By the end of January, 26 French tobacconists will experiment with the automatic cash dispenser. It is the result of a partnership between the Confederation of tobacconists and the Loomis fundraiser. One of them is in the Ardennes, in Donchery. The terminal has been installed since Wednesday, January 5, next to magazines, in the Maison de la Presse.
12 years without an ATM
It had been at least 12 years since the 2000 inhabitants could no longer withdraw money from the town. In less than 24 hours, 12 clients walked through the door to use the vending machine. “Since the time we expected him“, Robert is satisfied.”It will allow me to buy snacks on Friday, at school“, adds Julie.
Previously, Robert, Julie and the others had to travel at least 4 km to withdraw money in Sedan, Vrigne-aux-Bois or Flize. “It responds to our vocation as a local utility trader and it brings in people who did not come into the store“, estimates the manager of the Maison de la Presse. Christophe Biani believes that this type of service will provide 8 to 10% additional attendance.
Full-service tobacco press
Withdrawal of packages, payment of taxes, Française des jeux. Donchery’s press tobacco is a true one-stop shop. In a dedicated room, Christophe Biani begins to collect terminals. There is that of the mobile operator Free to edit a SIM card, that of the online bank Nickel, one to play PMU, another to print digital photos.
The Maison de la Presse in Donchery is also the first store in the Ardennes to be equipped with a “tobacconist’s terminal” where you can buy SNCF train tickets, get your registration card, scan documents and send them by email.
“All these services combined represent 5% of turnover“, considers Christophe Biani.”It’s starting to represent something!“, the boss is satisfied. The cash dispenser will not bring him back remuneration only from the 800th withdrawal, on the basis of a fixed commission for each use, regardless of the amount requested.