Back on April 1, 1996, the ATM sales industry changed completely. On that date, the two largest national ATM networks, Cirrus and PLUS, lifted the long-time national ban on ATM surcharging. That created a surge in the number of independent ATM companies, and helped lower the costs of owning and maintaining ATMs for small and medium-sized businesses.

Thanks to that change, you will probably get your ATM from an independent vendor. These vendors are either authorized distributors for ATM manufacturers or ATM sales agents for these distributors. Although some banks still provide ATMs, they are extremely selective and usually place them in locations where they can expect at least 1,000 transactions each month.

ATM vendors will sell, install and service your cash machine. They will also manage the transaction processing. Choosing a vendor is a matter of finding one that offers the product you want at a fair price and can deliver the ongoing support you need. Use our instant ATM company comparison service to learn what different vendors can offer your business.

Like all equipment dealers, ATM suppliers tend to sell models from a limited set of manufacturers. This allows them to stock the right parts and have the expertise necessary to support them effectively. You should try to select your machine from the main brands the company supports.

Do not overlook customer service. Although ATMs are highly reliable and will last for years, they are often subject to user error and can break down from time to time. Once your ATM sale is completed, does your vendor have a call center that will help troubleshoot problems? Are there local technicians available to fix your machine when it breaks down? How quick is their turnaround? It makes sense to visit the vendor's location to see how well the operation runs.

Any ATM company you work with should be open about their relationship with manufacturers and processing networks. Find out if they have direct relationships with them as a registered Independent Sales Organization (ISO) or if they resell products for another ATM distributor. If they are a reseller, find out which ATM company they represent and check that company's reputation, as they will probably be processing your transactions and servicing your account.

Watch out for companies that are so intent closing an ATM sale that they offer deals that are “too good to be true.” This can signal that the company is simply amassing a portfolio of clients to boost the value of their company for a future sale, or that the company does not have enough financial strength to service your account well. Either way, steering clear of tempting deals that demand long-term contracts is the wisest choice.

You can be more assured of an ATM sales company's long-term prospects if they have been in the business for two or more years. That way, they should be able to generate enough revenue from their installed base to be viable. Checking Better Business Bureau records and speaking with references also help ensure you make the right decision.