Why You Should Rent an ATM for a Special Event

Whether it’s a concert, sporting event, county fair, or film festival, any special event needs to have an ATM, usually more than one. At these kinds of events, people often spend large amounts of money, and so they need quick access to cash, something that ATMs provide. In fact, most people expect to see ATMs at special events. If you’re planning a special event, here’s how you can benefit from having ATMs present.

More money is spent during your event

Research indicates that roughly 75 percent of the money taken out of ATMs at large events is spent at the event. This helps to increase revenue that the event brings in, which is good news for both vendors and organizers. Since ATMs make it easier for customers to get cash, they won’t leave the event when they run out of money because they can always get more. As a result, customers will stay longer and end up spending more money if they have access to ATMs.

Cash is quicker for vendors to handle

Having ATMs available at events can help to increase the number of cash transactions, which are much quicker than when customers use checks or credit cards. With quicker transactions, the lines to buy food, souvenirs, and other items will remain as short as possible. If lines are too long, people may be deterred from buying items and spending more money at the event. It’s also important to remember that some vendors may not accept credit cards. If cash isn’t easily accessible to customers, they could lose business, which is another way that ATMs help to keep vendors happy.

You enjoy additional revenue

One of the best reasons to have an ATM at any kind of special event is the additional revenue they can generate. In addition to the extra money spent at the event, organizers can also keep a portion of the surcharge customers pay for using the machine. It may be a small amount for every transaction, but it can add up if the machine gets a lot of use. Event organizers can also sell sponsorship of the ATM. A company can pay a fee to have a balloon or giant banner with its logo on it directing people to the ATM. As a result, customers will be able to find the ATM a lot easier and organizers have another way to make money during the event.

Contact National ATM Wholesale today to learn more about acquiring an ATM for your special event.

How to Make Money By Investing in an ATM

If you’re interested in an investment that pays off over the long term, an ATM is one option to consider. Each time your ATM is used, you earn a convenience fee that the user pays. This is typically only a couple of dollars, but over time, that amount adds up. With an ATM that gets a lot of use, you can turn a rather nice profit. This may sound complicated, but the investing process is a lot easier than you might think.

The first step is choosing the right location, or perhaps several locations. The best locations are obviously places that don’t have another ATM nearby. You will also want a spot that gets a lot of foot traffic. Places like malls, bars and restaurants, and hotels are typically ideal. However, smaller shopping centers or retail stores can also work. In fact, smaller retail locations may welcome someone placing an ATM in or near their store as a convenience for their customers.

Of course, even if you have a few locations picked out, you’ll still want to do some research before deciding to put an ATM there. Typically, 3% to 5% of the people who see an ATM will use it. By determining the number of people who walk by that location, you can figure out how many people will use your ATM each day and how much money you can expect to make from an ATM in that location.

After you determine the best location, you can choose the right machine. ATMs come in all different sizes, shapes, and prices. They can also be purchased new or used. Most ATM providers will be able to assist you in finding the right machine for you, which can be a fine line. A cheaper used machine may break down, which obviously means you can’t make any money. Meanwhile, a more expensive machine means it’ll take a little longer to recoup your investment.

From there, your biggest duties are making sure your ATMs remain stocked with money and in working order. Most ATMs require little maintenance, although a yearly tune-up can’t hurt. You also have to make sure there’s always enough money in the machine. Depending on your preference, you can take care of this yourself or hire a company that specializes in providing the money for ATMs and refilling them.

By following these simple steps, you can invest in one or more ATMs that give you a steady stream of income via convenience fees that you collect. With a little help and know-how, it’s a simple investment that can end up paying off handsomely in the long run.

Contact National ATM Wholesale today to learn more about investing in an ATM.

How to Find the Right ATM for Your Business

Owning an ATM can be a great way to improve your business, make things easier for your customers while also earning a little extra income. Of course, not all ATMs are the same. There are a wide variety of models to choose from, and some may be better fits for your business than others. Here is a closer look at a few models of ATMs and why they may or may not be the right fit for your business.

HyHalo-S ATMosung HALO II

The HALO II ATM model can actually work well in a number of settings. It looks attractive from the outside and it’s easy to use from an operational standpoint, which will work to your benefit if your business attracts customers who may not have a lot of experience using an ATM. At the same time, this model boasts a high level of sophistication that will also make it a good option at upscale hotels and restaurants and other types of high-end businesses.

Nautilius Hyosung NH-2700

The NH-2700 is the ATM equivalent of an iron man (or woman). It’s built to last and withstand just about anything you throw at it. For starters, it comes weatherized, so if you plan on keeping an ATM outside where it’ll be exposed to wind, rain, and other natural elements, this is an ideal choice. The NH-2700 is made up of parts that will rarely break down or need to be replaced. This is a huge advantage for businesses that expect their ATM to get a lot of daily use. It also makes the NH-2700 a good option for small business owners who are too busy to keep up with regular maintenance on their ATM. If your business needs an ATM that you can install and then forget about for a while, this is a machine that warrants strong consideration.

Genmega Onyx

The Onyx is one of the most advanced models of ATMs for businesses that want to appear to be on the cutting edge. For starters, it has the security features that are so important nowadays. But it also has a wide, LCD screen and a user-friendly touchpad, so people can use it without hassle. Any business, from a small convenience store to a high-class hotel or restaurant, can benefit from the Onyx. It even looks cool, with its sleek appearance and black exterior, making it a trendy pick for any business in need of an ATM.

Genmega GT5000

The GT5000 is an ATM that’s specifically designed to be installed in a wall or kiosk. This is obviously not something that will be a fit for all businesses. However, for any business that has space on a wall or kiosk for an ATM, this is a great option. It’s compact, secure, and operates at a high level with plenty of features that will be useful for customers. The upkeep and maintenance on this model should be minimal for business owners. The GT5000 can even be placed on an outside wall as long it’s not exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures.

Triton Traverse

This is an ATM that has been designed specifically to fit the needs of retail locations. The Traverse is quite sleek compared to the average ATM, making it a little easier for business owners to find room for it in their store. It’s also designed in a way that makes it safe and secure for users, an aspect that can’t be overlooked in busy retail locations. Finally, the Traverse is capable of receiving updates, meaning business owners should be able to continue using it for many years to come.

Interested in placing an ATM in your business? Contact National ATM Wholesale today to learn how!

How to Buy an ATM Machine

One of the best ways to put a little extra money in your pocket is by owning an ATM machine. This is particularly true if you run a retail store or similar business where people may need easy access to cash. It’s important to know that not all ATMs are owned by banks, and buying your own isn’t as difficult as you may think. You just have to know how to buy one.

Before buying an ATM, it’s important to have all your ducks in a row. First, you need to have a location picked out for it. This shouldn’t be too difficult; anywhere with a few square feet of free space and a nearby outlet will work. Of course, you should also pick out a spot that will get plenty of foot traffic and will be easy to find in order to maximize the number of people using it. You should also know that you’ll need either a phone line or Internet connection so the ATM can connect to bank servers.

Once you have a location picked out, you’ll need to decide whether you want to buy a new ATM or a used one. Obviously, a new one will be a little more expensive, but it’ll also be more reliable and won’t need as much maintenance. Used ATMs can work just fine, but they may need a little more attention and upkeep. You’ll want to take a close look at any used ATMs to see what kind of shape they’re in before you buy one. If you have a budget in mind, it can help you decide whether you’ll be able to afford a new machine or settle for a used ATM.

After you decide between new or used, you can start looking at specific models. Not all ATMs are created equal. Newer models have far more features and benefits than machines from just a few years ago. By researching different models, you’ll gain a good understanding of what makes some ATMs stand out from others. With this knowledge, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision about what ATM to buy.

The final step is finding an ATM provider, like National ATM Wholesale, where you can buy the right machine. Even if you’ve done your research, firms like AtmMachines.com, LLC can still give you advice on what machine is right for you, making the process as easy as possible. Companies like this may also provide installation, warranty coverage, and other turnkey operations to make the process of buying an ATM worry-free.

Contact National ATM Wholesale to buy an ATM today or learn about our selection of available ATMs.

How Secure is Your ATM?

When you own an ATM, security should be one of your top priorities. With so much money inside the machine, crooks and thieves are looking for ways to break into the machine and take everything inside. Other types of criminals are looking for ways to steal pin numbers and account information for people using the machine. Meanwhile, trying to rob people while they’re using an ATM or immediately afterward is also a common crime, but one that can be prevented by taking proper steps to secure the machine.

For instance, most ATMs nowadays have security cameras nearby that monitor everything that happens to the machine. Typically, this will deter any kind of criminal effort to steal from someone using the machine or tamper with the machine in any way. If the threat of being on camera doesn’t stop a criminal, everything they do will be captured on camera so the authorities will be able to track them down.

It’s also helpful that most ATMs are placed in well-lit locations, in addition to being in high-traffic areas. If an area doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic after the sun goes down or doesn’t have a light nearby, it’s typically less secure for the people using it. Placing an ATM around a corner can also be problematic, as it makes it more difficult for users to be aware of their surroundings, especially if they’re using it late at night. Fortunately, most ATM owners are careful about where they place their ATMs.

Another potential threat to ATMs is people breaking into the machines themselves to steal the piles of cash inside. Again, having security cameras can help to mitigate the risk of this happening. However, newer ATMs tend to have harder cases that are more difficult to break into. There are also detection devices that can be put into ATMs that trigger alarms if the machine is broken. This has become a common security measure in many of the newer ATMs.

Fortunately, most of the companies that build, sell, and monitor ATMs are ahead of the curve when it comes to preventing theft from the ATM itself or people using the machine. Most of the newer machines have the latest security technology to prevent theft of all kinds, which is another reason to look into buying newer ATMs. Regardless, security should always be a top priority for any ATM owner.

Contact National ATM Wholesale today to learn more about how to keep your ATM secure.

How Does an ATM Machine Work?

Most of us have experience using ATM machines. We put in our ATM card, hit a few buttons, and collect our cash. Of course, it’s not quite that simple. Inside the machine, there’s a lot going on that makes it possible for us to get fast cash. So, exactly how does an ATM machine work?

The first step, of course, is the user putting their ATM card into the machine. This allows the machine to read the card’s magnetic strip, although newer cards also have a chip that holds all necessary information about the card. The user is then prompted to enter his or her pin number using the ATM machine’s keypad.

Assuming they enter the correct pin, the user will then be given several options on the machine’s screen. They will then choose the desired transaction. Most of the time, this is either withdrawing money or checking the balance of their account.

After the transaction request is made, the ATM will connect to the computer of the bank associated with the card. First, the ATM connects via a phone line to a host computer, which then checks the details of the transaction request with the bank’s computer. Once the bank’s server is contacted, the balance of the account the user is trying to access can be confirmed. Assuming that account has enough funds to fulfill the withdrawal request, the machine receives permission to dispense the money the user has requested.

The cash dispenser part of the ATM machine takes over from here. This part of the machine uses high-precision sensors that make sure the machine only dispenses the exact amount the user has requested. If the bills inside the machine are folded, wrinkled, or problematic in some way, the machine can reject them and move them to a different part of the machine rather than dispense them to the user. This helps prevent the user from receiving more or less money than they requested. It also explains why the money we get from an ATM machine often looks crisp and brand-new.

Once the machine spits out the cash, the user can take their money, as well as their ATM card. The user is often asked if they want a receipt with the date, time, and amount they have withdrawn from the ATM machine. Printing out a receipt if requested is usually the last step in the process of how ATM machines work.

Interested in placing an ATM in your business? Contact National ATM Wholesale today to learn how!

8 Ideas for Generating Passive Business Income

There’s nothing better than making money with very little effort. Of course, there’s no such thing as getting paid to do nothing. But if you invest time and money up front to set up a business venture, you eventually get to the point where you start making money without having to do much. The great news is that there are countless ways to make this happen. Here are eight ideas for generating a passive business income.

Buy an ATM

If you’ve ever used an ATM at a hotel, restaurant, or mall, someone probably made money off you, and it’s not difficult for you to do the same to other people. If you own an ATM, you can make money from convenience fees every time someone uses it, creating a steady stream of income. After you buy the machine and choose the right location, there’s a minimal amount of work to be done on a daily basis, making it an ideal way of generating passive income.

Publish an eBook

One of the wonderful benefits of the internet is that almost anyone can become a published author. There are several direct publishing platforms that make it easy for anybody to publish an ebook of any length on any topic. Regardless of the subject matter, if you can find an audience for your ebook, once you publish you can just sit back and start earning money every time someone buys your ebook.

Rent out property

If you have the money to make a large investment up front, buying a house or condo to rent out to others is a great way to generate regular income without doing much work. Even if all you have is a spare bedroom, you can rent it out using a site like Airbnb. Travelers will pay good money for a nice room, giving you the opportunity to turn an empty bedroom into an extra source of income.

Create YouTube tutorials

Believe it or not, there are people who have turned their YouTube videos into a full-time job. Obviously, this is difficult to do, but YouTube does offer you the chance to make money off the ads that appear before any videos you upload. If you have a special skill or talent and can create a tutorial instructing others, you may be able to attract a sizable audience and make a good chunk of cash for your videos.

Sell your photographs on stock sites

Most people don’t realize it, but websites will buy stock photographs from amateur photographers. If you have some skills with a camera and you’re comfortable using Photoshop, explore the possibility of selling some of your photographs to stock photo websites. You may have some gems on your hard drive that could be worth something to stock photo websites and could earn you a little money in the process.

Teach an online course

Online education is a big business nowadays, and if you have a technical skill that others will be interested in learning, consider creating an online course. You could teach anything from computer programming to a foreign language to photography. Any skill that may have value in today’s world is something that people may want to learn. Once you create the course and share your expertise with the world, you’ll have set up a source of passive income and make money for every person that signs up for it.

Be a silent business partner

If you have extra money just sitting around, consider becoming a silent partner in a new business. Startups are always looking for money to get off the ground, so find one you like, invest in it and become a silent partner. There’s some risk involved, but you won’t have to do any of the work involved in getting the business started; instead, you’ll just reap the rewards when the business takes off.

While some of these passive income generators can involve a bit of work up front, AtmMachines.com, LLC can walk you through the ATM investment process. Contact us today to learn more.

FAQ: How Do I Keep My Debit Card Safe When Using an ATM?

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One of the biggest fears people have when using a debit or ATM card is losing the card or somehow having their card or identity stolen. However, if you’re careful and go about things the right way, you should have nothing to worry about. Here are a few ways you can keep your debit card safe every time you use an ATM.

Be aware of your surroundings

It’s important to exercise some level of caution when using an ATM. Take a look around to make sure no one is watching you or trying to steal your pin number. If there’s a line at the ATM, most people should know to stand a respectable distance behind the person at the machine. When in doubt, cover up the keypad with your hand when entering your pin.

Inspect the machine thoroughly

You don’t have to do a thorough search, but take a quick look at the ATM to see if anything about it looks off. If you have reason to believe the machine has been tampered with in any way, it’s best not to use it. If there’s a component on the ATM that’s not fully attached, it could mean a criminal has placed an ATM skimmer on the machine. Use your best judgment, and if anything about the machine feels off, don’t use it.

Put your card and cash away before leaving

Always put your debit card and any cash you’ve withdrawn back in your wallet or handbag before walking away from the machine. Even if there’s a line behind you, always make sure these items are securely put away so you don’t draw attention to yourself. You also don’t want to risk forgetting your card in the machine, so get in the habit of putting your belongings away before leaving the machine.

Report suspicious activity

If you notice anything wrong with an ATM, alert the proper authorities right away. If you notice any suspicious people around the machine or believe the machine has been tampered with in any way, don’t hesitate before calling for help. If you happen to forget your debit card in the machine, call your bank to cancel it right away. Even if you find it, there’s no guarantee that someone didn’t see it there and steal your information, so cancel the card just to be safe.

Contact National ATM Wholesale to learn more ATM security best practices.

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FAQ: How Does ATM Transaction Processing Work?

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Most people of a certain age know how to use an ATM without a problem. But few people have a great understanding of the process that happens behind the scenes that make bank transactions via an ATM possible. Fortunately, transaction processing is not as complicated as you might think and not all that hard to understand.

First, the user will swipe his or her ATM card and enter the pin number associated with that card. This confirms the cardholder’s identity and allows him or her to request a bank transaction, usually a withdrawal of money. The machine then contacts a host server with the cardholder’s information and transaction request. Years ago, this would be done through a telephone line. That is still the case for some machines, although more modern ATMs connect with host servers via the internet nowadays.

The host server acts as an intermediary for contacting the bank or financial institution that issued the ATM user his or her card. Once the user’s bank is contacted, the host server is able to facilitate an electronic transfer of the funds being requested by the cardholder, assuming the user’s home bank approves the transaction. The host server will then send the ATM an approval code that enables the machine to dispense the funds the cardholder requested. If requested, the ATM will also be able to share with the cardholder the balance in his or her account.

Finally, the host processor uses an automated clearing house (ACH) to transfer funds from the cardholder’s account into the account of whatever entity owns the ATM, whether it be another bank or a business. This will typically happen the next business day and ensures that the party responsible for filling the ATM machine is reimbursed for the funds the cardholder just took out of the machine.

Essentially, when you request money from an ATM, the money moves electronically from your account to the host server and then to the party that owns or operates the ATM. All of this happens within a matter of seconds, with important information like your pin and account number encrypted during the process for security reasons. When it’s all over, you get your ATM card back and take your cash with you. Not so complicated, right?

Contact National ATM Wholesale to learn more about our ATM transaction processing.

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FAQ: What ATM Parts & Supplies Do I Need?

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When it comes to owning or renting an ATM, it’s easy for people to get caught up in how much money they can make and forget about having to take care of the machine. Every now and then, ATM parts will have to be fixed or replaced. If you own an ATM, or you’re considering renting or owning one, here are the parts and supplies you may need to fix or replace from time to time.

Receipt Tape

Other than the cash inside the machine, receipt tape will be the most common part of ATM that you need to replace. The good news is that this isn’t all that hard to do, nor is the tape particularly expensive. If you hire a technician to do regular maintenance, changing the receipt tape will likely be part of the routine. Otherwise, you’ll have to keep an eye on it and take care of it yourself.

Rollers

ATMs have rollers that help to receive and dispense user’s ATM cards, as well as dispense cash from the machine. If they start to wear down, they’ll need to be replaced, so checking on them during regular maintenance is important. It also wouldn’t hurt to clean these rollers every once in awhile so they work properly without causing your customers any problems.

Screen

Odds are, you won’t have to replace your ATM’s screen too often. However, with most ATMs having touch screens, it would be wise to learn it regularly. Take a second to think about the volume of people using your ATM and you’ll realize how important it is to clean the screen. Also, during routine maintenance, you should have the technician calibrate the screen so that everything lines up accordingly, preventing users from unknowingly choosing the wrong option when they touch the screen.

Card Reader

The card reader slot is one part of the ATM that has to remain in working order. Without it, the machine wouldn’t be able to recognize any of the numbers on a user’s ATM card, rendering the entire machine useless. If you own an ATM, it wouldn’t hurt to have a backup card reader on hand in case you need to install a new one right away. Without a functioning card reader, your ATM can’t process anything, so you can’t afford to be without one for long.

Cash Dispenser

Behind the card reader, the cash dispenser may be the second most important part of an ATM. If there’s a problem with it, people may receive too little or too much money from the machine; either way, that’s a big problem. You may want spare parts, including the rollers mentioned above, that make up the cash dispenser available in case something needs to be replaced.

In need of new receipt tape or a new card reader? Contact National ATM Wholesale today.

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