Where ecoATM fits retail

ecoATM kiosks are typically placed in high-traffic, secure, well-lit environments where customer dwell time is already high. Brands such as supermarket chains and large-format retail have used kiosks to create a new reason to visit. ecoATM data cited by hosts indicates about 70% of consumer pay-outs are spent back in the store where the kiosk is located, which can directly lift average transaction values and conversion from casual visitors.

The site approval process

ecoATM leads the site selection and permitting process at no cost to the host. The company surveys prospective locations, secures required permits and completes final site visits prior to installation. Hosts are asked only to provide space and power. Contracts typically outline the responsibilities of both parties, the compensation model, the term length and service commitments such as remote monitoring and technician visits.

Installation and testing explained

Installation is handled by trained technicians who deliver, place and test the kiosk to ensure power, connectivity and data transfer are working. Onboarding materials are provided for staff so employees can direct customers to the kiosk and escalate issues through ecoATM’s support channels. This turn-key approach keeps disruption to a minimum and removes technical burden from store teams.

Marketing and customer support

ecoATM supplies in-store signage and digital assets to promote the kiosk and encourage usage. The operator also manages a call centre for consumer questions and remote monitoring to maximise uptime. These services are designed to convert the kiosk into a visible sustainability proposition that can draw customers who might not previously have visited the store.

Maintenance and operational risk

All servicing, cash handling and device retrieval are handled by ecoATM. Retail hosts do not manage device inventory or repairs. This arrangement reduces operational risk for the retailer but makes careful site selection important. Retailers should prioritise secure, well-monitored locations to lower theft risk and ensure reliable access for consumers.

How to measure success

Success metrics include passive host compensation, incremental in-store spend from kiosk users, increased footfall and brand perception around sustainability. For many hosts the combination of a small spatial commitment and managed service makes the commercial case attractive. Retailers should track changes in weekly footfall, average transaction value and repeat visits to quantify ROI.

Conclusion

Retailers should confirm expected foot traffic, site security, power availability and the detailed compensation terms in the hosting agreement. The program is particularly appealing where a retailer wants to visibly demonstrate environmental responsibility to consumers, given that sustainability influences purchasing decisions for a large share of shoppers.

At present, ecoATM operates exclusively in North America. In other regions, including Europe, different companies run similar trade-in kiosks, though none match ecoATM’s scale. Across Europe and the Middle East, three main players are active. In the United Kingdom, musicMagpie continues to operate just over 200 trade-in kiosks located in ASDA stores nationwide. On the European continent, Pandas and GETRE are hosting comparable terminals. That said GET-RE’s terminal is much smaller, and Pandas is moving away from hardware to a software solution running on an Apple iPad. Currently, GET-RE operates the largest network, with trade-in machines active in countries such as France, Estonia, Germany and Switzerland.

SecondaryMarket.news expects that more trade-in terminals will be rolled out across these regions in the coming months, as automated kiosks offer a practical and efficient way to deliver trade-in services to consumers.