Battery Rental Kiosks: The New ATM? $40k/Year in Hospitals & 12-Month ROI | Nick Duckwall EP018

6What if you could add a second revenue stream to your existing ATM locations—with zero inventory management, no restocking headaches, and a 12-month ROI on hardware?In this episode of ATM TALKS, we sit down with Nick Duckwall, CEO and co-founder of Cargo, a battery rental technology company that's bringing the portable charging revolution from Asia to the United States. Nick pulls back the curtain on a massive opportunity for ATM operators to diversify their portfolios and capture revenue from one of the most valuable items people carry: their smartphones.This technology isn't new—it's been ubiquitous in China, South Korea, and Japan for over a decade. But in the U.S., less than 1% of locations that need charging solutions actually have them. That means the window for early adopters is wide open.In this episode, Nick reveals:How it works: A kiosk (think ATM-sized or countertop) dispenses all-in-one portable chargers with USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB cables. Users rent, return anywhere in the network, and you collect a percentage of every transaction.Real numbers: A medium-sized hospital emergency room generated $40,100 in its first year on a single E24 kiosk. Another hotel did $2,800–$3,200 annually. Even slow months in NYC hit $200–$250.The best locations: Hospitals (especially ERs) are the top performers—people waiting hours to see doctors. Destination hotels, ski resorts, universities, and busy bars follow closely.The network effect: Batteries can be returned at any Cargo kiosk, and if they go missing, Cargo replaces them free of charge. Operators never need to restock.The revenue split: Operators keep 70% of gross revenue—no fees deducted. Cargo's 30% covers credit card processing, SMS alerts, and 4G connectivity. Operators also keep 100% of sales tax.Size matters: Don't bring a knife to a gunfight. Small countertop units work for network-building, but anchor locations like hospitals need the larger kiosks with 21-inch or 43-inch screens to get noticed.Placement is everything: A casino kiosk went from $100/month in a hallway to $1,200/month after moving 30 feet to the elevator lobby. Visibility is critical.The big picture: This is where ATMs were 30 years ago. The early adopters who grab the best locations now—hospitals, hotels, universities—will be the ones collecting passive income for the next decade.Why ATM operators are the perfect fit: You already have the relationships. You already know how to place, service, and maintain equipment in high-traffic locations. Adding a charger kiosk to an existing ATM location can double your monthly revenue per site.Connect with Our Guest:Nick Duckwall - CargoEmail: [email protected]: 703-400-2145Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: Meet Nick Duckwall & Cargo01:00 - The Technology: How Portable Charger Rentals Work03:18 - The All-in-One Battery: USB-C, Lightning & Micro-USB04:11 - Why ATM Operators Are the Perfect Partners05:20 - Best Locations: Hospitals, Hotels, Bars & Beyond06:39 - Real ROI: Under 12 Months in High-Traffic Locations07:15 - The China Story: 5-7 Years to Critical Mass09:14 - Early Adopter Opportunity: Less Than 1% Penetration10:28 - Why People Pay: Peace of Mind for Their Most Valuable Item12:07 - Real Numbers: $1,000/Month in Amusement Parks12:52 - Top Location: Hospitals (Emergency Rooms)13:40 - Network Builders: Bars & Restaurants15:37 - The iPhone Battery Conspiracy & Why Demand Won't Die17:19 - Ownership Model: Operators Own the Kiosks18:06 - The Battery Gap: Why Phones Will Always Need Charging49:01 - Nick's Definition of SuccessSubscribe to ATM TALKS for weekly conversations with the innovators, operators, and entrepreneurs building the future of cash access and autonomous retail.