How many times have you heard someone say ‘I’m just going to get some cash and I will be right back’ and then they never return? At school fetes and other community events this basically boils down to lost money. When someone leaves an event to get cash, they rarely come back.
Hiring a Mobile ATM
Hiring a mobile ATM is one solution to keeping the cash rolling in during your big event. Most mobile ATMs arrive in weather proof trailers, are branded (makes them easy to find) and come with their respective contact details easily found on the side of the trailers in the case of any issue (so customers can contact the business immediately, rather than the event organisers).
Most portable ATMs use wireless technology and do not need to be connected to any local network. There will be an expectation that you have checked a suitable signal is available, but if you can find a decent phone signal on your mobile, then the ATMs will work.
Keep in mind that all of the ATM hire companies are independent businesses and none are affiliated with any particular bank. Therefore the transaction fees charged by each company is both non-negotiable, and usually higher than a normal bank-affiliated ATM. However this is off-set by the convenience for your customers.
Pros of hiring an ATM:
Having readily accessible cash keeps your customers onsite, meaning they stay (and spend) for longer.
Beneficial for schools who cannot accept EFTPOS or do not want to set up a mobile credit card point of sale system.
Data suggests that the majority of money withdrawn from a mobile ATM is spent at the event.
This is beneficial for attracting commercial vendors (such as market stalls and food vans) to your event.
The cash is provided by the hire company and they are responsible for it – meaning they are also responsible for solving any disputes over incorrect transactions. They will also have their own public liability insurance (make sure you ask to see it).
Cons of hiring an ATM:
Your customers will be charged a hefty fee for the service (up to $3 per transaction), and this is where the ATM hirer will make their profit (in addition to rental fees).
All mobile ATMs require a good wireless network signal (ie the Telstra Next G network). If your event is remote or in an area which gets a poor signal, the ATMS may not work, and it is suggested you check this prior to booking an ATM.
You will need to provide relatively close access to power – some companies may require a fixed electrical point, others may be happy with a generator. Check with the company prior to booking.
Where can you put a mobile ATM?
Most of the mobile ATMs come in small trailers which can be parked on almost any level surface including grass, dirt and concrete. You will need to provide access to power, and it is advisable to put them in a central, easily accessible location so that customers know they are there.
The space you need to provide will depend on the company you choose, but also keep in mind you will need to allow extra space for queues that may form in front of the machines. If you are providing maps of your event, make sure you clearly identify where the ATMs are, especially if you choose to put them inside a building.
The best place for your ATM is somewhere visible and central – either next to your food stalls or next to any stall selling tickets (such as for rides). Make sure you tell all your stall holders (for every shift across your event) where the ATMs are located so they can tell any customer who looks like they do not have enough cash for their purchase.
Create ‘street’ signs for your event, making sure people know where to find the ATM. Consider spraying the grass (or chalking the pavement) with arrows leading people to the ATM. Remember – most of the money that people withdraw at your event, will be spent at your event.
ATM Hire Companies in Australia
These are the main hire companies across Australia – this list is provided as a service but please do your own research and check reviews before choosing a company.
ATM2Go
Website: https://www.atm2go.com.au/
Location: Available across Australia, every state and capital city plus some regional areas (in WA the ATMS are provided by Kismet see below )
What is provided: mobile trailers, each with two ATMs, suitable for indoor or outdoor events. Trailers can be combined for larger events, and single ATMs can be provided for smaller events (under a small marquee). At the conclusion of the event, they will provide a report outlining the number of transactions and how much cash was withdrawn during the event.
What you need to provide: a level surface (4.5m wide by 3m deep) and access to 240v power – within 10 metres.
Cost: $440 for small events (less than 8,000 attending) which includes reliable delivery and pick up, insurance, and communications for the duration of your event. There may be an extra charge for travelling to events in more remote locations.
IF ATM
Website: http://www.ifatm.com.au/atm/mobile-event-hire
Location: Victoria, NSW, SA and WA.
What is provided: Portable ATMs (both cashed and self-cashed), signage
What you need to provide: contact company for details
Cost: contact company for details
ATM 4 You
Website: http://www.atm4you.com.au/
Location: ‘Most of the country’ except Victoria, NT and Western Australia
What is provided: Twin or quad units, an attendant to be onsite during your event
What you need to provide: 10/15 amp power, Telstra Next G wireless signal, a suitable site and event passes if necessary
Cost: No set price, depends on various factors and you can negotiate hire fee
KISMET
Website: http://kismet-atm.com.au/event-atms/
Location: WA only
What is provided: Multiple trailer options, delivery and set up, technical support
What you need to provide: level surface and access to power
Cost: $660 for a double ATM trailer. Even for small events two ATMs are sent to ensure that in the case of technical issue, at least one ATMs is working.
Complete ATM Services
Website: https://www.completeatmservices.com.au/mobile-atm-hire-for-events.html
Location: South East Queensland
What is provided: mobile ATMs are available in single, twin and 4-berth configurations; standalone ATM comes in a portable trailer
What you need to provide: available power, an easy access position and on-site security
Cost: if your event has the ability to provide more than 500 transactions and is less than 200 km from the Qld warehouse, no Event Hire fee will apply, otherwise contact the company for details about fees
Your Local ATM
Website: http://yourlocalatm.com.au/product-services/mobile-atm/
Location: contact company for details
What is provided: machines, cash and wireless ADSL modem
What you need to provide: a power point
Cost: contact the company for details
Trailer Cash
Website: http://www.trailercash.com.au/atm-services/
Location: Sydney, contact company for other locations
What is provided: a range of all-weather trailers – can be battery operated to allow them to run without external power, some single trailers have wheelchair ramps and others have lighting for night time events
What you need to provide: Telstra Mobile phone coverage, access to power (unless you have requested a battery operated trailer)
Cost: contact company for details