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This page is intended to be used as a starting point for businesses interested in buying an ATM for their business or investors interested in starting an ATM company and placing ATMs in other peoples businesses.

If you can not find the answer here, please feel free to contact us at 877-663-6128. Our professionals are happy to help M-F 8:30 AM – 5PM EST. Feel free to email us 24/7 at info@bpsands.com or submit an inquiry on our contact us page.

Company

Best Products is one of the largest and most well respected Independent Sales Organizations (ISO) in the country. Since 1998, our company has served as a processor and service provider to thousands of customers across the country. Our experienced and knowledgeable professionals deliver the ongoing one-to-one support and expertise you need to maximize ATM uptime and profitability. Learn More

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Buying An ATM FAQ

How much does an ATM Cost?

A new retail style ATM will cost roughly $2,200 – $2,600 for the ATM terminal plus installation. Typical installations costs are around $350. A good portion of customers opt to install the ATM themselves saving this installation cost. Click here for retail ATM pricing You will also need to allocate funds to load the ATM. We typically recommend anywhere from $1,000 -$4,000 per location as a starting point. So approximately $4,000 – $6,000 total investment per ATM.

What Does an ATM Installation Consist of?

An ATM installation consists of bolting the ATM to the ground, programming it, and training the owner on its operational functions. We will install a wireless modem or plug into your internet (cat 5 jack/ wire/ router must be within 5 feet of the ATM). Running cat 5 cable is not included. We will also test the ATM to ensure everything is operational (perform balance inquiry/ cash withdrawal).

What kinds of bolts should I use to bolt an ATM down?

We typically use ½” x 3” concrete wedge anchors for a concrete floor and ½” x 3” lag bolts for a wood floor with washers. We normally have different sized lag bolts in our vans for varying floor thicknesses. Square washers are ideal. If the concrete floor is weak, we will use a 2-part concrete epoxy adhesive when we hammer the anchors in. Everything we use can be purchased off the shelf at Lowes/ Home Depot.

How do ATMs Communicate?

ATMs communicate via a TCP/IP internet connection. Either cellular wireless modem (you can purchase one here) or a hardwired internet connection. Some ATM companies use wifi access points- however we find this is not reliable and not in compliance. The wifi routers constantly need to be reset and have a short life span. They are also not compliant with most networks as you are now “transmitting card data over wifi” which is against most network regulations. We recommend running a physical cable. If that’s not possible a cellular wireless modem would be the next best alternative route.   

How do I find a bank?

If you are buying an ATM for your own business – you can simply go to your existing bank and add an account specifically for the ATM or you can use an existing account. You should not have any issues. If you are ATM company or Independent ATM deployer (you are placing ATMs in other peoples businesses)  we recommend you check out our post on finding an ATM business friendly banks:  https://bpsands.com/atm-business-friendly-banks-by-state/

How do I make money from an ATM?

Generally speaking – ATMs charge a fee for usage called a surcharge. This surcharge is paid to the owner of the ATM. The owner of the ATM also determines what the surcharge amount is. For example: you are charging $2 and your ATM performs 250 surcharge withdrawals per month- you will earn $500 in surcharge income.

How do I change my Bank Account?

Simply contact us- fill out a new ACH form and send in the appropriate documentation (void check or bank letter). If starter check we need accompanied bank letter.

Do I have to charge a surcharge?

No. You do not have to charge a fee. We are seeing a lot of businesses buy ATMs for their own business, and have a $0.00 surcharge. These owners are not looking at the ATM as a money maker, they are looking at it as a money saver. The surcharge income they are giving up- is saved ten-fold in credit card processing fees, and keeps their register full of cash and cash only.

What do most people charge and how much should I charge?

Our average surcharge nationwide is $2.37. That being said- we typically recommend you pre determine your goal for having an ATM. Are you looking to make surcharge and make the most you can possibly make or are you looking to have a cash only business and or reduce or eliminate credit card fees. If your goal is to reduce fees/ be cash only- you should charge a lower fee or no fee. If your goal is to make as much as possible off the ATM (an IAD) then a higher fee may be appropriate. We typically recommend you look at the surrounding ATMs and be in line with your competitors. If you are placing the ATM in someone else’s business we suggest discussing the surcharge with the location before you agree to any commission. Think different. Maybe you charge a lower surcharge, and the owner doesn’t get any commission. This benefits you because your not sharing anything. This benefits them because all the cash that the ATM dispenses is spent in their cash register. Win/ Win.

Who loads money in the ATM?

Generally, the owner of the ATM loads the ATM with money. There are other loading options however they are typically quite costly.

What do I get when I purchase an ATM?

When you purchase the ATM from Best Products– you get free ATM processing, free web/ mobile access, your choice in processing platforms (Columbus Data or Switch Commerce), receipt paper, free tech support, free signage & free monitoring. You also keep 100% or more of the surcharge.

How safe are ATMs?

For the most part- ATMs are generally considered safe. That being said, the ATM should always be bolted down. It should be located in a well lit and visible part of your business. We would be lying if we told you that ATMs are never broken into- they are. But it’s a very low percentage of ATMs per year that are broken into.

How do I get my money back when someone uses my ATM?

As your ISO, Best Products connects your ATM to a processor. When a cardholder withdraws money from the ATM, the funds are returned to your bank account the next business day. Surcharges can be returned either daily or monthly.

How much cash do I need to fill my ATM?

Cash is your inventory. Never let your ATM run out of inventory! You need to keep enough cash to make it until the next loading cycle. For example: The average ATM withdrawal is $80, and the average ATM does 250 withdrawals per month. So $80 x 250 = $20,000 per month. Most people will load the ATM two to three times a month so $5,000 to $10,000 in vault cash per location. If you have the ability to fill it daily, $1,000 a day would suffice in this example.

Where are ATMs typically located?

We recommend putting ATMs right up front, so everyone sees them and knows they are there. We also recommend this for security purposes.

How do I find ATM locations?

Feet on the street is the best method. Drop off business cards, brochures, ask to speak with business owner. Look for cash only locations. Look for new businesses. Network with family and friends. Network with existing customers. Whatever you do – DON’T PAY LOCATOR COMPANIES & DON’T PAY FOR AN ATM COURSE!!! Locator companies typically are selling bottom of the barrel locations that they or no one else want. ATM “Guru” Schools- if these guys were successful in the ATM industry- they wouldn’t have to charge $10K for their expertise. Most don’t have more than a few ATMs and a few years in the business if any!

What are the Best Locations?

Cash only businesses. Convenience Stores. Gas stations with convenience stores. Deli’s. Businesses with lotto/ beer/ soda. Bars. Large Hotels. Nightclubs. Dispensaries. Businesses with lots of foot traffic.

What is the lifespan of an ATM?

On average – the useful lifespan is approx 7 years. The industry has been averaging about one major upgrade every 5 years or so. In many instances, the upgrade is what initiates a replacement.