As a cannabis dispensary owner, you’re likely aware of the ongoing battle to maximize revenue while keeping operational costs down. While cannabis businesses face a unique set of challenges when it comes to payment processing, there are also untapped opportunities that can provide substantial extra income. ATM Advertising is an opportunity that converts your existing ATMs into revenue-generating advertising platforms.
In this blog, we’ll explore how ATM advertising works, why it’s a smart move for dispensaries, and how Bankcard International Group (BIG) can help you implement this solution to boost your bottom line.
What is ATM Advertising?
ATM advertising involves using the screen of your ATM to display advertisements to customers who are conducting a transaction. This can be an effective tool for monetizing the otherwise unused space on the machine while also enhancing your customer experience. For dispensaries, this advertising space can be utilized for various purposes:
- Promoting In-Store Products and Services: Advertise special deals, new products, or loyalty programs to customers using the ATM.
- Third-Party Advertisements: Partner with relevant businesses in your community (e.g., local wellness centers, dispensary suppliers, etc.) to showcase their ads, earning a share of the revenue.
- Branding and Awareness: Display your dispensary’s branding and mission statement, further connecting with your customer base.
Why Choose ATM Advertising for Your Dispensary?
ATM advertising is an effective, low-cost solution that can generate significant revenue for dispensaries. Here are a few reasons why you should consider integrating ATM advertising into your dispensary operations:
- Unlock Additional Revenue
The main benefit of ATM advertising is the ability to generate an additional income stream. Through ad sales, you can transform your ATMs into mini-billboards that bring in revenue every time a customer uses them.
Solution: At BIG, we assist dispensary owners in setting up ATM advertising networks and managing the ad sales process. We help you identify relevant advertisers and ensure a smooth integration with your current ATM infrastructure.
- Maximize Underused ATM Screens
ATMs typically show minimal content — just the transaction interface — while they remain idle. ATM advertising maximizes the potential of this space by turning the screen into a valuable, revenue-generating asset.
Solution: BIG offers customizable software for your ATMs that integrates seamlessly with your current setup. This allows you to manage and schedule content, ensuring that the advertisements are displayed at the right times for maximum visibility and impact.
- Targeted Advertising
ATM advertising enables you to display highly targeted content based on customer behavior. For example, you can promote specific products or discounts to customers who are withdrawing cash to purchase items in your dispensary.
Solution: BIG provides analytics and customer behavior tracking to ensure that the right content is shown to the right customer at the right time. Our AI-powered solutions analyze transaction data to optimize ad placement and ensure relevance.
- Increased Customer Engagement
By displaying engaging ads or promotions during the ATM transaction process, you’re offering a chance to inform and excite your customers. This can help boost sales and improve customer loyalty.
Solution: BIG’s ATM advertising solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with your dispensary’s overall marketing strategy. We can help you create eye-catching ad designs that resonate with your customer base and drive higher engagement.
Overcoming the Challenges of ATM Advertising
While ATM advertising offers numerous benefits, it’s important to consider some potential challenges and how Bankcard International Group (BIG) addresses them to ensure your success.
- Regulatory Compliance
Cannabis dispensaries face strict regulatory environments, especially when it comes to advertising. Dispensaries must ensure that any advertising, including on ATMs, complies with local, state, and federal laws. For example, advertising alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis products might be subject to restrictions in certain jurisdictions.
- Solution: BIG ensures that all advertisements on your ATMs are compliant with current cannabis advertising laws. We help you navigate the complex regulatory landscape to avoid potential legal issues. Our team works with local legal experts to ensure that all content adheres to the specific regulations in your area.
- Ad Content Control
While third-party advertisers can provide valuable content, dispensary owners may have concerns about the types of ads shown on their ATMs. Unwanted or irrelevant ads could damage your brand and customer experience.
- Solution: BIG offers full content control. As a dispensary owner, you’ll have the final say over what gets displayed on your ATMs. We provide an intuitive dashboard where you can approve or reject ads and control which advertisers appear, ensuring that all content aligns with your brand and values.
- Technical Setup and Maintenance
Integrating ATM advertising into your existing systems may seem complex, and the ongoing maintenance of ATM software and hardware can be daunting.
- Solution: BIG takes care of the technical setup and ongoing maintenance for you. Our team of experts handles everything from software installation to system updates, ensuring your ATM advertising network runs smoothly without any technical headaches. This way, you can focus on your business while we handle the tech.
- Customer Acceptance
Some customers may be hesitant about interacting with ATMs that display advertisements, viewing it as a distraction from the transaction process.
- Solution: BIG helps ensure that the ad displays are subtle and non-intrusive, only showing content that enhances the transaction experience. Additionally, we can use data to optimize when ads are shown (for example, between transactions or after a withdrawal), so that the content doesn’t disrupt the primary ATM function.
How to Get Started with ATM Advertising
Ready to turn your ATMs into revenue-generating assets? Here’s how Bankcard International Group (BIG) can help you implement ATM advertising at your dispensary:
- Assess Your ATM Infrastructure
We’ll start by assessing your existing ATM infrastructure to determine if it’s ready for advertising integration. If necessary, we’ll provide recommendations or a new ATM.
- Develop an Advertising Strategy
BIG works with you to create a tailored advertising strategy that aligns with your dispensary’s goals. Whether you want to display in-house promotions or bring in third-party ads, we’ll help you develop the perfect approach.
- Set Up the System
Our technical team will handle the setup and integration of your ATM advertising system, ensuring it runs smoothly from day one.
- Monitor and Optimize
Once your ATM advertising is live, we’ll continually monitor the system’s performance and provide optimization recommendations to ensure maximum profitability.
ATM advertising presents a unique opportunity for cannabis dispensaries to generate additional revenue while maximizing the potential of their ATM infrastructure. By integrating ATM advertising into your business model, you can boost your income, enhance customer engagement, and promote your products in a fresh and innovative way.
At Bankcard International Group, we specialize in helping dispensaries unlock new revenue streams through ATM advertising solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can help you transform your ATMs into a profitable advertising platform.
