Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are ubiquitous right? Wrong. When you need one, you often can't find one. Worst of all, when a customer needs one you have to send them away, right? Wrong again. ATMs aren't everywhere but one can be installed at your place of business. Among all the advantages of having an ATM at your business, the best is that you'll never have to send a customer down the street, around the corner or worst of all, to a competitor ever again. Why take the chance that you'll lose a customer when you can actually give that customer a convenient place to get cash that will pay you a commission in the process?

You don't take credit cards? Get an ATM installed. What could be better? You get full price for your product, your customer has access to cash and you make money on that customer twice instead of paying a credit card processing fee or losing the customer completely.

Not enough space? Wrong again. ATMs are smaller than ever and can practically fit into the palm of your hand. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but stand alone floor models take up very little space and table top models allow you to put an ATM almost anywhere. If you have the space you can opt for a traditional through the wall model. All machines are safe and secure and add a level of sophistication to your business that you didn't know you were missing.

Some brand names to consider are Hyosung, Tranax, Tidel, Triton, and WRG, but the more important choice is not for the brand, but the installer.

Strategy: first, if you have a relationship with a credit card processor already, give your sales person a call and find out if they can arrange the installation for you. If they say yes, tell them that you want to get a quote for purposes of comparison. Armed with that quote you can shop around. If you don't take credit cards now, start with your bank or talk to other ATM site owners and call other processing companies. Check out the card acceptance networks. Find out who charges what for a transaction and make sure you ask what your costs will be. Is there a service contract? Will you have to pay an armored car company to fill up the machine? What happens when the machine breaks down or runs out of cash? Who will own the equipment? Is there a leasing cost? Are there any fees for which you will be liable? What happens if the machine breaks down and gives away money or doesn't give out the money? Is there an insurance policy that you or anyone else has to pay for?

Remember, don't sign any agreements unless you understand all of the fine print. Hire an attorney, if necessary to negotiate the deal for you or at the very least to read the legalese in the agreement. Whatever you decide, remember that you are creating a new revenue stream that will enhance your bottom line and among all of the advantages of having an ATM at your business, your customer's satisfaction is number one.