Automated Teller Machines or ATMs provide a customer convenience
feature that can benefit some small businesses. According to ATMIA
(Automatic Teller Machine Industry Association www.atmia.com) there are
approximately 2.3 million ATM’s worldwide. According to Mike Lee, CEO of
ATMIA, one of the benefits to retailers of having an ATM is “ATMs
increase annual sales of retailers situated in proximity to them by up
to 25% through a phenomenon known as impulse buying”.
The owner of an ATM earns a profit by charging a fee for the
convenience of providing cash. Fees typically range from $1.75 - $2.50
per transaction. The ATM owner will need to check with state regulations
to learn the maximum allowable charges for withdrawals. Often, the ATM
owner will pay a “rental” fee to a business establishment for the space
occupied by that unit. All of the money withdrawn from an ATM is
directly deposited back into a checking account for the machine owner,
usually the next business day, along with fees that are earned from
transactions. According to Aimee Leeper, Marketing Manager for Triton
Systems, “the average ATM in a retail environment will have 6-10
transactions per day.” Transaction fees will need to be based on
competition nearby, convenience, costs and the location of the ATM.
There are costs to consider when installing an ATM. ATM machines can
cost between $1,500 and $15,000 to purchase depending on the type of
machine and the vendor the machine is purchased from. There are ongoing
maintenance, supply and upkeep costs to keep the machine operational and
in compliance with regulations. Also, there are monthly line charges
for access to interbank networks. Before installing an ATM it will be
important to look at costs versus potential revenue to ensure this
investment will be profitable.
Starting a business, you will make mistakes. Your mistakes will cost
you personally, both time and money. It’s okay to make mistakes! It’s
part of your learning curve. Just don’t make the same mistake twice!
Think of this as the “tuition” you pay for eventual business success.
- Costs both upfront and ongoing,
- Benefits to customers and the business,
- Customer needs so the correct features are available,
- Regulatory issues to avoid any penalties,
- Risks both theft and down time,
- Vendors who can provide the features needed at an affordable price,
- Features customers prefer,
- Profit potential for offering this service
- And alternative solutions such as accepting credit card payments.