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5 questions to ask your ATM paper supplier
When sourcing thermal paper for ATMs and branch transaction forms, ask prospective suppliers these questions to make sure you're getting the best deal — not just the lowest price.
March 10, 2016 by Ben Meeks — Owner, Brian Kirk Copywriting
Want to know the No. 1 question asked of any ATM paper supplier?
"What's your price?"
And, I'll admit, it's not a bad starting place. But it's not the only question worth asking to determine the right supplier for you.
Remember, there's a big difference between affordable and cheap, and the cheapest paper can end up costing you more in the long run if it doesn't work properly with your machine.
If you are responsible for sourcing thermal paper for your ATMs and branch transaction forms, here are some questions you should pose to prospective suppliers to make sure you're getting the best deal — not just the lowest price.
'Does your paper match my OEM specifications?'
Not all thermal paper is the same. Some paper rolls work better with certain machines. Experienced suppliers know this and can make sure you're getting the right paper for your specific make and model.
The wrong paper can jam your ATM, scratch the print head and tear in the wrong place, leading to expensive repairs and downtime that will cost you more in the long run.
'Do you offer storage for bulk orders?'
One way to save money on a quality product is to buy in bulk and have your supplier store the surplus until you're ready to use it. The larger the order, the lower the cost per roll.
Large suppliers with great customer service will reserve space in their warehouse for customer storage, and often do so for free. This service not only saves you money but also eliminates price fluctuations and helps you manage inventory throughout the year.
'Do you offer custom printing?'
One way to offset paper costs is to use your receipt paper to drive revenue through advertising. Many financial institutions will use the back of the receipt to advertise products and special rate offers, which can lead to incremental business.
Or you can sell this valuable ad space to other businesses to recoup your paper expenditures. Make sure your supplier is capable of custom printing. Some are even able to help with your marketing strategy.
'Can I place orders online?'
You should factor in the time it takes to place your paper order when determining the total cost; remember, time is money.
Check to see if your supplier offers the option of purchasing online. Online orders are often less expensive, and take far less time to place, as well.
'Is your paper environmentally safe?'
BPA (a chemical that presents possible health concerns and is found in some thermal paper) is a big buzzword — one that has found its way into the general population.
Your customers might want to know whether the paper coming from your machines is BPA-free, and could take issue if it's not. So be sure to ask your supplier for BPA-free options; there's even one type now that contains Vitamin C.
We all want to get the best deal on the products we're buying. But the real value is not always reflected in the price. The above questions will help make sure you're getting paper that will work properly with your machines, and won't cost you more in the long run.
About Ben Meeks
