ATMs, also known as automated teller machines, are an appealing business to operate due to the passive nature of the business. But the industry has faced unexpected changes over the past few years that should cause pause before moving forward with the idea.
ATM manufacturing alone is an $185 million dollar industry in the United States according to reports. Independent owners of these machines take a small fee from each transaction that occurs with the unit. The more machines you’re able to acquire and position in high-traffic locations, the more revenue you can generate.
The challenge within this industry has been impacts of the global pandemic. People aren’t going to be gathering in crowds, attending baseball games or fairs the same way they used to. In turn, cashless payment options are becoming more prevalent, cutting the need for paper assets where germs could spread more easily. As a result the industry size is expected to shrink through 2025.
In spite of this global shift, ATMs will continue to work in some areas. Just like magazines and other industries on that have been on the decline decades, you can still build a profitable business with the right approach. You’ll just need to be more creative and aware of the changing consumer behavior. According to major news outlets, cash is still the most used method of payment in the United States.
ATM machines are expected to decline in use over the next 5 years.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a set of machines, be sure to write a detailed business plan first so you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the business model. This post we provide detailed instruction on how to write a business plan in this industry. We even include free templates you can download and update. Let’s do this thing!
Executive Summary
Start with a brief description of your proposed ATM business by writing down an introduction for it in this section. Include a little bit about the company as well, a quick rundown of the services your ATM business will offer, and the customer focus you’ll be reaching with this kind of business.
Introduction
Introductions are important in a formal business plan. This gives your readers a quick run-through of what your ATM business is without getting too technical. A simple introduction of your business name, location, and the services you’ll be offering will suffice since more details will be thoroughly explained later on.
A sample introduction can be like this:
Cash 2 Go is an ATM business center located inside Pennsylvania Station, New York. The ATMs deployed will have cash withdrawal functions, balance checker options, bills payments services, and fund transfer services. The ATM center is accessible 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Just by this introduction, you can already tell the name of the business, where it will be located, the services the machines will carry and the hours it is going to be accessible to the public. Assuming the venue is open, the machines could be making you money 24/7 365.
You do not have to provide extreme amounts of detail in this section. You’ll tackle the details in the next sections of the document.
Company Description
Where can I find a cupcake ATM machine?
Why have you decided to put up an ATM business? Who will be the ones running this? A little background on your company will be of great help. This gives your reader an idea of what your business setup will be such as who is in charge of accounts, who will handle the replenishing of cash, and who is responsible for machine repairs and maintenance.
Again, just list down the roles briefly for you will have the opportunity to list down a detailed management structure later on.
Services
ATMs are already known to dispense cash but what other services will your ATM business cover? In this section, write down an introductory list of services your business will be offering.
In this case, you service is simple. You provide access to cash. However, be sure to offer any unique aspects of your vending machines that could be used to differentiate the service.
- Distribution of bills in different denominations ($10, $20, $50)
- Some machines will allow you to make specialty purchases like stamps.
- Does a certain portion of your proceeds go toward charity? That could be a differentiator.
- Does you ATM machine have a green element and use less energy than competitors? This could sway environmentally aware consumers to use your service.
Customer Focus
You’d be surprised to know that not everyone uses ATMs. The younger generation has adopted the ATM more than senior citizens. Also be aware of the location you plan to place the ATM. If you’re installing the machine into an international airport, you may want to consider adding paper assets from other countries. Understand what the customers of your area truly need and adapt.
In this section, briefly state your customer focus for your ATM business since this will come in handy in visualizing the entirety of the business for your readers.
Mission Statement
An ATM machine in Rome.
Even a simple ATM company business will need a mission statement. It will serve as the business’s goals so you can be steered in the right direction when you’re making important business decisions. It also helps you achieve success.
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Here is a sample to give you an idea of how a mission statement would look like:
Cash 2 Go promotes ease of banking. We aim to provide cash for your needs as well as other banking services such as fund transfers and bills payments all at the convenience of one machine. One unique element of our machines is that we allow donate 5% from each transaction to the the Planetary Whale Fund. We also aim to make every transaction as secure as possible and to have our machines up and running twenty-four seven.
With this statement, you can tell how Cash 2 Go’s objectives are to dispense cash, provide basic banking services, and to ensure all their machines will be online all days of the week.
Any shortcomings will mean that the ATM company business has failed in following their mission statement. So make sure to practice and meet these objectives to provide a one hundred percent satisfaction rate from your customers.
Company Concept
ATM company businesses have a fairly simple concept. The main concept is to be able to provide cash for those who need it and cannot go to the banks at the moment. But if you need anything more to add, now is the time to write it down here.
Other concepts you might want to consider:
- Providing a deposit function for both cash and checks
- Viewing and requesting statements
- Adding the option to buy cryptocurrency
- The ability to buy lottery tickets or stamps
Do note that you’ll hav