

Finally you have the option of a wall mount ATM. This is going to be the smallest option which is optimal if you don’t have a lot of space to work with. It can be placed on a countertop or hung on the wall. It’s going to hold less bills, so this is a good option for a low-traffic location. 

ATM Manufacturer

Some of the biggest names in the ATM industry are Hyosung, Genmega, Triton, and Hantle/Tranax. They all produce sturdy, reliable machines; that’s how they put themselves on the map. So you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Hyosung and Genmega are the best of the best. However, they still vary in size and features. So the decision still comes down to what you are looking for in terms of price versus features.

New vs. Refurbished

Next you want to consider purchasing a new vs. refurbished ATM machine. This decision might depend on your budget, experience, and concern for the environment. 

Purchasing a refurbished machine could save you money up front. You want to make sure that you purchase a certified refurbished machine, though. “Blow and go” refurbishments only clean up the surface of the machine. So you might end up spending more money down the line on repairs than you would have if you’d just purchased a new machine to begin with. 

You also might not get your ideal machine if you purchase refurbished since they are based on availability. You do, however, save on the 63 million tons of electronic waste when you purchase refurbished.

New machines are going to be easier to use. Usability constantly improves with each new model. Manufacturers want their machines to be user friendly, so if you are new to the ATM business, you might want to try a new machine first.

3. Place Your ATM Machine in a Profitable Location

The more people who use your machine, the more profit you will make. So you want your machine to be where people will pass by it, where they need the convenience, and where you aren’t competing with a bunch of other machines.

The most profitable locations tend to be those that are cash only, have liquor licenses, get a lot of foot traffic, and have good reviews. You want your machine where people are and where they need cash. 

You also want your machine in an area where there isn’t any competition. Or, if you see an area that already has ATMs but they are outdated, ask around and see if the location owners would be interested in updating.

Consider the convenience of the location for you, too. You want the machine close to where you live or work. The more time you spend getting to and from the machine, the less profit you make. And you need to be aware if your machine isn’t working properly, so you will need to check on it often. 

4. Determine a Fair Surcharge

You are completely in control when it comes to setting the surcharge. You want a surcharge fee that entices customers to use your machine but that also earns you a profit.

If your ATM is close to one across the street, you might want to set a competitive surcharge to bring more customers to your machine. If your ATM is the only one for a number of blocks, you might be able to set a higher surcharge. People will pay for the convenience.

You also need to account for profit sharing. If you place your machine in a location someone else owns, he or she might negotiate for a share of the surcharge profit. 

ATM surcharge fees range from $0-$8. You can offer a surcharge-free ATM service if the ATM itself brings more customers into a business that you own and encourages cash sales. More cash sales save on credit card fees. 

However, if your ATM is in a location owned by someone else, the surcharge is the only way you will make revenue. The average surcharge fee is $2.50. At an average of 6 transactions per day, that equals 180 transactions per month for a total of $450 a month. 

If that number sounds good to you, try starting with $2.50. If you’d like to try to make more, increase the surcharge. You can use trial and error to get the perfect number that satisfies both you and your customers.

5. Stay Compliant

If you purchase your ATM machine new, it’s going to be fully compliant automatically. This means that it meets ADA and EMV requirements. If you purchase a refurbished machine, depending on its age, it might not be fully compliant.

Often you can make upgrades to make an older machine compliant, but you have to weigh this cost against just purchasing a new machine. In any case, your machines need to meet these compliance regulations:

  • The top working button should not be higher than 48” off the ground.
  • The area in front of the machine needs to equal 48″ x 48″ (16 square feet).
  • There must be one unobstructed side of the clear floor space that adjoins an accessible route or another clear floor space leading up to the ATM and connecting to the clear floor space in front of the ATM.
  • All ATMs must be speech enabled. This may require that a 3.5mm female jack be accessible for headphones.
  • The display screen must be visible from 40″ above the center of the floor in front of the ATM. Characters on the screen must be in Sans Serif font, a minimum of 3/16″ in size, and must contrast with their background.
  • Braille instructions must also be provided.
  • Function keys must be designed to contrast visually from their background surfaces.
  • Input device control key surfaces must be raised above the surrounding surfaces.
  • Keypads must be arranged in an ascending or descending layout. The “enter” key should be marked with a raised circle, the “clear” key with a raised left arrow, and the “cancel” key should be marked with a raised X. The “add value” key should be marked with a raised plus sign and the “decrease value” key should be marked with a raised minus sign.

Upgrade kits are sometimes available for machines that do not meet these requirements, but not always. Make sure any machine you purchase meets these requirements or can be made compliant with an upgrade kit. If you already have a machine or two, check them for compliance to avoid hefty civil penalty fines.

How to Run an ATM Business Successfully

We’ve shown you how to run an ATM business successfully. There really are only 5 things you need to focus on to make the most amount of profit from your ATM business. There is some strategy involved, some trial and error, and you might have to make changes from one machine to the next. 

Considering these 5 tips before you jump into business can significantly increase your chances of running a successful ATM business that brings in the kind of revenue you expect.

But even if you’re already in the ATM game, it’s important not to forget these tips. It’s never too late to go another direction, especially if you plan on adding more machines to your business! ATM Depot specializes in ATM processing, sales, service, and independent ATM deployer (IAD) support. Give us a call and we’ll let you know if we think you have a good location. We can also help you figure out what you can expect to make from ATM processing with your machine. Contact us today!

The Side Income Idea That Could Replace Your Full-Time Income

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If you need extra money, creating a side income stream is an excellent option. The problem with most side income ideas is that the pay model is that you trade your time for money.

If you have a full-time job, finding the time to work a side gig can be tough. And, trading time for money is simply a losing proposition, in the long run.

The best side income ideas (and the best full-time incomes) are those that aren’t capped by how much time you can spend making money. In short, you need income streams that can be scaled. Otherwise you’re severely limited in how much money you can make, because time is an incredibly finite resource.

With that in mind, the best side income ideas are usually some type of business.

To get right to the point, an ATM business is one of the best side income ideas out there, if not the best overall. Here’s why (and how to turn your ATM business into full-time income, if you want).

Why an ATM business is the best side income idea

There are a few things that make an ATM business unique, as compared to other businesses. Your ATM business can be as large or as small as you want. It’s truly a lifestyle business. Build your ATM business any way you want.

But these are the three characteristics that make an ATM business an ideal side income idea:

  • The upfront investment is very low.

No matter what, you’ll need to put some capital into your ATM business to get it off the ground. However, it’s a minimal initial investment, compared to other businesses. The upfront cost is low enough that you could easily borrow all the money you need.

You can get an ATM machine for $1500 to $2000. And you’ll need $500 in cash to stock your ATM. So, on the high end, you’d need about $3000 to get your first ATM up and running.

It might not be ideal, but you could conceivably put the entire upfront cost on a credit card. We don’t recommend this. But it’s an option. This is a good article about how to fund your ATM business.

No matter how you do it, the benefit here is that you just don’t need that much money to get started. So, an ATM business is a great side hustle to start with little money.

  • The time investment is asymmetrical.

If you’ve read the blog of Tim Ferriss, you’ve probably heard the word “asymmetrical” a few times. That’s because it’s a relevant business term, especially for those who want to create lifestyle businesses. Here’s what it means in the world of ATM businesses:

What we mean here is that the return on the time you put into an ATM business is not one-for-one. Meaning that if you invest one hour working on your ATM business, you’ll get more than one hour’s worth of income out of it.

That’s because your ATM (or ATMs) keeps working even when you’re not. The income that you get out of your ATM business scales with the number of ATM machines you own, not the time you put in.

Of course, the time requirement of your business will increase slightly as you add more ATM machines to your fleet. But, the income will scale much faster than the time required. It’s an asymmetrical investment.

Once you’ve got your ATM business humming along, you could spend a few hours a week working on your ATM business, and get part or even full-time income out of it.

  • The business can eventually run without you.

The ultimate goal for many business owners is to have a business that runs and generates income without them.

It won’t happen right away. But, your ATM business can easily become a self-contained enterprise if you set it up right.

The majority of the work in your ATM business is maintaining and stocking your ATM machines with cash. These tasks can easily be outsourced. There are ATM vaulting companies that can take care of filling your ATMs with cash. And you can easily set up a maintenance contract with an ATM technician.

All of this will add some overhead to your ATM business. But, you can easily figure out how your business needs to be structured to be self-sufficient. Here’s what to do:

Establish your target revenue from your ATM business.

Calculate your average revenue from each machine (most successful businesses rake in between $400 and $500 per month from each machine).

Calculate the cost of outsourcing your ATM vaulting and ATM maintenance. You’ll need to do a little research, since the costs vary by area. Remember that the cost will go up a bit for each additional machine.

Use the average revenue from each machine to determine how many ATM machines you would need to cover your overhead expenses, while hitting your revenue goals.

For the math minded types, it looks something like this:

(Target revenue + overhead expenses) / average revenue per ATM machine = total number of ATMs required

That will tell you how many ATM machines you need to get up and running to create an ATM business that’s almost completely hands-free (sorry, there’s no such thing as truly passive income. You’ll have to get your hands at least a little bit dirty at some point).

If that sounds like creating full-time income, that’s because it is. However, it’s also the perfect formula for creating a side income stream. That’s because your target revenue doesn’t have to be your total life income.

You can set your target revenue at just the additional money you’d like to make from your side business. That will tell you how many ATM machines you need to build a side income stream that’s almost entirely automated.

All this goes back to the fact that you can build your ATM business any way you want. It’s a flexible business that you can build to suit your needs and your life.

What to do now

All this sounds pretty good, right?

It is. And it’s easy to get started. If you want a quick guide, check out our guide to getting your first ATM placement.

Or get the book on how to start an ATM business here.

And, if you want the most in depth training and guides that will help you start making money fast, become an ATMDepot member to get all the training and templates you need to become an independent ATM operator.

 

How to Get Your First ATM Placement (Without Any References)

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Your first ATM placement is always going to be the most challenging.

Even with the best ATM business resources, the best guidance, and an incredibly supportive ATM processor, you’re still working from limited experience.

But, you’re also working without any references. You don’t have any other placements, yet. So, you have no track record to showcase. That often makes people nervous about signing contracts.

However, there’s a solution to this problem. And, you can absolutely get your first ATM placement without any references.

Here’s how to do it (and exactly what to say).

How to get credibility without references

People ask for references because they want to check your credibility. It’s normal human behavior to assume that if other people trust you, you must be trustworthy.

But, here’s the thing: you can borrow credibility.

In the ATM business, the easiest way to do this is to borrow credibility from your business partners. The easiest partner to borrow credibility from is your ATM processor.

If you think about it, as an ATM operator, you’re essentially selling the ATM processor’s service. The ATM machine is just the computer. But, it’s the connection to the bank that makes the money transfer possible. And, that’s what your ATM processor provides.

So, you can position yourself as a local representative for your ATM processor. That way you can borrow your ATM processor’s reputation to build credibility for yourself.

Obviously, this only works if your ATM processor has a reputation. For example: ATMDepot operates thousands of ATM machines nationwide. We’ve been in business since 2003. And, our CEO, Noah Wieder, wrote a book about the ATM business. He’s been helping ATM businesses since 1996.

That’s a solid track record. If you work with ATMDepot, you can position yourself as a local representative for ATMDepot to borrow some of the ATMDepot street cred.

Showcase the advantages of being your first ATM placement

Which employees always work the hardest? That’s right. The brand new ones. The new employees are always eager to prove themselves and show that it was a good idea to hire them.

Your first ATM placement is like a new job. And, you’re like that new employee. You’ve got the most to lose. So, you’re going to work the hardest.

Also, since you only have one ATM, that one ATM machine literally gets 100% of your attention. That’s a benefit. So, point that out to the client.

Restate the benefits of working with an ATM operator

Even if you’ve already told them why working with an ATM operator is good for their business, reiterating these benefits will help you close the deal.

Remind the client that your ATM machine will:

  • Reduce their credit card transaction fees.
  • Encourage customers to spend money in your client’s business.
  • Generate ATM transaction fee income (if you give a portion of your transaction fee to the business owner, which is a good idea).
  • Take the ATM maintenance responsibilities off the business owner’s plate.
  • Add potential ad space to the client’s business.

This is a classic sales formula: tell them, tell them what you told them, then tell them again. When you restate these benefits, you’re doing the “tell them again” step.

It strengthens your position when you remind the business owner that working with you is an investment, not an expense.

And, depending on how your ATM deployment service is structured, they may not even have to invest much money. The investment might be just the floor space for your ATM and the (very slight) increase in their power bill.

What to say to your first ATM business client

So, we’ve covered the principles that you need to apply. But, we’re going to make it easy to apply them with a script.

Our script covers all these fundamental principles, and applies them in the best order to close the deal.

You can modify this script based on your business and your ATM deployment service. But, if you follow it, you’ll have your first ATM placement in no time.

Here it is:

Where else do I have machines?

That’s a great question. And, I understand why you’d be interested in knowing that.

Well, I work with ATMDepot. And, they run thousands of ATMs nationwide.

They’ve been in business for over 15 years. And, the CEO wrote a book about the ATM business. He’s been helping companies like mine since 1996.

I’d be your local operator. So, I’ll be servicing you personally.

This would be my first ATM in the area. So, you know I’ll be diligent.

Rest assured, it’s an investment for me. And, since you’ll be my first location in the area, you’ll get my undivided attention.

I hope to be able to use you as a referral for my next location. And, the only way I know to make sure you give me a good reference is to provide top notch service.

If you give me a shot to run your ATM, I’m positive you won’t regret it one bit.

Within a few months you’ll be telling your friends how you made one of the best vendor decisions of your business life!

I’d like to help you start saving on credit card fees and give your customers more cash to spend in your store as soon as possible.

Now, how about we sit down for 10 minutes. I’ll go over the program, and we can do some paperwork.

That’s it. Very straightforward. Feel free to tailor it to your needs. But, print it out and practice it. That way you never stumble when it comes time to overcome this classic objection.

What to do now

Want to read Noah Wieder’s book about the ATM business? Get your copy.

Need an ATM processor with a reputation that you can use to get your first ATM placement? Get ATM processing through ATMDepot.