Before you begin investing in ATM machines in order to start an ATM business, it's important to have an understanding of how the ATM Business works. Of course, simply acquring an ATM machine doesn't put you in business. A person with a dozen ATM machines in their garage is no more in the ATM business than the person with no ATM machines at all. So what does it take to get an ATM business started?

The three most important rules of real estate apply to the ATM business opportunity as well. The most important thing is location, location, and (of course) location. Placing your atm machine in a poor location is only a very small improvement from keeping it in your garage.

So it's very important to not only acquire the machines, but you must also decide what you're going to do with them once you have them. Some ATM manufacturing companies offer help finding locations, and some ATM franchise companies offer help finding the machines. Neither of these factors should discourage you from beginning an ATM business, but should be considered carefully.

If you choose to get started with a franchise, there will likely be some franchise rules you'll be expected to follow. These rules could vary greatly from company to company because there is no typical franchise contract. Each franchise parent company sets rules for themselves, and those decisions are up to the franchiser.

Franchises often offer one major benefit: support. A franchise parent company may be capable of training you in the management of your ATM business, down to the bookkeeping and maintenance of your machines.

The reliability of your ATM machines will depend largely on the manufacturer you choose. You may find that the cheapest source of ATM machines is not the best source. ATM machine reliability could be a critical factor in the success of your ATM business.

If a consumer attempts to withdraw cash from your ATM machine, it is probably because he or she needs cash quickly. Perhaps it is for an impulse purchase or for an emergency car repair – but the fact remains that the person needs their money now. If your ATM machine is not accepting transactions properly on that particular day (or worse, malfunctions mid-transaction), that person will likely move on to the next ATM machine to get the cash they need. Obviously you've lost the surcharge revenue from the period your machine was down, and worse, you will likely lose some future transactions because those people will remember your ATM as the one that didn't work, and won't even bother to stop there next time.

After choosing the manufacturer and locations for your ATM business, you still have some hurdles to clear. You'll need to set up a routine of servicing machines (whether you do it yourself or hire it to be done). You need to have a regular maintenance program in place, and to have a plan for when problems occur.

Setting up an ATM business isn't a process that is going to be completed and off the ground in an hour or two, but just take a look at the number of successful ATM businesses in existence. This is an endeavor that is likely to be well worth your time, effort, and financial investment.