ZOAHARIAN.COM – The existence of ATM machines in various places is certainly something to be grateful for. No longer only available in offices or banking complexes, ATM machines can now be found in many locations, including minimarkets such as Indomaret and Alfamart.

The presence of ATMs in minimarkets clearly provides convenience. People can withdraw cash, deposit cash, check balances, and carry out certain banking transactions without having to come to a bank office.

Just imagine, when you are shopping at a minimarket and you don't have enough cash. We just need to stop by for a moment at the ATM machine available at the same location. No need to look for another ATM, let alone have to pay additional parking fees.

However, behind this convenience, the existence of ATMs at Indomaret and Alfamart also has a number of disadvantages. Under certain conditions, facilities that are supposed to make things easier can actually make customers feel uncomfortable.

Here are three "sins" of ATMs in minimarkets that often irritate customers.

1. Only one or two machines, the queue can be snaking

One problem that is often encountered is the limited number of ATM machines.

At a number of Indomarets and Alfamarts, usually only one ATM machine is available. Even if there is more than one, generally there are only two machines with services from different banks.

This amount is sufficient when the minimarket is quiet. However, the story will be different when it is busy, especially on weekends, young dates, or before holidays.

The queue of ATM users can be snaking. In fact, under certain conditions, the queue can disturb other consumers who are shopping or want to make payments at the cashier.

This kind of situation is certainly quite troublesome, especially for people who live in areas where the number of ATMs from certain banks is limited.

2. The ATM space is narrow and customer privacy is poorly maintained

The next problem is layout.

Not all minimarkets have spacious rooms. In small minimarkets, ATM machines are sometimes placed in areas adjacent to product shelves, ice cream freezers, promo shelves, or consumer entry and exit routes.

As a result, when the minimarket is busy, ATM users may feel less free.

Not to mention the position of the adjacent machines. When one person is making a transaction, other users in line can stand quite close. Consumers who are choosing goods can also walk around the ATM machine.

This condition makes the issue of privacy a special concern.

When withdrawing money or carrying out other transactions, of course customers want to feel safe and not worry about other people seeing the PIN or activity on the ATM screen.

When the minimarket is quiet, this problem may not be as noticeable. However, when conditions are busy, this feeling of anxiety can arise.

3. Confused when the machine is damaged or the card is swallowed

This may be one of the most panic-stricken issues.

When an ATM in a bank complex experiences problems, there is usually a security officer or bank employee who can be found immediately. If the card is swallowed or the machine experiences problems, customers can immediately ask for help.

It's different when the problem occurs at an ATM machine inside a minimarket.

The cashier is indeed located in the same location, but the ATM machine is basically a facility belonging to or under the management of a particular bank. Minimarket cashiers do not have the authority to handle all banking transaction issues.

If the machine has a problem, the cashier may only be able to help contact the relevant party. Meanwhile, if an ATM card is swallowed, customers usually have to follow the procedures of the card issuing bank.

This means that problems that occur cannot always be resolved right away.

This condition certainly means that customers have to take time and sometimes go to the bank's office or service to get a solution.

That doesn't mean minimarket ATMs are useless

Even though it has a number of disadvantages, it doesn't mean that the existence of ATMs at Indomaret and Alfamart is useless.

On the contrary, this facility really helps people who need banking services quickly and practically.

However, issues such as queues, layout, privacy, and handling when the machine has problems are still things that can be improved.

Increasing the number of machines in busy locations, arranging more spacious ATM areas, and increasing user privacy protection could be some solutions.

In this way, the convenience offered by ATMs in minimarkets is not only a matter of close location, but also provides a sense of comfort and security for customers.