GIFT CARD PRODUCT BACKGROUND:

Better ATM^TM Services has created and patented a Gift Card or prepaid media card specifically designed to dispense from standard ATM machines with little or no modification to the original equipment.  Our groundbreaking technology has merged the convenience of the ATM with the popularity of Gift Cards (e.g. Restaurants, Retail Stores, Gas Cards, Grocery Store Cards, etc.) and 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 (Open vs. Closed)
   
8. Not All ATMs Are Created Equal
   

1. Card Design & Construction

• Better ATM^TM Services has designed a few different card formats that can be dispensed from standard ATM machines.  In the process, we have identified several two panel and three panel card designs.  The multi panel approach allows for the greatest benefit with this innovative new product.  For example, a single panel can be used for the main Gift Card or prepaid offering while the second or third panels can be used for advertising, main product selling points, promotional items, or additional Gift Card combinations.
• Better ATM^TM Services has spent significant time and resources to verify that specific card composites will successfully and reliable dispense from standard ATM machines.  As expected, several different compounds work.  Back to List
  

2. Activation Features

• In  Better ATM^TM Services’ Phase II technology and subsequent phases of development, we have incorporated technology to “Activate” Gift Cards and other prepaid media during the customer’s purchase process.  This technology reduces the risk of financial loss should a card be stolen between when it is produced and sold.   We are protecting the inventory value, which leaves a thief with a worthless card.
• Better ATM^TM Services is actively exploring new and better methods for activating Gift Card or prepaid media. 
• Better ATM^TM Services’ offers more value with an activation capability that helps Gift Card and prepaid media programs to better understand their customer pool through analysis of the sales data.  Back to List
  

3. Gift Card and Prepaid Media Products

• Gift Card and Prepaid Media products can be broken down into two distinct categories, Open Loop and Closed Loop.  Each of these categories is then further divided. 
• 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 incorporate the rest of the Gift Card and prepaid media world.  These products are considered “Closed” because they are limited to a specific entity or group of entities.  For example, an Outback Steakhouse Gift Card can only be redeemed at an Outback restaurant.  Other examples of closed loop cards are Gas Cards, Phone Cards, Transit Tickets, Event Tickets, Restaurant Cards, Grocery Store Cards, and Music Cards.  Back to List
  

4. Gift Card Sales Numbers

• The year 2007 saw national Gift Card sales in the United States realize explosive demand with  nearly 97 billion dollars in sales annually.  The Gift Card market is a growing business and a preferred method of gift giving.  Some focus groups in the Gift Card industry are experiencing double-digit growth.  Notably, Open Loop Gift Cards have experienced this growth pattern and they are expected to continue to be one the fastest growth segments.  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^TM 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^TM Services welcomes inquiries from all interested parties.  Back to List

7. Special considerations (Open vs. Closed)

• If you’re interested in dispensing Gift Cards or prepaid media from your ATMs in an effort to better serve your customers and improve your profits, there are a few considerations worth mentioning here.  Contact Better ATM^TM Services’ for further discussion in order to 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 models and options. Some ATMs, for example, focus on a specific country and therefore do not gracefully handle different currency sizes.  Of course, currency thickness varies and as a result so does the ATM’s dispenser capabilities.   There are other distinctions for updating the ATM menu screens depending on whether the ATM is “host based” or “client based.”  Fortunately, Better ATM^TM Services has identified the ideal media options to overcome this diversity.  Back to List