Why ATM’s are Still Necessary.

Posted on by Deann Garrett

The Main Reasons Why ATM Machines Are Still Necessary and Used by a Lot of People

When you are going to the mall, traveling to a local shopping center, or even stopping by a small locally-owned business, you may notice something similar – ATM machines. While many people use their debit or credit cards to pay for their purchases both online and offline, the ATMs are not going anywhere anytime soon because they are still convenient and beneficial for a few different reasons. When people need to take cash out from their accounts, they can do so in a matter of minutes using one of these convenient machines.

Avoid the Line at the Bank

One of the reasons ATMs are continuously used is because many people want to avoid lengthy lines at the bank when taking out cash for different reasons. The bank may be crowded with long lines during certain times, causing a lot of frustration for those who simply want to get some cash and then go out to do whatever they would like to do. Instead of going to the bank teller and requesting to withdrawal cash from the bank account, individuals may simply put their debit card in the ATM, select the specific amount of cash they would like to take out, and have it dispersed in seconds. It is simply that convenient.

Get Cash for a Cash-Only Business

Some business owners only accept cash payments for purchases. While it may seem stranger, there are certain business that are quite traditional and then there are other businesses that have a hard time getting merchant accounts because their businesses are considered risky based on the items they are selling. No matter the reason for a business owner choosing to accept cash only as a payment for purchases, the customers who only bring their credit cards or debit cards with them will still be able to shop around and buy what they want by simply stopping at the ATM before paying for their goods. ATM machines can be expensive so it’s important to find a supplier where you can buy wholesale ATM’s for your business at a reduced rate, especially if you have a larger business or multiple locations.

Have That Added Convenience

Most ATMs are found in some of the most convenient spots. If someone forgets their cash at home and they know they are going to need it because they need to leave a tip for someone or because they need to pay for something specific in cash, they can head right over to the ATM to pull out their desired amount of cash. It is not very uncommon to find ATMs in stores, airports, at festivals, and even outdoors in certain areas.

People still regularly use ATMs because they provide a convenient and simple way to get cash when it is needed. The ATM gives a person an opportunity to avoid the long line in the bank while pulling cash out when they need to pay for merchandise when dealing with a cash-only business. It is an added convenience that can come in handy at unexpected moments. You can easily find ATMs in stores, banks, and other establishments, but there are also some of these machines installed outdoors for the convenience of the consumers who will use them.

How an ATM can benefit your business or storefront.

Posted on by Deann Garrett

Increase Sales With An ATM

Owning a business allows you to be your own boss and live the American dream. If you have a retail store, you need to provide as many payment options as possible if you want to get the most sales. It is important to accept credit and debit cards, and you should also give your customers access to an ATM. Many business owners overlook ATM machines, but they can add real value to your business. Read on to learn the top 4 benefits of having an ATM in your retail store.

Increase Sales

Having an ATM at your location is going to increase sales because it gives your customers an additional way to buy your products. Your customers might not want to use a debit or credit card and they might want to pay in cash. The ATM allows your customers to get cash quickly and it allows them to have access to more cash so they are likely to spend more money at your store. Having an ATM in your store also draws in people who are there just to use the ATM, but once they are in the store they are likely to buy something. You also get to keep a percentage of the revenue from the ATM which means more money going to your business.

Get Paid In Cash

When you have an ATM machine in your store you are more likely to get paid in cash. You won’t have to worry about bounced check fees and you won’t have to pay as much money in credit card transaction fees. Cash is a lot safer and it saves you the most money. When you get more sales in cash you don’t have to worry about problems. The transactions are simpler and you save money with every sale.

Save On Credit Card Fees

While accepting credit cards is a necessity, the fees can really start to add up quickly. Every fee that you pay for the credit card transaction means less money in your pocket. Installing an ATM will encourage your customers to pay in cash and this will save you money. You also get money whever someone uses the ATM machine and this can offset any credit card fees you have to pay.

With the right signage you can attract people to your ATM from off the street. The signs don’t have to be expensive. Colorful and bright signage with lights will ensure that people are attracted to your new ATM. Video toppers can also draw customers to the ATM machine.

Adds Flexibility

The more payment options you have the better. Having an ATM machine at your business is going to help you make more money and increase foot traffic to your business. Your customers will like having multiple payment options.

It doesn’t cost money to have an ATM installed and it can make you more money. Your customers will like having multiple payment options and you will like the safety that cash provides. An ATM will increase foot traffic to your business.

The Evolution Of ATMs Over The Years

Posted on by Deann Garrett

The Evolution Of ATMs Over The Years

The Docuteller, manufactured by Docutel, was the first ATM to be installed in the US. It was located in the Rockville Center in Long Island, NY. The ATM was owned by Chemical Bank, and could only be used by customers of the bank; ATMs that could be used by customers of different banks were introduced about ten years later.

ATMs have gone through various changes over the years as demonstrated below.

Drive Up ATM Machines

Next in the evolution of ATMs, came drive up ATMs. The first of their kind was installed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and was owned by NCR, an ATM manufacturer based in Georgia. A whopping 95 percent of all NCR drive up ATMs are in the US.

Movie Ticket, Stamps And Prepaid Card Dispensers

In 1988, Equibank, based in Pittsburg, introduced ATMs that could in addition to cash, dispense stamps, movie tickets and prepaid cards. This trend was adopted by other banks years later, but with different results. This service has however been largely discontinued.

The Talking ATM

Talking ATMs are now quite common. These were first introduced as a way of replacing the Braille ATMs previously used by blind customers.

Video

Banks looking to provide a combination of in person and ATM banking services through ATM machines have incorporated video functionality. Customers can engage with a bank teller visually via the video display screen on the ATM.

Cardless

Another growing trend in the ATM world is the provision of cardless services. These machines rely on the use of smartphones. Customers get a code which they enter into the machine together with their PIN to get the services they need.

Bitcoin

As the popularity of crypto-currencies grows, the number of ATMs designed to convert cash into crypto-currencies such as Bitcoin and vice versa is also on the rise. These ATMs are however separate from the traditional banking system.

As you can see, ATMs have gone through various changes throughout their fifty year existence.