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Buying an ATM Business vs. Starting an ATM Business

Is buying an ATM machine business or starting an ATM machine business the best option? Are they even that different? If you want to make semi-passive income with ATM machines, these are two viable paths to take. In this article, we look at the ins and outs of each avenue of getting into the ATM business.

Buying an ATM Machine Business vs. Starting an ATM Machine Business: How They’re Similar

First, here is what you can expect from both routes. Essentially, you are looking for the same end result. And regardless of how you get there, here is what an ATM business looks like:

Regulatory Compliance

Your ATM business will need to comply with all financial regulations, banking laws, and standards. There’s no getting out of that.

Location Selection

No matter which path you take, the success of your ATM business is heavily dependent on the location. If your ATM machines are in high-traffic areas like convenience stores, malls, and tourist destinations, you will see more profit than in areas with less foot traffic.

Cash Management

You will also need to determine a vaulting procedure. Who will be responsible for loading the machine with cash and when? You will need a reliable process for loading and securing cash in your machines. Otherwise, you’re out of business until you’re stocked. And being out of business gives you a bad reputation which can affect future business.

Maintenance and Servicing

ATM machines require maintenance and servicing. They have to be cleaned, monitored for tampering, fixed when they experience error codes, etc. So part of owning ATM machines includes maintenance agreements, troubleshooting knowledge, and relationships with technicians and/or reliable support from an ATM processing partner.

Processing

Speaking of which, you’ve got to have processing partners. You will need to work with a company that can connect your ATM machines to the credit card networks. Otherwise they won’t work. Your machines cannot release funds to ATM users unless they can confirm that the funds are available. This requires communication over a secure, dedicated network.

Banking Relationship

Finally, you will need a banking relationship. If you handle your own vaulting, you will have to find a bank willing to work with you to provide the regular large cash withdrawals you will need to stock your machines. If you decide to hire a vaulting company to handle your cash needs instead, you will still need a business bank account to receive earnings and manage business transactions like maintenance expenses.

But while the operation of an ATM business looks the same whether you are buying an ATM machine business or starting one from scratch, startup will look very different. Next is what you can expect from each option.

Buying an ATM Machine Business: Important Terms

Before getting into specifics, there are some terms that are used when discussing multiple ATM machines under one operator.

Typically, when we help independent ATM deployers (IADs) get started in the ATM business, we walk them through the process of getting their first, single ATM machine placed, installed, and running. If you’re just getting started in the ATM business, it makes sense to start with just one machine.

Learn the ins and outs. Master the process. Then you can think about purchasing, placing, and operating more machines once you gain traction and maybe even steady revenue to invest in more machines.

When talking about more than one ATM machine, you might start to hear terms like “route” and “fleet”. In the ATM business context, these terms are related but not always interchangeable.

Route vs. Fleet

An ATM route refers to a set of ATM locations managed by an operator. It emphasizes the geographic distribution and operational structure of ATMs placed in multiple locations (e.g., a route of ATMs in gas stations, hotels, or convenience stores).

An ATM fleet refers to the group of ATMs owned and managed by a single operator, regardless of their locations. It focuses more on the machines themselves rather than their placement.

While people often use the terms interchangeably, “route” is more commonly used when discussing buying or selling an ATM business because it implies an existing network of profitable locations. “Fleet” is more general and often used in discussions about ATM inventory or expansion plans.

Simply, you might have a “fleet” of ATM machines, and they may or may not be sitting in your garage waiting to be placed. Or, you may have a “route” of ATM machines that you regularly monitor, stock, and actively operate.

However, when buying an ATM machine business, the seller could be referring to a route or a fleet. So keep that in mind when determining whether the asking price is fair. Expect to pay more for a route which will have an existing customer base and earn consistent revenue.

Buying an ATM Machine Business vs. Starting an ATM Machine Business: How They’re Different

Initial Investment

Typically, the initial investment will be higher when buying an ATM machine business. ATM businesses for sale will be calculating the value of the equipment itself as well as the revenue potential. There are a number of factors that can influence the cost of buying an ATM machine business. But, for example, a route of 40 ATM machines in Houston, Texas might go for $160,000 and estimate a $90,000 annual cash flow.

When you start your own ATM business, you can purchase as many ATM machines as you can afford. ATM equipment ranges anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 plus the startup cash (~$2,000-$3,000) to vault them.

The main difference is that the existing route that you may be purchasing is already in business. So you would save the time it takes to find locations and negotiate agreements.

Buying an ATM machine business requires a higher upfront investment, but it comes with existing revenue streams. Starting an ATM business can be cheaper upfront, but it requires more leg work: finding locations, negotiating contracts, developing a customer base, etc.

Revenue Generation

Similarly, buying an ATM machine business offers immediate cash flow from established locations. When you start your ATM business from the ground up, you have to build a client base and put in the effort to strategically place ATMs in profitable locations.

Operational Setup

Again, buying an ATM machine business comes with contracts, locations, and possibly a team in place already. Starting your own ATM business requires you to set everything up from scratch, including securing contracts.

Risk Level

You can typically expect the risk level to be lower when buying an ATM machine business as the business already has historical data. However, you have to be able to verify this for yourself or rely on the seller to provide accurate data. Be wary of sellers who are desperate to sell a route that costs more to operate than it’s worth.

Alternatively, the risk associated with starting an ATM business can be higher due to the uncertainty of how a particular location will perform, how the relationship with the location owner will pan out, etc.

Growth Potential

Typically, when buying an ATM machine business, you are limited by existing contracts unless you are able to negotiate out of them or expand further. You have less flexibility if you want to make changes to existing agreements or add more machines to a route if you are already stretched thin (in labor and funding).

However, if you start an ATM machine business from scratch, your growth is potentially unlimited depending on your ability to secure successful, profitable locations.

Conclusion

So, buying an ATM machine business is ideal for those who want an established system with immediate cash flow. On the other hand, starting one from scratch allows for more control and flexibility but comes with higher risks and effort.

When evaluating an ATM route purchase, consider the following factors:

Location Quality: High-traffic areas can lead to increased transaction volumes.
Machine Condition: Ensure ATMs are up-to-date and compliant with current regulations.
Existing Contracts: Review the terms with location owners to understand revenue splits and contract durations.
Operational Costs: Account for expenses such as maintenance, cash replenishment, and potential location fees.

Overall, remember that it’s essential to conduct thorough due diligence to assess the profitability and sustainability of a route before making a purchase. And, if you come across an opportunity that is just for a fleet of ATM machines, keep in mind that you might still have to put in some effort in getting each machine established.

If you’re looking for an ATM route for sale, you can check online business marketplaces like BizBuySell or Facebook Groups like ATM Business Entrepreneurs. If you’d rather start your own ATM machine business, get your free ATM business start-up kit or contact us today!

The Ultimate Side Hustle Idea

by NoahW

There are tons of side hustle ideas out there. However, most of them require you to consistently invest time, which is basically just getting a side hustle job. Or, you need to invest a lot of time, effort, energy—and maybe money—up front, which will pay off… Someday.
But, there’s a side hustle that gives you an almost immediate return on a relatively small investment. If you’re thinking, “buying ATM machines,” you’re right.
An ATM machine will almost immediately generate income. And, you can get great deals on used and refurbished ATM machines. So, the barrier to entry in the ATM business is low, and the ceiling is virtually non-existent. You can own as many ATMs as you want.
But, the best part is that it takes very little time to maintain and operate your ATM machines once they’re installed. This means operating ATM machines is a true side hustle that will have very little impact on your full-time job or free time. And, your ATM business could easily replace your full-time income.
Here’s what makes owning ATMs such a great side hustle to make money without giving up your evenings and weekends.

Generate Passive Income

Most side hustle jobs are just that, jobs. They require a lot of time. They might pay an hourly wage. It’s a good way to make some extra money. But, it’s also a good way to end up working even when you’re not at work.
On the other hand, an ATM machine only has two major time investments:

The time it takes to install your ATM.
The time it takes to fill your ATM with cash.

Other than that, your ATM machine sits and makes you money without your help. The time investment in operating an ATM is low enough that you can easily run multiple AT machines without hiring anyone (or giving up your social life).
With enough ATM machines—and not even that many—you could easily add a second full-time income stream without quitting your full-time job.

Learn New Skills

If you’re considering a side hustle, acquiring new skills can often be beneficial, particularly if you’re aiming to diversify your income streams or transition into a new career.

Owning ATMs does introduce you to new skills, albeit straightforward ones. Certainly, you’ll need to understand the basics of setting up and installing an ATM. While this might sound daunting, it’s pretty straightforward once you’ve learned the ins and outs.

There is a training system designed to efficiently guide you through this process, ensuring you can learn these skills quickly and effectively — it’s the ATM Business Road Map training system. We like to call it an ATMDepot Academy.

In contrast to many other skills that can take months or years to master and additional time to gain the necessary experience for a substantial income, learning how to operate ATMs is much more time-efficient.

This efficiency means you can start generating income sooner, making it an attractive option for those looking to establish a new income stream quickly.

Incredibly Simple Business Operation

There’s real estate, affiliate marketing, funnel building, and other businesses that are marketed as amazing side hustles or primary income streams.
However, all of these are deeply involved businesses.

You have to find houses to flip, and fix them up to make them saleable. Or you have to build an audience to get enough traffic for your affiliate offers. And, you can’t make money with a funnel if you don’t have a product to sell.
The reality is that these side hustles aren’t really side hustles at all. They’re full-time jobs.
In contrast, all you have to do in the ATM business is buy an ATM, find a location, and install it. The ATM company handles the backend business operation. All the payments, reporting, processing, and other business operations are off your plate.
All you have to do is make sure your ATM has cash in it, and watch the transaction fees roll in.

Low Upfront Investment

Let’s talk about the cost of an ATM.
An ATM machine costs a rough average of $2,548. Keep in mind, that’s the average price. You can get ATMs for much less. We’re using the average for the sake of comparison.
You’ll also need around $2000 in cash to stock your ATM with $20 bills. The total to setup an ATM and start making transactions is about $4,548.
$4,548 might sound like a hefty investment. But, the cost of the ATM is a one-time expense. You can use the same $2000 for restocking your ATM. It’s cash you need on hand, not a direct expense.
$4,548 is actually quite modest when you compare it to the upfront costs of other side hustles:
It’s much less than the cost of buying a house to flip (and far less risky).
More affordable than all the months of paying rent and living expenses without your side hustle income while you learn something like coding or build your affiliate marketing audience.
Lower long-term cost than the overhead expenses of subscription services like ClickFunnels, which eat into your profits, and actually add up over time to far more than the cost of an ATM.
The only reason the initial cost of an ATM seems high is because you may have to pay it in a lump sum. But, it’s a much more affordable investment than many other side hustle businesses. It comes with no persistent overhead costs. And, buying an ATM costs you almost no time.

No-Risk Income

Last, but not least, is the risk. All side hustles involve some risk. Even if you’re just going to a side hustle school to learn a new skill, there’s a risk that you won’t be able to find work using that skill. Think of all the college graduates who never use their degree. The same rules apply to learning side hustle skills.
Investment side hustles like real estate and investing carry even more risk because there’s no way to guarantee a return on your money. Stocks tank. Houses sit on the market for months or years.
But, an ATM machine reliably generates income (unless you hide it in a dark alley, behind a dumpster or something like that).
It’s true that some locations get more traffic and more transactions than others. But, if you put an ATM where people can see it, they’ll use it. And, you get 100% of the transaction fees.
Cash still accounts for 30% of all transactions, and 55% of transactions under $10. And, $10 transactions are exactly what you want, since most people will get a $20 out of an ATM for a $10 purchase, which means you get more transaction fees without having to refill your ATM as often.

The No Hustle Side Hustle

Side hustles are a great way to earn some extra income. But, most side hustles just turn your spare time into extra cash.
With an ATM machine, you dependably turn cash into more cash. Just get an ATM. Install it. And start generating income. You could do it over a weekend.
No, you won’t get rich quick. But no side hustle is intended to make you rich fast. It’s about creating reliable long-term income. And that’s exactly what owning an ATM does for you.

Key Takeaway

So, if you are dreaming of shaking off the 9-to-5 routine and diving into a side hustle that’s both rewarding and manageable, the ATM business might just be the perfect fit for you!
It’s a fantastic way to build a steady, semi-passive income while being your own boss, and it’s especially suited for those who are in it for the long haul, not just a quick cash grab.
Noah Wieder, CEO of ATMDepot.com, has put together an amazing ATM Business training system. With over 30 years of experience in the field, he’s the go-to guy for learning all the ins and outs of the ATM world. His training program is super helpful, guiding you through the basics and beyond, and making sure you avoid the typical newbie mistakes.
What’s really great about Noah’s approach is that he keeps it real. You know those online “gurus” who promise you the moon with minimal effort? Well, Noah’s not about that life. He’s here to give you the straight scoop, no fluff or unrealistic expectations.
So, if you’re seriously considering a side hustle that’s not just about making quick money but building a solid, long-term income, the ATM business could be your golden ticket. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but with the right training, just like the ATM Business Road Map, and a bit of dedication, you can definitely pave your way to financial freedom.

[Infographic] Bitcoin Business vs. ATM Business: Fees Explained Simply

by NoahW

Bitcoin. Who hasn’t heard of it? News of this new form of digital currency is sweeping the nation. Every day it seems we hear of someone else making lots of money from blockchain in the Bitcoin Business. Needless to say, it keeps us interested. But, there’s been a pretty big downfall to investing in the currency lately. Transaction fees are becoming quite a problem. In December 2017, a man moving $25 of Bitcoin paid a $16 fee to do so. According to CNBC, people are paying $28 on average to make Bitcoin transactions. The average transaction fee at an ATM machine is currently around $4. Both fees have been increasing, but Bitcoin’s transaction fee is doing so at a significantly higher rate.

What is Bitcoin?

In its simplest terms, Bitcoin is a digital currency. A cryptocurrency. Created in 2009 by anonymous user Satoshi Nakamoto, the goal was to create a decentralized electronic cash system. Decentralization is one of Bitcoin’s most important characteristics. This means that no single institution controls the bitcoin network. This puts people that don’t like institutions to have control of their money at ease. Another defining difference between common currencies and Bitcoin is pseudonymity. The system does not need to know the identity of any parties involved when Bitcoin is transacted. This anonymity attracts illegal activity which takes up almost half of Bitcoin transactions at the moment.

Source: http://mompreneurasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/btc-1024×690.jpg

Transaction Fees in the Bitcoin Business

With so many success stories in the media, people are rushing to enter the cryptocurrency business. Transaction fees are usually the first and most visible cost that everyone in the network will experience. With more users joining in, fees are increasing. According to the graph below, transaction fees for Bitcoin in October 2017 total over 22 million dollars. The average transaction fee around that time: around $60.00. The biggest pain point most people in the network have is how much the fees are fluctuating. If you enter the Bitcoin business, it is in your best interest to check www.cryptofees.net daily, or a similar site, to find out the current average transaction fee. The constant variations and shifts keep Bitcoin miners on their toes.

source: https://web.archive.org/web/20181020203539/https://cryptovoices.com/network-transaction-fees/ (2018)

ATM Business Transaction Fees

One of the most common fees we encounter every day has been rising as well. ATM surcharges have reached an all-time high. CNBC reports Pittsburgh has the highest current average at $5.19 while San Francisco has one of the lowest at $3.90. The slowly increasing fee ensures Independent ATM Deployers continue to make a good amount of passive income. As averages continue to rise, remember to update your ATM surcharges to ensure you make more money.

Interested in learning more about the ATM Business? You’re in the right place. Don’t leave this page without getting the information you need. Download our FREE ATM Business Guide by clicking the link below.

Download Your Free Guide

source: http://time.com/money/4966816/atm-fees-all-time-high/

TX Fees vs. Surcharge

Although ATM surcharges have been increasing, the fee doesn’t fluctuate as fast as Bitcoin transaction fees. The average annual increase, according to Bankrate 2017, has been 4.7% over the past 19 years. Bitcoin transaction fees are different for each transaction. On this day, the minimum Bitcoin transaction fee charged is recorded at 0.0963%, however, the largest fee recorded is 29.3309%. That’s right. Someone paid $43.00 to send $103.61. Good thing we don’t have to pay a percentage to withdraw money from an ATM.

The average ATM surcharge has been increasing lately, but it’ll be a while before it’s equal to that of Bitcoin. Most people are wondering whether getting into the Bitcoin business would be beneficial. The answer is … probably. If you’re wondering whether getting into the ATM business is profitable, the answer is yes. IADs are racking up on these surcharges that happen to increase each year. You may have to check daily what you’ll pay to transfer Bitcoin, but surcharges don’t usually change on a daily basis. The ATM business is a lot more secure and reliable, however, the Bitcoin business is definitely booming. We’ve created this infographic to help illustrate the difference between bitcoin fees and ATM surcharges.

[Infographic] The Bitcoin Business vs The ATM Business Fees

How to Profit from the ATM Business - Free Guide

How to Load an ATM Machine

by Wieder

Income Opportunity in ATM Machine Business