GIFT CARD PRODUCT BACKGROUND:

Better ATM^® Services' patented technology allows gift cards and other prepaid media to dispense from  ATM cassettes with little or no modification to the original equipment.  Discover the ultimate merger - the convenience of the ATM with consumer favored open and closed loop gift cards and other prepaid media (e.g. transit passes, general admission tickets, etc.). 

Click the following links for a look at some of the features and characteristics for the design and usage of our products.

1.  Card Design & Construction
   
2.  Activation Features
   
3. Gift Card and Prepaid Media Products
   
4.  Gift Card Sales Numbers
5. Venues and Locations Historically Offered
6. Countries That Sell Gift Cards
   
7. Special Considerations
   
8. Not All ATMs Are Created Equal
   

1. Card Design & Construction

Better ATM^® Services' unique card format can be dispensed directly from the cash cassette of technology-enabled ATM machines.  Our three-panel card is made of a poly-based material that is one-third the thickness of a PVC card much like transit passes.  Produced on a sheet that fits the ATM cash cassette,  the snap- apart, three-panel approach allows for the greatest profitability.  A single panel can be used for the main gift card or prepaid offering, while the second and third panels can be used for advertising, main product selling points, promotional items, or additional gift card combinations.  Back to List

2. Activation Features

Better ATM^® Services' offers fixed-value and variable load options for your gift cards and other prepaid media.  WIth Better ATM^® Services' Phase II technology, gift cards have no redemption value until they're sold and activated through the ATM.  Unlike cash, if a thief steals the gift card they have only stolen a plastic card because the card is not active and CANNOT be redeemed.

Phase I technology reduces risk, too, because we track the distribution of gift cards to specific ISOs and ATMs.  If a gift card is missing during the reconciliation process, we’re able to identify exactly who is responsible for its loss.  Back to List

3. Gift Card and Prepaid Media Products

• Gift card and prepaid media products can be broken down into three distinct categories, open loop, closed loop, and online/virtual.
• Open loop products are made up of credit card and debit card products such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.  The cards are considered “open loop” because they can be redeemed or used at almost any location.
• Closed loop products are considered “closed” because they are limited to a specific entity or group of entities.  For example, a Target gift card can only be redeemed at a Target.  Other examples of closed loop cards are gas cards, phone cards, transit tickets, event tickets, restaurant cards, grocery store cards, and music cards. 

Online prepaid cards have the same functionality as a normal bank-issued card allowing users to buy goods on websites that accept credit and/or debit cards.  A number of merchandisers are offering virtual open loop or closed loop gift cards that are only redeemable online.  Some of these cards allow consumers to opt for a physical card that is sent to them in the mail for a small fee.  Back to features and characteristics.  Back to List

4. Gift Card Sales Numbers

In 2012, the gift card/ prepaid market is forecast to realize $549.7 Billion in sales in the United States annually.  Data surrounding gift card purchases reveals important information that speaks to consumer preference. 

• In 2012, gift cards became the most popular gift among consumers shopping for friends and relatives and the tool of choice for businesses hoping to motivate employees, customers and partners.  (Incentive Research Foundation)
• Given the choice between cash and prepaid cards, prepaid cards are preferred by a ratio of about 7:1.  In fact, almost half consider prepaid cards to be the best gift.  (Incentive Research Foundation)
• Gift card purchases are no longer tied to holidays and special occasions.  Nearly 20 percent of gift cards were purchased for no particular reason.  (First Data)
• 71 percent of people who have a gift card spend more money in a store than the amount retained on their card.  (First Data)  Back to List

5. Venues and Locations Historically Offered

• Gift Cards burst onto the scene in local grocery stores and have spread to several different convenience store and retail venues.  New venues are constantly popping up.  The trend is towards offering Gift Cards at offsite locations.  Home Depot is a classic example of a business that sells a Gift Card in their store and leverages the local grocery store Gift Card mall to sell the card as well.  The ATM is the natural progression for making the purchase of Gift Cards easier at an affordable cost with little to no money required for modifications.  Back to List
  

6. Countries That Sell Gift Cards

• Better ATM^® Services currently has locations in varied geographic locations in the United States that sell Gift Cards and prepaid media.  We’re also working with partners in the United Kingdom and Australia with plans to expand into Africa and Asia.  Better ATM^® Services welcomes inquiries from all interested parties.               Back to List

7. Special considerations

If you’re interested in igniting profits and responding to consumer demand, contact Better ATM^® Services and we'll help you identify the right product for your location and demographics.  Here are some of the most important considerations:

•  
  • ATM Location
  • Customer Demographics
  • Location Restrictions (if any)
  • ATM Manufacturer
  • ATM Processor/Driver      Back to List

8. Not All ATMs Are Created Equal

Because of the different manufacturing approaches, there are many different ATM models,  options, and ATM dispenser capabilities.  There are other distinctions for updating the ATM menu screens depending on whether the ATM is “host based” or “client based".  Better ATM^® Services'pioneering technology enables ATMs to dispense gift cards and other prepaid media, at little or no cost, and we work directly with ATM manufacturers to meet your needs.  Contact Better ATM^® Services at info@betteratmservices.com or call us at (480) 296-2033 and we'll help you give your customers the options they want while you watch your profits grow.  Back to features and characteristics.  Back to List