Paul Alex’s ATM Together Review: The 4 Major Risks of an ATM Business

July 8, 2024

ATM Together is a one-stop shop that helps you create, manage, and scale an ATM business that creates semi-passive income. Created by Paul Alex Espinoza, ATM Together offers ATM and BTM (Bitcoin teller machine) done-for-you business services, a beginner’s masterclass, and an exclusive mentorship program. The potential returns of your investment with ATM Together to be $200-$1000 a month on ATMs and $1,000 a month on BTMs. You should put into consideration the foot traffic, marketing, etc.

An ATM business is a high-risk business that has the potential to create large profits or lose big. The downsides are the high upfront costs and ongoing operational costs, vulnerability to physical and digital theft, and strict regulations. An ATM business is also not completely passive. You still need to stock your ATM with bills and receipt paper regularly and keep it maintained. You can outsource the physical work, but it will further lower your income.

Paul Alex's ATM Together Review: Pros and Cons

Pros

Paul Alex makes reasonable claims and offers unlimited location finder services.

You can contact ATM Together customer support through texting, calling, or emailing. ATM Together is known for their helpful and quick responding customer support.

Active free Facebook group with over 68,500 members.

Cons

Even with the unlimited location finder services, it can take a while before they find you a profitable location for your ATM.

An ATM business is a highly competitive, high-risk business.

Cryptocurrency ATMs have higher risk of not being profitable.

Price

ATM Together's masterclass course costs $397. ATM Elite Automation costs $6,500-$10,000 depending on your package. Crypto Elite Automation costs a 5-figure investment. Funding options are available for the Automation packages. ATM Hero's price is given during the 10 minute informational call. You can also explore ways on how to start an ATM business with no money.

Refund Policy

Each of ATM Together's programs has their own unique refund policy. You can check the policy by contacting the customer support.

Origin

ATM Together was created on January, 2021.

Reputation

Positive.

October 12, 2024

ponzi scheme rip off. No one communicates. They take your money and you are left to wonder ….Do not waste your time and money

Prince Parker
August 30, 2024

Terrible customer service for dealing with bitcoin atm issues. High upfront cost with little to no revenue. Customer service is great and responsive when they are trying to sell you on their service, but once they get your investment its downhill from there.

Ryan
August 9, 2024

Second location and not even breaking even. $200 a month maybe realistic in the early 2000s. Do not buy this program. Youre looking to invest around $10k upfront for like $30/month profit

Marco
July 8, 2024

He makes it sound so easy, but let me tell you now that it’s not. It’s also way more expensive that Paul says.

Steve

1.0
1.0 out of 5 stars (based on 4 reviews)

What Are the 4 Major Risks of an ATM Business?

  1. High Starting Cost - You need as much as $3,000-$12,000 to start an ATM business. An ATM costs anywhere between $2,000-$8,000. This depends whether it's freestanding or built-in, and whether it offers wireless connection, or if it’s brand new. You also need $1,000-3,000 for the cash deposit. High starting investment means you risk much if the business proves unprofitable. You can read the full breakdown of costs in the Cost To Start an ATM Business article. 
  2. Security Risks - There are many ways that your ATM can be compromised. Physical security risks range from card skimming, smash-and-grabs, theft, etc. Your ATM can also fall victim to hacking and other cyberattacks. Filling up the ATM and having to carry a lot of cash on hand can be scary. Some ATM owners carry a gun for self-protection and bring a friend to watch over them as they refill the ATM.
  3. Legal Issues and Regulations - You will go to a complete background check before you can legally operate an ATM business. Any felony or financial crime record with prevent you from getting approved. Rules and regulations vary from state to state, so it's important to do your research or consult a lawyer beforehand.
  4. Semi-Passive - An ATM business still requires physical work. You need to refill bills and receipt paper and take care of maintenance issues. You can outsource the work in order to make your ATM business completely passive, but it will add up to your operating costs.

It is important to know these 4 major risks before deciding to start an ATM business. It's high-risk and the ATM business could be dying, so you should only invest what you can afford to lose. 

Who Is ATM Together For?

  1. Beginners who want to learn how to start and manage their own ATM business. ATM Together’s masterclass teaches you everything you need to know.
  2. ATM business owners looking to automate their ATM business. ATM Together provides hands-off ATM automated services.
  3. Entrepreneurs who are looking for a done-for-you passive income business to add to their portfolio. ATM Together offers done-for-you ATM automated programs.
atm together review

What Is ATM Elite Automation?

ATM Elite Automation is a done-for-you ATM business service by ATM Together. The service guarantees to make you at least $200 a month in just 4-6 weeks. All you need is a bank account that you can tie to the ATM and they will find you a location for your ATM within 30 days. Once you are satisfied with a location, a technician will install the ATM for you.

What Do You Get With ATM Elite Automation?

  • 1 Hyosung Halo 2 ATM (no camera) - This brand new ATM can hold $20,000 and comes with a 2-year warranty and free shipping (not including taxes).
  • Free Processing Network - With this month-to-month contract, you will not have to pay any surcharge fees. You will also get a mobile app that tracks your daily ATM activities.
  • 1 Internet Modem - This is an internet model specifically made for ATM use. ATM Together will set up you internet service with Verizon or ATT for $5.99 a month.
  • Access to Private Clients Only Mastermind Group – Weekly coaching sessions with ATM Together mentors and regular ATM business related updates.
  • 24/7 Support - Around the clock support via SMS, phone and video call, email, and social media.
  • Bank Location Assistance - ATM Together will help you find a local bank for your ATM based on the chosen location.
  • Clients' Wholesale Privileges - Your ATMs are purchased at wholesale price which you can resell at retail price to keep the profits. You keep the processing which means you earn from your buyer.
  • Access to Trusted Vaulters and Technicians - Recommended 3rd party companies which you are to pay directly for availing their services. A technician will also set up your ATM on location and will also connect it to the ATM network.
  • Location Finder Services - 1 assigned sales representative dedicated to finding a merchant location for your ATM within 4-6 weeks. You will be able to tour the location to verify its safety. The representative will provide you with more locations until you find one that you are satisfied with.
  • International Business Support - Access to Canada ATM Services.
atm together review

What Is Crypto Elite Automation?

Crypto Elite Automation is a done-for-you BTM (Bitcoin teller machine) business service by ATM Together. They will find a suitable location for your BTM business and have it up and running in 4 weeks. You are expected to earn about $3,000 a month after 6 months of normalization. Because of the volatility of the crypto market, there are no income guarantees given.

What Do You Get With Crypto Elite Automation?

  • LLC and Bank Account Set Up - ATM Together will walk through the process of creating an LLC and business checking account. ATM Together advises clients to comply with legal regulations in their jurisdiction. Clients are recommended to consult legal professionals or regulatory authorities in their area.
  • 1 Brand New 2-Way Bitcoin ATM - A customized appearance and marketing BTM that can buy and sell crypto and cash.
  • Processing Service Setup - You will only pay a onetime fee for unlimited processing.
  • Location Services - The ATM Together team will find the best BTM location for you in your area. You are also guaranteed free location replacement if the chosen location proves to be unprofitable.
  • Additional Training - You will get access to customized training in marketing, prospecting, sales and scaling. You will also have access to live mastermind weekly trainings.
  • BTM Set Up - A technician will install the BTM for you in the chosen location. ATM Together will also provide an armored carrier service to maintain your BTM's cash.
  • 1-on-1 Support - You will have access to dedicated 1-on-1 chat with your client success manager, location manager, and account manager. You will also have 24/7 access to back office support for your BTM business through a digital platform.
atm together review

What Is the ATM Masterclass?

ATM Masterclass by ATM Together is a 9-module course that will teach you how to start, run, and scale an ATM business. Created in 2023, you will be able to launch your business in 30 days with instructions from 6 ATM business experts. You also get 2 bonuses: BulletProof ATM Contract and AI Location Finding PDF Guide.

What Do You Get With the ATM Masterclass?

  • Lesson 1: Forming a Bulletproof Business Entity - Instructed by the operations manager of ATM Together, Gedam Yonas, you will learn the how to create your LLC and protect your assets, identity, and privacy.
  • Lesson 2: Business Bank Accounts - You will learn how to open and structure your business bank account from instructor Gianni Santino. Having 80+ ATMs for a contract with Dunkin Donuts, Gianni also talks about why the ATM business is high-risk. This will also help if you have low credit score.
  • Lesson 3: ATM Selection & Tech Support for Rookies - You will learn the difference between ATM models, how to troubleshoot ATMs, how to maintain ATMs, and several tips and tricks on how to keep your ATMs running 24/7. The lesson is instructed by 140+ ATM owner and CEO of High Country ATM, Mike St Don.
  • Lesson 4: Finding Profitable Locations - Learn the unique approach that Ruben and Anna Loyoza used to set 20+ ATMs in some of the best locations because of their unique approach. You will learn how to find the best locations, negotiate with business owners, and how to grow your business fast.
  • Lesson 5: ATM Back Office Training - Mike St Don will teach you how to manage your entire ATM business on your phone. This will save you a lot of time and money in running your business.
  • Lesson 6: Explosive Marketing Strategies for your ATM Business - Instructed by Paul Alex, you will learn how to create your own personal brand. He also teaches you how to leverage social media to network with business owners of potential ATM sites.
atm together review

What Is ATM Hero?

ATM Hero is an exclusive mentorship with a done-for-you ATM business. The 4-week done-for-you service is similar to the ATM Elite Automation service. ATM Hero is exclusively mentored by Mike Saindon and Ruben Loyoza. The program can last up to 14 weeks to guarantee your ATM business is prospering.

ATM Together Reviews: What Do Clients Say?

ATM Together reviews online are mostly positive. There is a wealth of client testimonials on the ATM Together website as referrals is one of their top marketing strategy. ATM Together has no BBB or Trustpilot profile. ATM Together has had over 2,500 clients with 2,700+ ATMs and 250+ BTMs that has generated over $1.2 million in income. The following screenshots are some of their testimonials.

ATM Together Reddit Reviews

ATM Together Reddit reviews from clients have been positive. The reviews praise the efficiency of the team and acknowledge the legitimacy of the location finder service. None of the reviews mention their ROI or if they even got their investment back.

Who Is Paul Alex Espinoza?

atm together review

Paul Alex Espinoza is a serial entrepreneur, coach, and founder of ATM Together from Miami, Florida. He grew ATM together to a $9 million dollar company in 2 years. In 2017, Paul started his ATM side hustle business while working as a detective for law enforcement. He scaled his ATM business to 30 locations in 18 months.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Paul was born to immigrant parents. His mother was from Peru and his father was from Mexico. Paul started working as a regional sales manager for 6 years before working as a police detective for 7 years. He started investing in ATMs, real estate, and crypto. Paul also purchased an Amazon automation store that didn’t work out. After getting into digital marketing, he created a Facebook account in late 2020 to educate others on how to make an ATM business and created his first course, 30dayatmbiz.com. In January 2021, he started going into ATM automation and created ATM Together. 

atm together review
atm together review

What Are Paul Alex's Claims?

Paul Alex makes 2 claims with his services. He guarantees that his ATM business clients can earn $200-$1,000 a month from each ATM in the location they provide. As for cryptocurrency ATMs, Paul claims that clients can earn $3,000 a month per unit but does not give any guarantee because of the volatility of the crypto market. Paul’s claims are quite reasonable, but the question is, how likely are you to make these figures?

The High-Risk Nature of an ATM Business

Starting and running an ATM business is not a risk-free investment. Paul Alex himself mentions that an ATM business is a high-risk business model. The major risks have the potential to make your ATM business unprofitable. As for Paul’s crypto ATM claim, ATM Together actually buys the crypto currency from their affiliates for a lower price. You will be selling it at a markup of 15-20%. The high volatility of the crypto market means that prices can dramatically drop in an instant and make you lose money. There’s also the high risk of lacking customers depending on your location.

Is It Worth Starting an ATM Business?

It is worth starting an ATM business as a side hustle. Like Paul Alex, you shouldn't create an ATM business with the purpose of replacing your 9-5 income. ATM owners make $300-$500 a month on average. You typically earn $2-$3 every time a customer makes a transaction. You then have to consider the operating costs when calculating your profits.

Location and marketing are the biggest part of an ATM business. Name your ATM business to reflect the service you offer. The name should also be catchy and easy to remember. Finding a location with high foot traffic and no competition and having good marketing will ensure a lot of customers use your ATM. Most of the best locations mostly already have an ATM. You will need to spend a lot of time researching profitable locations.

Convincing a business to let you put up an ATM may take some negotiation skills. You can place your own ATM into someone else’s business by giving them incentives. Negotiating a location fee or share of the profits will make negotiations go smoother.

What Are the Ongoing Costs of Running an ATM Business?

  • Commissions - The processor charges a fee of about 20-50 cents per transaction. Depending on the location where you put your ATM, you may need to pay a location fee. The location fee would depend on your negotiation and agreement with the location owner.
  • Taxes - As with any business, you need to pay your taxes. Depending on the location, you may have to pay additional state or county taxes based on the revenue.
  • Maintenance - Brand new ATMs usually have a 1-2 year warranty. ATMs bought from distributors usually come with limited warranty. If you are out of warranty, you need to set aside money for parts and repairs.
  • Logistics - Logistical costs vary and can include receipt papers, transportation costs or fee for your loaders if you are using their services, communication costs, etc.
  • Insurance - You need insurance to operate your ATM business lawfully. Insurance will also protect you from losses you can incur from the many risks of an ATM business.

Where Are ATMs Most Profitable?

  • Casinos
  • Gentlemen's Clubs
  • Hotels
  • Nightclubs and Bars
  • Convenience Stores and Gas Stations

Keep in mind that these locations will most likely already have an ATM on site. Negotiating with these businesses will also be a challenge as they will likely ask for a bigger profit cut.

What Are the Physical Requirements for an ATM Business?

  • Power source - Your ATM will need to be connected to a reliable power source in order to function. This should be included when putting your ATM in establishments.
  • Network connection - ATMs need to be connected to the network of banks and cards. ATMs can connect to the network through ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.
  • Space - There should be ample space for customers to conduct their business. It should not be crowded or cramped, so they would feel safe.
  • Security coverage - ATM theft may be rare, but it is possible. Security cameras can prevent any security issues and help with your insurance claims.

Top 7 Reasons People Fail the ATM Business

  1. Bad Location - Location is the most important factor in running an ATM business. The lack of foot traffic or demand in the location means less customers and less income. Customers also prefer using ATMs in location where they feel safe.
  2. Lack of Marketing - People need to know that your ATM exists in that location. You need to put up signs, distribute flyers, register on online directories, post on social media, etc.
  3. Low Quality ATM - If your ATM is poor in quality and processes transactions too slow or gets errors, customers will prefer to use other ATMs instead.
  4. Poor Service - You need to keep your ATM in top shape and respond to customer support in a timely manner. If your ATM is constantly down or out of cash, customers are less likely to come back.
  5. Inadequate Location Agreement - A location agreement needs to be very specific and detailed to protect you from liabilities. If your agreement is not detailed enough, you may find yourself liable for accidents, disputed charges, etc.
  6. Scale Too Fast - Putting up multiple ATMs in several locations without making sure of the long-term profitability is a high-risk move that could potentially lose all of your investments.
  7. End of Contract - When your contract with the location expires, they may not want to renew it or even opt to put up their own ATM if your business proves very profitable. Maintaining good relationship with the location owner is important to your success.

Since you only earn whenever a customer uses your ATM, it all comes down to a number game. Simply put, if your income does not cover your operating costs, your business will fail and you will lose your investment. You also have to consider that word of mouth is important in an ATM business since a lot of those using your ATM consistently will be locals.

Local Lead Generation Is a Low-Cost Business the Creates Complete Passive Income

Compared to an ATM business, a local lead generation requires a lower initial investment and, as a type of digital real estate business, is completely passive. It costs as little as $500 in initial investment to start a local lead generation business. Using free SEO tactics and some paid tools, you'll be able to rank your website on Google.

Once ranked, your website will generate organic leads for people who are searching for specific types of businesses. You can earn as much as $2,000 from renting out your website to local businesses who will benefit from the leads that your website attracts. The monthly income is predictable and you get to keep 100% of the profits. With competition, you don't have to worry much about it in a local lead generation. There are hundreds of niches and thousands of local areas that you will only have a handful or even non-existent competition.

conclusion-lead-gen-maps

A tree care site I created in 2015 continues to earn me $2,000 a month of passive income and it's the same website I created back then. A site can stay ranked on Google for years without you updating them. This is the true definition of passive income. Scaling a local lead generation is also cheaper and simpler than scaling an ATM business. You just have to repeat ranking and renting a new website. There is no limit on how many sites you can rank and rent. Being an easily scalable business that brings in predictable and completely passive income makes local lead generation the best business model to create time and financial freedom.

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Ippei Kanehara
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$52K per month providing lead generation services to small businesses

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His #1 online business recommendation in 2024, is to build your own lead generation business.

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