Tag Archive for: atm placement

Where to Put ATM Machines: Installation 101

by

We’ve published a few articles about where to put ATM machines in terms of the best performing locations. But what about once you’ve gotten that far? How do you know where to put ATM machines at that location? 

Here, we’ll summarize locations that have high or consistent transaction volume in case you missed it. But we’ll mostly offer tips for how and where to put ATM machines once you’ve secured a high-traffic location. Use this as a basic guide or a regular checklist as you install machine after machine. Or, if you are the location owner already, here is what you need to know to get started installing your new ATM machine!

Where to Put ATM Machines to Achieve Your Goals

Before choosing where to place an ATM, clarify your goals. Are you installing a machine to boost foot traffic and sales inside your own business? Or are you entering the ATM ownership space for passive income through transaction fees? Your purpose influences the ideal type of location and expected traffic patterns.

Are you a store or business owner increasing in-store purchases by offering convenience? Are you an independent ATM deployer (IAD) generating passive income in high-traffic or cash-heavy areas? Or are you serving a specific community like college students, tourists, or cash-only clientele? Maybe you’re just filling a market gap where banks or ATMs are scarce.

Knowing your objectives will help you prioritize the right kind of location, installation features, and revenue strategy.

If you are still in the location stage of starting an ATM business, you will want to read some of our other articles about the best locations to secure. But this article will cover some best practices for installing ATM machines with the most typical location conditions in mind.

For example, common and profitable locations for ATM placement include gas stations, convenience stores, and retail stores; bars, nightclubs, casinos, and other event spaces; hotels and tourist hubs; cannabis dispensaries and other specialty markets. However, an ATM installed at a prime location can perform poorly if it isn’t positioned strategically. So there are other factors to keep in mind.

General Guidelines for Where to Put ATM Machines

When it comes down to where to put ATM machines, it’s best to position the machine where users can easily see and access it. Typically, this helps everyone reach their goals, consumers and business owners alike. But there are some requirements and strategies that will restrict and influence your options.

First, you’re limited to the electrical set-up: wherever there is power and internet access is where to put ATM machines. Machines need consistent electricity and internet whether it’s via Wi-Fi, ethernet, or wireless modem.

Second, the machine should be visible. The ATM should be in plain sight and near natural traffic flow like checkout lanes or entrances. But the machine also legally has to be accessible. Customers, including those in wheelchairs, should easily be able to approach the ATM without obstruction.

If you have the luxury of doing so, you should consider security as well. For example, look for well-lit areas, camera coverage, and/or direct line of sight of an employee. This is especially important if you want to know where to put ATM machines for after-hours access. This doesn’t just help customers feel more safe and secure during transactions but also allows for safe and discreet cash vaulting and repairs. 

Where to Put ATM Machines Legally

Before installation, you must comply with local laws and accessibility standards. Some municipalities require a business license or permit for ATM placement. Outdoor machines may require additional zoning approvals or signage restrictions. And if you’re placing the machine on someone else’s property, make sure you draft a placement agreement clearly outlining terms, revenue split (if applicable), maintenance duties, duration, etc.

Every ATM placement must be ADA compliant. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that ATMs be accessible to all users. This means that buttons, touchscreens, and card slots must be within accessible height and depth ranges. And the space around the machine must be clear. Users in wheelchairs must be able to approach and maneuver around the ATM.

Ensure your ATM model is ADA-compliant and that installation allows for sufficient access and use. Noncompliance can lead to lawsuits or fines.

Installation Basics

Once you’ve selected the location and cleared legal requirements, the next phase is installation. Your machine will need power and network connections. The area around the ATM must allow for user access and ADA-compliant clearances. And it is recommended that you bolt down both indoor and outdoor machines to deter theft and vandalism. 

Through-the-wall (TTW) ATMs will require a little more construction. You will either need a space in a wall that faces the outside to offer 24/7 access to passers-by, or you will need a space where the interface is available to users on the wall of a locked, secured, and/or managed area where the chassis is stored. Ensure that this area is protected during cash vaulting.

However, for standalone machines, you can handle the installation yourself with the help of a simple YouTube video, the equipment manual, or a tech call. Or, if you prefer, you can hire a technician to install the machine for you. Check with your ATM company to see what services and resources they offer to help with installation.

After setup, the machine must be loaded with cash and configured to your processor. Then, it’s a good idea to run test transactions to ensure smooth operation.

Mistakes to Avoid

There are some common mistakes you can avoid to save time, money, and stress. 

First, make sure your ATM machine isn’t hidden. Low visibility reduces usage. Customers can’t use your machine if they don’t know it exists.

Customers also can’t use your machine if it’s out of order. Out-of-service machines lose money, so don’t neglect maintenance. Establish a maintenance plan for cash loading, paper replacement, and tech issues.

Be careful not to underestimate foot traffic. Just because a space looks busy doesn’t mean it is. Track actual customer flow and consider peak hours before choosing a location.

Don’t ignore ADA or other compliance regulations. ADA lawsuits and permit violations can be costly. Make compliance a non-negotiable from the beginning.

Finally, make sure you have formal documentation of your agreements with the location owner. Vague or handshake-only deals can lead to disputes. A written placement contract can ensure that each party upholds their responsibilities, is compensated accordingly, and is protected in extenuating circumstances.

Who Knows Best Where to Put ATM Machines?

If you are installing a machine in someone else’s store, the location owner might have their own preferences about where to put it. The ATM machine is your business, and you’re the expert. You want to place the machine where it will get the most usage. But the location owner is the expert of their business as well. They have their customers in mind and won’t want to risk damaging their current business. 

So if you find yourself disagreeing with the location owner about installation, just explain the reasoning behind these best practices. Work together to create the best possible user experience focused on accessibility, convenience, and safety. 

If you partner with ATMDepot.com for transaction processing, you get access to installation resources including 24/7 customer support. ATMDepot can arrange for a certified ATM technician to professionally install your first unit. During installation, technicians often provide training—demonstrating setup steps, running test transactions, and teaching upkeep best practices. And ATMDepot’s online resources include detailed guides covering everything from unpacking and leveling to anchoring and connectivity. 

For more help with DIY installation, check out our 7 ATM Installation Tips or contact us with questions. Now, you’re ready to install your machine. We’re here to help if you need it!

How Much Are Credit Card Processing Fees Costing You?

by

Have you noticed signs on the counters of local restaurants offering a discounted price for cash payments? On the counters of local retail shops? What about at the pump? And maybe you’ve seen the opposite: notices that credit transactions will incur an extra fee. Maybe in the drive-thru windows of your favorite fast food joints? Why is this?

Merchants are charged credit card processing fees every time someone swipes their card. Basically, it costs money for the credit card processing company to communicate with the network and complete the transaction. To help cut costs, many companies are attempting to minimize these charges by encouraging more cash transactions. Or, they just pass the cost onto the customers.

So, cash is not becoming obsolete as some might have previously thought. This is good news for the ATM industry. It’s good news for you, too, if you are in or looking to enter the ATM machine business. 

But if you are a store owner, how much are credit card processing fees costing you? How much are they costing you as a consumer? Keep reading to learn more about credit card processing fees and how to avoid them.

What Are Credit Card Processing Fees and How Do They Work?

Credit card processing fees are the costs businesses pay to accept credit card payments. These fees cover the services of processing transactions, ensuring security, and transferring funds from the customer’s account to the merchant’s account.

When a customer makes a purchase using a credit card, the payment information is sent through a payment processor to verify the transaction. The card network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and the issuing bank approve or decline the transaction based on available funds and fraud checks. Once approved, the funds are transferred from the customer’s bank to the merchant’s account, minus processing fees.

Merchants are typically responsible for paying credit card processing fees. But while they absorb the initial cost, many try to recoup the expense by passing some or all of it onto the customer. 

How Much Are Credit Card Processing Fees Costing You?

Businesses

Credit card processing fees are generally 1.5% to 3.5% of the transaction ($1.50-$3.50 for a $100 sale). There are a number of factors that determine the cost including payment processor, card type, and transaction type.

Payment Processor

There are many different payment processors businesses can use to accept digital payments. Each processing company, such as PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc. sets its own rates and fee structures.

Card Type

Credit card companies like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, etc. are independent companies responsible for setting their own credit card processing fee amounts. Amex, for example, is notorious for charging slightly more than the other three major card brands.

Transaction Type

Furthermore, fees vary according to transaction type: card-present (in-person) or card-not-present (online, phone, or manually entered). This is due to differences in security, fraud risk, and processing costs.

For example, swipe, chip, and tapped transactions will be charged a lower credit card processing fee because they are more secure—the card is present. EMV chip technology and PIN verification also reduce fraud, minimizing the risk.

Online, phone, or manually entered transactions will experience higher credit card processing fees due to higher fraud and chargeback potential (disputes where the customer claims fraud or purchase errors). The higher cost also helps cover extra security measures like CVV verification and fraud detection tools.

For these same reasons, debit card transactions will experience lower credit card processing fees than credit card transactions. They are lower risk and cost less to process. 

First of all, debit transactions are lower risk for banks. There is no borrowing involved. Debit transactions pull funds directly from the customer’s bank account, so there’s no risk of non-payment or defaults like there is with credit cards. And since debit purchases use the customer’s actual funds, chargebacks are less common compared to credit cards.

And debit transactions cost less to process. Because they often use a PIN-based network, they are more direct and secure which reduces fraud risks and the need for extensive fraud prevention measures. Plus, when a debit card is used, the money moves directly from the customer’s bank to the merchant’s bank, eliminating the need for a credit extension or underwriting, which adds costs to credit card transactions.

You can use this calculator provided by NerdWallet to calculate your monthly credit card processing fee cost estimate.

Consumers

Now, while there are charts and calculators to help businesses estimate how much they’ll pay in credit card processing fees each month, it isn’t so easy for consumers. The biggest reason is because there are less transparent ways that businesses can pass the cost onto the consumer such as increasing product and service prices or reducing discounts. 

However, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), swipe fees cost the average family $700 a year. Paying with cash can minimize or eliminate this extra cost.

How Can You Avoid Credit Card Processing Fees?

Businesses

If you feel like you are spending too much money on credit card processing fees, you can strategically choose a processor with lower markups or negotiate rates with a current processor. Sidestep avoidable fees by looking for a processor that doesn’t charge statement fees, minimum monthly processing fees, etc. And try to keep your chargeback rate to a minimum to reduce your perceived risk. High rates of chargebacks can cause providers to increase your transaction fees.

But obviously, the less credit card transactions you process, the less credit card processing fees eat into your revenue. Debit card transactions charge lower fees than credit card transactions. But you can’t really control the card type a customer uses where cards are accepted. So offer discounts for cash payments to promote cash over credit transactions.

You can also pass fees on to customers. However, there are some states (like Connecticut and Massachusetts) that have laws against credit card surcharges. In these states, it is unlawful for a retailer to add a fee to a credit card purchase to cover the processing fee. But every state allows for cash discounts. Cash discounts are protected by U.S. Code, so retailers can encourage customers to use cash over card.

Consumers

It goes without saying that if you don’t pay with a card, you, in many instances, pay less. It is not uncommon to see a discount for paying with cash or an extra charge for paying with a card. 

For example, according to a 2022 study conducted by NACS, 29% of participating convenience stores said they were offering consumers discounts for paying in cash. Convenience stores have noticed the impact the overall rising costs of goods and services have had on consumer buying behavior. “While sales and traffic have slowed as gas prices climbed, retailers continue to seek out innovative ways to provide value at the pump and inside the store to help their customers extend their paychecks and weather this period of inflated costs,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. 

Add to that the fierce gas price competition, and it’s no wonder we’ve started seeing two different prices at the pump: one for cash and one for card. KVUE reported that “NACS has repeatedly surveyed customers about their price sensitivity at the pump and has found that nearly half of all consumers would change their behavior to save 5 cents per gallon.”

According to convenience retailers surveyed by NACS, credit card processing fees average more than 10 cents per gallon. Therefore, not all businesses are passing the entire cost of credit card processing fees onto the customer but might, in some cases, simply be sharing it.

ATMs Can Help!

Want to encourage more cash transactions in your store? Want to transition to cash only? Both are possible by installing an ATM in your store or business. We make it easy to get started. 

You can purchase a machine for your location and earn the surcharge fee on withdrawals on top of avoiding credit card processing fees. Or, we can match you with a professional who will place and operate an ATM in your location hassle-free—for free! If you’re ready to save money on credit card processing fees, click here to get started today.

ATM Placement: Top 13 Cash-Only Businesses

by

Cash-only businesses are prime locations for ATM placements. Why? Well because of the demand for cash of course! With the prevalence of debit and credit cards and other digital payment methods like ApplePay and GooglePay and even Bitcoin, it might seem like cash is dying out. We’re here to tell you that it’s not.

Cash will always have its place in society because it is tangible, it is traditional, and it is immediate. When goods and services are paid for in cash, the transaction is over. Done. There’s no hassle, no technology, no extra fees, no paper trail, no wait time, and no reversals.

So, if you find a business that is cash only, try to get an ATM placement there. Because many people no longer carry cash unless they plan ahead. And when customers visit cash-only businesses and they don’t have any, your ATM machine then gets that business. Want to know where to find cash-only businesses? Keep reading. 

Why Are There Still Cash-Only Businesses?

It might seem shocking (and maybe even a little inconvenient at times) that there are still cash-only businesses in this age of digital payments. However, don’t underestimate the power of the dollar bill. There are many reasons why some businesses in particular benefit from cash-only payments.

First of all, cash payment is immediate. There are no declined payments, invalid PIN issues, card swipe errors, etc. to deal with. There are also no fraud claims or chargebacks to handle (and pay for whether in time, fees, or lost product). 

Second of all, electronic payments require special equipment from the card reader to the network connection. Cash transactions can be processed rain or shine, with or without electricity or internet connection. This simplifies the transaction for many small businesses and minimizes extra equipment costs. It also ensures that transactions are processed smoothly without having to worry about technical issues.

Maybe most importantly, cash payments don’t cost the business anything to process. Every time a business processes a debit or credit card payment, it has to pay a processing fee. This is why you might see some businesses charge extra for debit and credit payments; it’s to help them cover these processing fees. 

So, not only are cash payments simpler for businesses, but they are then able to pass savings onto their customers by minimizing their operational costs. If you haven’t guessed already, small, local, “mom-and-pop” businesses benefit the most from cash-only payments. Many examples of these made our list of top 13 cash-only businesses.

Top 13 Cash-Only Businesses (In No Particular Order)

Food Truck Parks

Food truck parks make the list for a few reasons. They are trendy and popping up everywhere. If you can get an ATM placement in the vicinity of food trucks (where people gather to hang out, have fun, and spend money…), you are sure to see a reward. 

Food truck parks draw large crowds, especially on the weekends. This kind of regular, predictable business can make it easier for you to manage your own ATM business. 

Because each food truck vendor is its own small business, it’s common for some to accept cash only to simplify their business model and keep operational costs to a minimum. However, even if all food trucks aren’t cash-only, access to an ATM is still beneficial as cash can speed up transactions and reduce long lines and wait times. 

Small Local Gift Shops

Two keywords here: “small” and “local”. Again, small businesses benefit the most from cash payments because credit card processing fees cut too deep into their profits. Local shops and businesses are typically inherently small because their target audience is localized and limited. 

Furthermore, gift shop inventory is usually made up of tchotchke-like items. Cash-only payments make more sense for low-ticket sales because customers aren’t as concerned about paying off purchases over time.

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are outdoor venues. This means that many booths don’t have access to power or strong, reliable internet connection for electronic payment processing. And while there are nifty workarounds like Square, farmers and other market vendors might not be tech savvy enough to bother. Add to this the simple, back-to-basics atmosphere of a farmer’s market, and you’ve got an increased demand for cash.

Laundromats

Not only are most laundromats still cash-only, it’s also a fairly reliable industry. Just like society won’t phase out cash any time soon, we also aren’t likely to phase out laundromats. There is more and more demand for laundromats as the population increases. 

There are also no large laundromat chains. This makes it easier to get an ATM placement since a small, local business isn’t likely to have the resources to partner with a bank for ATM service like a chain would. There are card-operated machines and even reloadable laundromat cards, but these often malfunction and are out of order. You want your ATM to be available when that happens.

Coffee Shops

With coffee shops, you’re again looking for small and local. Chains have the overhead and the reliable customer-base to be able to justify the credit card processing fees. Local coffee shops benefit more from cash-only payments and aren’t expected to offer a wide variety of payment options. 

Customers of small, local coffee shops go there for a simple, personalized experience. They know what to expect. And sometimes, that “cash only” sign even adds to the appeal.

Nail Salons

This is another booming industry. Nail technology is advancing, and “self-care” has become a term eagerly adopted by many and often applied to justify beauty services. 

The salon experience is enhanced by receiving services regularly. It isn’t enough to go once; you have to maintain your look. Therefore, regular salon-goers build relationships with salon employees over time. This increases their desire to pay with cash.

Some salons are cash-only because they are small businesses; nail salon chains are rare. But even if there’s a salon near you that does accept electronic payments, those employees are still encouraging their regulars to pay with cash because of the benefits. It’s an immediate payment, there are no payment processing fees, and it isn’t automatically taxed.

Cash payments are more personal, and when a nail technician gets comfortable with a customer, it becomes easier to request cash payments. That’s why nail salons make good ATM placements.

Barber Shops

Although your local barber shop or beauty parlor is probably not a chain, your payment isn’t always going directly to that shop itself. Many barbers and beauticians pay shops to rent a chair, space, equipment, etc. 

So while we might have you convinced that credit card processing fees hurt small business profits, think of what it can do to a freelancer or independent contractor’s already miniscule income. That processing fee is basically coming out of their paycheck. This is why you will find that many barber shops and beauty parlors are cash only. 

Mom-and-Pop Restaurants

Why are mom-and-pop restaurants often cash-only? You guessed it! They are small businesses that can’t always afford to have thousands of dollars of credit card processing fees cut out of their profit. Servers also rely heavily on tips for their income. Cash tips allow restaurant employees to take money home every night rather than waiting for a paycheck.

Additionally, depending on the age and/or location of the restaurant or business, it might not be set up for electronic payment processing. The technology in the location might be outdated, and businesses in rural areas might have troubles with weak, unreliable internet connection.

Or, the owners just might not have the savvy to handle the technical side of electronic payment processing. There is the traditional aspect to consider as well: “It’s the way we’ve always done it.” Sound familiar?  

Fairs/Carnivals

Fairs and carnivals are great opportunities for mobile ATMs. You can operate your ATM business seasonally or when these events are in town. Fairs and carnivals draw large crowds, and statistically, the more people who pass by your machine, the more transactions you’re likely to see. 

People also expect to spend money at fairs and carnivals. There’s food, drink, rides, games, vendors…. And one major convenience of cash for families is that it can easily be shared among members. When your kids want to do different things, just send them each off with a few bills to spend how they please. Would you be so giving of your card?

Flea Markets

Flea markets are good places to find a demand for cash because cash makes a good bargaining token. The price of most items at flea markets is negotiable, and the thought of an immediate cash payment is tempting to sellers. If a buyer can offer a cash payment, he or she can typically get a better deal. 

Craft/Art Shows

Vendors at craft and art shows don’t have the business resources to dedicate to payment processing equipment. Artists also make freelance-style, low income, so payment processing fees become an unfair burden. 

Marijuana Dispensaries

These opportunities are becoming harder to find because of the degree of necessity of cash at these locations. Because marijuana is still illegal at a federal level, marijuana dispensaries find it difficult to get payment processing companies (which are federal institutions) to work with them. Similarly, dispensaries are unable to operate their own ATM machines. 

This means that cash is the number one form of payment for marijuana dispensaries, and they are also top locations for independent ATM machines.

Christmas Tree Lots

A Christmas tree lot today, a fireworks stand tomorrow, these locations are great opportunities for mobile outdoor ATM machines. Due to the temporary, outdoor setting, electronic payment processing equipment can be an unnecessary hassle for these business owners. And, of course, Christmas Tree Lot Bob is in business for himself; he doesn’t want to pay credit card processing fees….

How to Find Cash-Only Businesses

Now you know what kinds of businesses are typically cash only, but how do you know which ones are near you without driving all over town?

Of course, you can check a business’s website to find out what forms of payment they accept. But this assumes that you already have an idea of a particular business or you’re just spending a ton of time online researching any business that comes to mind.

You can narrow your search by using online directories like Yelp and Yellow Pages and maybe even apply a “cash only” filter. Google Maps can provide you with business information, too, and can even go a step further by letting you know if there are already ATMs in the vicinity.

Other sources that can provide you with a business’s payment options include social media profiles and pages, personal experiences of family and friends, and review sites and forums like Reddit. But maybe the quickest, most efficient method is to simply conduct a web search: “cash-only businesses near me” or “cash-only businesses in (city) (zip code)”.

The most effective method is to call or visit a business in person. But again, for the sake of efficiency, you might do this in conjunction with another method above so that you only spend this time pursuing previously vetted leads.

How to Negotiate ATM Placement at Cash-Only Businesses

Negotiating ATM placement at cash-only businesses comes down to listing the benefits of cash payments. By placing an ATM at any small business, you encourage cash payments which minimizes credit card processing fees, pass the savings rather than the burden onto the customer, and avoid turning away cashless customers. 

Keep in mind, you don’t always have to look for strictly cash-only businesses for a good placement opportunity. You could find a small business that currently charges a fee for electronic payments. Or a small business that wants to move to cash only. All of these situations are good opportunities for ATM placement because of the demand for and benefits of cash. 

For more ATM machine placement and negotiation tips, check out ATMDepot.com’s Member’s Area where you can gain access to scripts and other helpful resources.

ATM Marketing: 5 Ways to Promote Your Business

by

There are many ways to promote your business if you are a small business owner. But what if you are an ATM business owner? Well, many strategies will still work for you. And we highly encourage you to try some of these strategies if you want to scale your ATM business. 

The best part is that each of these 5 ways to promote your business costs little to nothing! That’s good news because it means that you can scale your ATM business without cutting into your profit which equals more passive income for you. Here’s how.

Why Promote Your ATM Business?

You will want to promote your ATM business to either get your first placement or to get additional placements after your initial installation. Promoting your business basically means advertising yourself. People need to know that you place ATM machines in order for them to seek you out for ATM service.

Of course, there are a number of steps and strategies you can use to actively get that first placement, and you can continue to use them. But advertising increases the chances of opportunities coming to you. That saves you a lot of time, energy, and other resources making cold calls and site visits that don’t convert to placement agreements.

The more passive opportunities that come your way, the more of your revenue you get to pocket. Next, we’ll show you 5 free and affordable ways to promote your business.

5 Ways to Promote Your Business

Social Media

First and foremost is social media. Why? Because that’s where everyone is! Social media is a great place to let friends and family know that you are in the ATM business. That way, they can refer you to business owners they know who might be interested in ATM service. Or, maybe they identify a gap in the market for you! 

If you have a hundred friends, that’s a hundred hooks you’ve got in the water! Basically, social media is a free and easy way to expand your reach with little to no effort on your part.

How to Optimize Social Media

Now, to improve your social media efforts and rewards, you will want to be active on your ATM business social media account. Here are some ideas of interesting and engaging content you can post to keep your page or channel active:

  • If you resolve an issue, share the experience! This will show your dedication to, knowledge of, and skill in maintaining your machine. 
  • Record short, informational videos. This will also demonstrate your knowledge as well as educate your audience on the ins and outs of how ATMs work. Promoting ATM and cash usage is good for your business, too, aside from getting placement opportunities.
  • Always post a relevant photo or graphic. This is an effective way to make your post stand out in a feed and makes scrollers more likely to stop and check it out! 
  • Memes are always fun. Adjust existing memes to relate to your ATM business experiences, or create your own. An expectation vs. reality meme or video could be a fun way to dispel myths and educate about ATMs, the ATM business, and how it all works.
  • Share interesting, relevant videos and articles related to your business. Sharing informational industry news can be an easy way to stay active on your page without having to create a lot of content.
  • Creating short, educational posts about ATMs and your business can help demonstrate your value. Make it obvious what you do and how you help local businesses.

Don’t Forget to Brand Yourself!

Your social media business account isn’t just for friends and family. Make it public and shareable. This will help you reach more people outside of your immediate circle. You can also be found this way by people actively searching for ATM servicers in their area. 

Then, if your page is kept current, you add branding (logo, theme, business name, etc.), and you display your unique style and personality, all of these factors can help you beat out any competition. Portraying a professional yet personable business identity, or brand, will make businesses want to work with you. Then, you can proudly share your social media with leads who can research you further and reach out when they are ready! 

ATM Business Card

ATM business cards demonstrate preparedness and professionalism. They are very handy when you encounter an unexpected potential opportunity. Keeping business cards on hand ensures that you are always ready to share your brand and contact info with whomever you might encounter day to day. 

However, you can also use business cards when you actively approach businesses with your ATM service offer. A business card is a good way to leave behind your information if the decision-maker isn’t on-site or available at the time of your visit or if the prospect initially declines or wants time to think about it. 

Traditional business cards are effective ways to promote your business because they are tangible. They will hang around, keeping you, your business, and your offer at the front of the location owner’s mind. Having something physical lying around after you leave keeps your prospect from forgetting about you. 

You can create your own business cards or use templates on websites like Shutterfly. You can order 50 cards for around $15. We even have some ATM business card tips you can use to get the right information out there!

While traditional business cards are effective marketing tools because of their tangibility, dot. business cards offer a new way to quickly and easily share your contact info. You only need one, and prospects can simply scan a QR code from their phones to get your digital business card! This way, it can’t get lost or trashed during spring cleaning, so it’s easy for a lead to access when he or she is ready to discuss your offer.

ATM Business Flier

An ATM business flier functions similarly to a business card. It’s something tangible you can leave behind if a prospect isn’t ready to talk at the time of your initial visit or if he or she wants time to think about your offer. The main difference is the type of information a flier includes.

A business flier will be larger than a business card. It will likely be printed on standard document paper. This allows you to be more specific about yourself and your business. You might add a personal bio, testimonials, and, most importantly, your value. 

On an ATM business flier, you will want to list the benefits of ATM service and the pain points you are able to solve. This can sometimes be a more effective reminder of your service than a business card which only shares your contact information.

Topper

A topper is a lighted sign you can purchase for an existing ATM machine. You can use it to display your name, your brand, your phone number, etc. This is a good way to reach strangers, anyone passing by or using your machine who is happy with your service and interested in ATM service him- or herself.

It also doubles as a marketing tool for the location itself. You can advertise specials, promotions, or new products and services for the store or business where your machine is placed. Generating more sales for your location is a good way to get a renewed contract and referral. Then, you can add to your ATM business flier your track record of increasing sales to the list of benefits you offer! 

Referral Program

Finally, you can create a referral program. This program is completely customizable. You can make it look however you want. The point is that you encourage friends, family, and location owners to scout out prospects on your behalf. In exchange for gifting you with a promising location, you can offer a reward. 

The incentive is up to you. You can offer a flat rate or a portion or percentage of the surcharge fee up to a certain amount or for a set period of time. If a friend or family member puts you in contact with a business interested in ATM service, you can gift a set amount to the person who made the referral. If the location owner of your current placement makes a referral, you can adjust the surcharge split in his or her favor.

A referral program is a good way to encourage people to actively try to put you in contact with more prospects. This motivation can help overcome any shyness or reservations someone might have about making a pitch on your behalf.

Conclusion

Not only are these 5 ways to promote your business simple and affordable, but you can use them all in conjunction! The more strategies you employ, the better your chances of reaching more people, getting more opportunities, and signing more placement agreements.

Whether you need to get your first ATM machine up and running or if you are ready to add more machines to your route, you’re going to have to get your name out there. 

Remember that the best part of these strategies is that they help create opportunities for leads to come to you. This saves you time and energy because you are meeting leads that are already interested in what you have to offer. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have contacted you! 

So what are you waiting for? Start experimenting with ways to promote your business today!

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

by

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.