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When shopping for an ATM, you are faced with three basic choices: a new machine from a manufacturer, a refurbished machine from an experienced provider or an "as-is" machine from wherever you find it. Which is best for you depends upon your application and resources. A new machine enables you to order the exact configuration you want. And, of course, the latest machines have the latest options, processors and other amenities. This is especially important if you require Internet linkage or other state-of-the-art features. When you buy from the factory, you usually get the longest warranty, with most coverage running about one year. But it's built into the price of the machine, so you're actually paying for it. That's it for the good news. The bad news is it comes at a higher cost. The price is about double that of a quality refurbished machine and many times that of an "as-is" unit. Everything is costly, because the parts supply is controlled. Like any other piece of new equipment, the value drops substantially as soon as it's wired up. The selling point of a refurbished machine is that someone else already paid for and depreciated it, so you're only paying for the new inner workings. It's like getting a new machine for half the price. That's a bit simplistic, but it holds true with one important caveat. Depending upon who's selling it, "refurbished" can mean anything from wiping down the fascia with a cleaning agent to replacement of virtually all moving parts and the CRT (which usually has burned-in images), as well as restoration of the cabinet. You get what you pay for, so the cheapest might turn out to be the most expensive for you. Minimize your risk by dealing with a reputable refurbisher who does a comprehensive job of rebuilding the machine. A good refurbisher can configure your machine to almost any specification and will back it up with an extensive inventory of parts. Unlike new parts, those for older generation machines are usually readily available, because there are sources for both new and rebuilt. The refurbisher should guarantee the machine will come live and be approved for service contract. You can get a more extensive guarantee, but you'll pay dearly for it -- or it will be built into the price of the machine. Refurbishers often handle multiple lines. Without brand loyalty to restrict them, they can provide you with objective advice. The downside is primarily that you may not be able to get exactly the configuration you want. The guarantees are also shorter, but half price buys quite a few years of service contract. There also may be a short wait while they build your machine to order -- as there should be, because you do not want a machine that has been sitting on the shelf where rollers can get flat spots, etc. As-is machines are priced the lowest. They have no guarantees and the configuration is what it is. A bad machine or configuration can cost you a lot of money. A knowledgeable buyer can find some treasure in the bargain bin, however. The buyer had better be knowledgeable because many sellers of as-is equipment seldom support it or you. As noted at the opening, the best source depends upon your resources and how you plan to deploy the machine. One question we get a lot is from independent deployers asking if they should buy refurbished high-volume machines or new low-volume (less expensive) ATMs. Unfortunately there is no pat answer, but the intended usage may dictate the choice. For instance, if you are looking for a freestanding drive-up, you have a limited selection of manufacturers. As in other fields, it's not so much the equipment as the people behind it. You are best off finding a vendor who has your interests at heart, and who has the depth of expertise and resources to adequately service you. Henry E. Dorfman is vice president of the ATM Exchange, a vendor of new ATMs, refurbished ATMs and TCDs and parts. He can be reached at Henry Dorfman.