Article

ATM receipt paper — worth a closer look?

They might be seen as a commodity today, but ATM thermal papers are not all the same. And neither are their suppliers.

November 20, 2014

Editor's note: ATM Marketplace is pleased to introduce new blogger Dustin Nash of Graphic Tickets & Systems. He will post regularly on trends and issues relating to papers for ATMs and other self-service devices. 

by Dustin Nash,ATM sales executive,Graphic Tickets & Systems

Let’s face it, the role of ATM paper suppliers has become increasingly commoditized over the last several years.

A business that was once about relationships has turned to reverse auctions. Where product expertise once reigned supreme, price is now king, with jobs awarded to the paper supplier who is willing to offer the lowest cost.

In many ways, this is fair. In most cases, paper is paper, and the savvy buyer is wise to be bullish on price. But, there are still several reasons for ATM operators to be selective when considering paper suppliers: There’s a big difference between affordable and cheap.

Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when selecting a thermal paper supplier for your ATM:

Experience matters

Yes, price is important. But raw paper costs are set by the mills. The more established suppliers have been working with the top paper mills for decades, which often allows them to negotiate better prices for their paper.

In addition, suppliers with a long track record in the industry are better able to anticipate price changes and help customers prepare ahead of time.

As most manufacturers know, not all thermal paper performs the same way. And certain types of paper work better with certain printing machines.

Experienced suppliers employ technical experts who know your machinery inside and out. They can work with you to determine the exact type of paper that will best fit your particular needs. This expertise can help prevent extraneous expenses.

Quality counts

Inferior paper, or paper that isn’t ideal for the specifications of your machine, will jam, tear, and clog the device at an infuriating rate. You might feel thrifty for getting a great paper price, but you also might find yourself regretting your decision when your machine breaks down.

You know how aggravating it can be when your office printer jams. Imagine that frustration, but with the addition of dollars piling up on your debit line with every passing minute your ATM is offline.

So by all means, get the best rate you can find. But remember: In most cases, you get what you pay for. Opt for quality.

Innovation saves

Printing technology is evolving at an exponential rate. The new machines are quieter, faster, more efficient, and make fewer mistakes. Most suppliers are working to manage overhead by operating on older machines. The ones you want to work with are continually investing in new equipment, which allows them to turn jobs around faster, more proficiently, and, ultimately, at a lower cost due to reduced waste and fewer mistakes.

Service makes a difference

Cheap thermal paper is great until something goes wrong. Then what? How do you hold a company accountable if it lacks customer service?

Establishing a strong relationship with a paper manufacturer will wind up saving you money and peace of mind over the course of time, even if it costs a few cents more per roll.

A paper supplier who offers exceptional service can not only help you maximize your business opportunities, but also help ensure you're getting the proper type of paper for your needs.

Additionally, they're likely to be more responsive in helping you to address any problems or issues that might arise.

Choose a thermal paper supplier that you feel comfortable forming a genuine relationship with. You may be surprised to discover how much more you get for your money.

Dustin Nash is ATM sales executive at Graphic Tickets & Systems, a supplier of stock and custom ATM paper for financial institutions.

cover photo courtesy jan hammershaug | flickr