Company case study
Viking Vendors LLC
Viking Vendors LLC is a business focused on operating ATM machines as a side hustle. It came up on The Side Hustle Show, hosted by Nick Loper, in the episode "741: $1500/mo With His ATM Side Hustle" (aired May 28, 2026). As told on the show: $1,500 a month from five ATM machines, with a typical transaction fee of $3.
At a glance
| Podcast | The Side Hustle Show |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Nick Loper |
| Episode | 741: $1500/mo With His ATM Side Hustle |
| Aired | May 28, 2026 |
| Revenue and traction | $1,500 a month from five ATM machines, with a typical transaction fee of $3. |
| Category | E-commerce |
Figures and claims are as told on the episode, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What the episode said
741: $1500/mo With His ATM Side Hustle · aired May 28, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
The business model requires minimal weekly maintenance while generating consistent monthly income, making it appealing for side hustlers.
Founding story
Started when the founder, Bill Butterton, and his friend decided to invest in ATM machines after recognizing a low-risk opportunity.
The playbook
Key strategies include finding high-traffic locations, building relationships with business owners, and providing superior customer service compared to larger ATM operators.
Also mentioned
The founder emphasizes the importance of securing a business bank account for processing ATM transactions, which can be challenging due to banking regulations.
Why this works now (our analysis)
Most side hustlers overlook the profitability of operating ATMs. Viking Vendors LLC thrives on the current trend of cash transactions, which remain relevant despite digital payment options. Founder Bill Butterton initially generated revenue by advertising on local community bulletin boards to find high-traffic locations for his machines. This strategy effectively targets potential users within a specific geographic area. The primary risk for Viking Vendors is the upfront capital required for purchasing and installing each machine, which can be significant and may delay profitability for new operators.