If you own a small retail business in a tough economy, every dollar counts.

That’s why many small businesses have found that automated teller machines, or ATMs, are quick and easy money-makers. By installing one of the cash-dispensing machines, merchants reap not only the benefits of a small commission every time someone uses it, but save several cents on the dollar on transaction costs for debit and credit card purchases as well.

The ATM business is not a lucrative one, but a buck made or saved here and there adds up, business owners say.

Blenders in the Grass, a smoothie shop in downtown Santa Barbara, had its ATM installed several years ago, before it started accepting credit or debit cards. Even after the store started accepting plastic about seven years ago, three-quarters of its transactions continue to be done in cash, co-owner Keric Brown said. The machine draws in new business, too, because passersby often come in to use it as well.

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