How to Start a Bottled Water Business

As people become aware of the chemicals in many tap water systems, they are turning to bottled water as a mainstay. Both businesses and individuals are interested in setting up bottled water options; you can be the one who provides the services and makes the profit. Here's how you get started in the bottled water business.

Instructions

1. Research bottled water distribution options. Some are regional, but many are national. Look for the quality of the product, cost of starting a distributorship, and support offered by the company to its distributors.

2. Sign up to be a distributor with the company you choose. Once you have compared the options and made your choice, apply for a distributorship.

3. Stock some inventory. The nice thing about being a bottled water distributor is that you generally don't have to stock a lot of inventory; you can take orders, pick up the orders or have them shipped, and deliver them to your customer without having to stock a lot of water in the meantime. You do want to keep enough on hand for quick turn-around orders, however, especially if you have to wait to have the water delivered to you.

4. Find customers for your bottled water. Visit local businesses, both office and retail, and make appointments with the management to show them the bottled water and delivery options you offer. Provide samples. Market to potential residential customers with mailings, flyers, promotions, radio ads or simply by making old-fashioned house calls. The latter option is the cheapest and is also likely to get the greatest return on your time.

5. Set up a delivery schedule for your customers. Many businesses and individual will enjoy the regular schedule of having their order of water delivered at the same time on a weekly or monthly schedule. Set up your schedule to make the best use of your time by covering small areas of your distribution coverage within a day, rather than going from one side of your map to the other and wasting gas and time.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Clear Mountain Water Distributor Info
• Saratoga Spring Water Distributor Info
• Directory of Bottled Water Delivery Services