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Bottled Water Business Plan

Your bottled water business will give your clients plenty of hydration whether it uses; filtered, distilled, or natural spring water. Thus are you ready to hydrate people and start your business out of it? But before starting it you will need careful planning.

Need help writing a business plan for your bottled water business? You’re at the right place. Our bottled water business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write A Bottled Water Business Plan?

Writing a bottled water business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

Market Opportunity:

Products and services:.

Highlight the bottled water services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

Describe what kind of bottled water company you run and the name of it. You may specialize in one of the following bottled water businesses:

• Natural spring water
• Purified water
• Mineral water
• Artesian water
• Functional water
• Describe the legal structure of your bottled water company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

If you’re an established bottled water service provider, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.

Future Goals

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential:

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

Competitive Analysis:

Market trends:.

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your bottled water company business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your products & services:

Mention the paralegal services your business will offer. This list may include services like,

• Single-serve bottles
• Multipack bottles
• Premium & specialty bottles
• Water filtration
• Water delivery services
• Customized bottles

Describe the health benefits

Quality measures, additional services.

In short, this section of your bottled water plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and your unique services. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.

Pricing Strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your bottled water production business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your bottled water business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Operational process:, technologies & equipment:.

Include the list of equipment and machinery required for bottled water, such as water treatment equipment, bottling equipment, quality control equipment, packaging & labeling equipment, etc.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your bottled water business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:.

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

This section should describe the key personnel for your bottled water business, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your bottled water manufacturer business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample bottled water business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful bottled water plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our bottled water business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a bottled water business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful bottled water business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your bottled water company.

How to get funding for your bottled water business?

There are several ways to get funding for your bottled water business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your bottled water business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your bottled water business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your bottled water business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any bottled water business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

Can a good bottled water business plan help me secure funding?

Indeed. A well-crafted bottled water business plan will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping them make better financial decisions.

So, if you have a profitable and investable business, a comprehensive business plan can certainly help you secure your business funding.

What's the importance of a marketing strategy in a bottled water business plan?

Marketing strategy is a key component of your bottled water business plan. Whether it is about achieving certain business goals or helping your investors understand your plan to maximize their return on investment—an impactful marketing strategy is the way to do it!

Here are a few pointers to help you understand the importance of having an impactful marketing strategy:

• It provides your business an edge over your competitors.
• It helps investors better understand your business and growth potential.
• It helps you develop products with the best profit potential.
• It helps you set accurate pricing for your products or services.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Bottled Water Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Bottled Water Business

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on April 13, 2022 Updated on May 7, 2024

Investment range

$6,550 - $15,100

Revenue potential

$130,000 - $416,000 p.a.

Time to build

1 – 3 months

Profit potential

$46,000 - $83,000 p.a.

Industry trend

You drink it every day, but you probably don’t think of water as a business. Well, maybe you should. Bottled water is a massive and fast-growing industry. Sugar-wary consumers increasingly view bottled water as a healthier choice than soft drinks, and safer than tap water. You could start your own bottled water company and tap into this booming market. Starting your own mineral water plant would cost a small fortune, so the smart move is to find a water producer that offers white labeling, which means they’ll let you put your label on their water.  

But before you start searching for water, you need to learn the ins and outs of starting a business. Fortunately, this step-by-step guide has all the entrepreneurial insights you need to start building bottled water success. 

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a bottled water business has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

• Good money — Profit margins on bottled water are fairly high
• Flexibility — Run your business from home as a white label company
• Hot market — Demand for bottled water is strong
• Saturated market — Competition is fierce in the bottled water industry
• Partner needed — Finding a white label water company can be challenging

Bottled Water Industry Trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth — The global bottled water industry was worth $303 billion in 2022 and it’s been steadily growing.(( https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/bottled-water-market )) The US market share is worth $9.3 billion.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/bottled-water-production-industry/ ))
• Growth forecast — The global bottled water industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% annually by 2032 to reach more than half a trillion dollars.(( https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/non-alcoholic-drinks/bottled-water/worldwide ))
• Number of businesses — There are 476 bottled water production businesses in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/bottled-water-production-industry/ )) 
• Number of people employed — The US bottled water production industry employs 15,708 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/bottled-water-production-industry/ )) 

Trends and Challenges

• Alkaline waters, which have a higher pH level than regular bottled water, are increasingly popular because they are thought to improve energy. The same is true for electrolyte-enhanced water.
• New to the market is hydrogen water, made with more hydrogen and thought to increase energy and endurance as well as to provide antioxidants. Though it’s new, it’s increasing in popularity quickly despite its higher price. 
• Plastic water bottles are piling up in landfills, leading to environmental concerns and increased governmental regulation. This has spurred manufacturers to look for alternative bottling. Many manufacturers are using recycled plastic, but some are moving to cans and paper cartons as better alternatives.
• Plastic bottle production in the United States requires about 17.6 million barrels of oil annually, which is of increasing concern due to the current energy situation.

Consumer Spending

• Average consumer spend — The average person in the US consumes about 46.5 gallons of bottled water per year.(( https://www.statista.com/statistics/183377/per-capita-consumption-of-bottled-water-in-the-us-since-1999/ )) 
• Potential customer base — A recent survey shows that 49 million Americans consume bottled water.(( https://tappwater.co/blogs/blog/how-many-people-consume-bottled-water-globally ))
• Average prices — Consumers tend to buy bottled water in bulk. The average price for a 24-bottle case is $6.99, while specialty waters sell for up to $15 or more. They are commanding a higher price due to the way they are presenting their water to consumers, creating the impression of more health benefits.(( https://bottledwater.org/bottled-water-prices-advertising/ ))

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Bottled Water Business?

Startup costs for a bottled water business range from $6,500 to $15,000. Your costs will depend on the minimum your manufacturer will allow you to order since the bulk of your startup costs are for your initial inventory. 

You could start your search for a manufacturer on this online platform .  

How Much Can You Earn From a Bottled Water Business?

The average price for a private-label specialty case of bottled water is about $10. You can either sell your water online on a site like Amazon, or you can try to find local stores that will stock your water. Your profit margin after manufacturing and packaging costs will be around 35%. 

In your first year or two, you might sell 250 cases a week, bringing in $130,000 in annual revenue. This would mean nearly $46,000 in profit, assuming that 35% margin. As your brand gains recognition and you get your products into grocery stores, sales could climb to 800 cases per week. At this stage, you’d rent out a distribution center and hire staff, reducing your margin to about 20%. With an annual revenue of $416,000, you’d still have a nice profit of more than $83,000.

What Barriers to Entry Are There?

There are a few barriers to entry for a bottled water business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Finding a manufacturing partner
• Competition from established firms

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a bottled water business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an Opportunity

Research bottled water businesses in your area to examine their products, price points, and what sells best. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a spring water or sachet water company. Sachet water is pre-filtered water heat-sealed in plastic bags instead of bottles.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as mineral water or purified water.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Choose Your Product Line and Define the Product Range

Bottled water companies are legally allowed to offer:

• Mineral water from an underground source with naturally occurring trace minerals
• Spring water
• Well water, artesian well water 
• Purified water, or treated tap water 

You can choose any of those. Your key will be your labeling and how you brand your product. You could decide to offer vitamin or flavored water, but that would move you out of the bottled water category and into the soft drink category and would make production much more difficult. 

How Much Should You Charge for Bottled Water?

If you present your water as a high-end specialty water, you can charge about $10 per case. The key to this is in packaging and branding that creates the impression of a superior product. Using phrases like “natural spring water” and giving your bottles a confident, appealing design goes a long way. If you go to Amazon and search for bottled water, you’ll see many ways in which water is presented as high-end and commands prices as high as $15 or even $20. 

You should aim for a profit margin of about 35% after manufacturing and packaging costs.

Once you know your costs, you can use our profit margin calculator to determine your markup and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify Your Target Market

Your target market will be broad, but it may tend to be a younger crowd. You can find them on sites like TikTok and Instagram, but you could also advertise on Facebook, LinkedIn, and beyond.  

Where? Choose a Location

When selecting a location for a bottled water company, the approach varies depending on whether you have a partner manufacturer or not:

• Water source — Prioritize a location near a high-quality, sustainable water source like a spring or well.
• Regulatory compliance — Ensure compliance with water extraction and bottling regulations.
• Market proximity — Choose a location close to your target market to reduce transportation costs.
• Infrastructure and accessibility — Look for adequate infrastructure for bottling and packaging, and good transportation links.
• Water source — The same priority for a sustainable, high-quality water source applies.
• Manufacturing facilities — You’ll need space for your own bottling and packaging facilities.
• Labor availability — Ensure access to a skilled workforce for various operational roles.
• Environmental and community impact — Assess and minimize environmental impact and build positive community relations.

In both scenarios, consider the local climate, the potential for natural disasters, and the legal and political environment. Future expansion possibilities and overall costs are also important factors.

Step 3: Brainstorm a Bottled Water Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “mineral water” or “spring water,” boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for example, “AquaSource Bottling” over “AquaSource Sparkling Water” or “Coconut Bay Water”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Discover over 280 unique bottled water brand name ideas here . If you want your business name to include specific keywords, you can also use our bottled water name generator. Just type in a few keywords, hit Generate, and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. However, once you pick your company name and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Bottled Water Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive summary — A concise overview of your bottled water business, highlighting key points and objectives.
• Business overview — Detailed information about the bottled water industry, your company’s mission, and its structure
• Product and services — Explanation of the types of bottled water you offer, including any unique features or benefits
• Market analysis — Examination of the target market for bottled water, considering demographics, trends, and potential growth
• Competitive analysis — Assessment of other bottled water companies in the market, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
• Sales and marketing — Strategies for promoting and selling your bottled water, including distribution channels and advertising plans
• Management team — Introduction of key individuals involved in running the business, emphasizing their qualifications and roles
• Operations plan — Details on how your bottled water business will operate, covering production, quality control, and distribution
• Financial plan — Projections of your business’s financial performance, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts
• Appendix — Supplementary materials such as supporting documents, charts, and additional information to enhance the business plan

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose Where to Register Your Company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to bottled water businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind that it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose Your Business Structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your bottled water business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole proprietorship — The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General partnership — Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) — Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corporation — Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corporation — This refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect this structure for tax status. In an S Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number or EIN. You can file for your EIN online, or by mail/fax. Visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind that, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship, you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund Your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans — This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and a strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans — The Small Business Administration can act as a guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants — A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and family — Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding — Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal — Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a bottled water business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept. 

Step 8: Apply for Bottled Water Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a bottled water business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your bottled water business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability — The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business property — Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment breakdown insurance — Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation — Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property — Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto — Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability — Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) — This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential Software and Tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats — from marketing to sales to accounting — which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as LS Retail , Vend , or Retail Pro , to manage purchasing, inventory, and invoicing.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , FreshBooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences of filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop Your Website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

However, people are unlikely to find your website unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Website & SEO — Optimize your website and online listings to increase visibility in search results, focusing on bottled water and hydration solutions.
• Engaging social media campaigns — Highlight the purity and source of your water on platforms like Instagram and Twitter to engage a health-conscious audience.
• Interactive website features — Develop an engaging website that educates visitors on the health benefits and sustainability efforts of your brand.
• Health and wellness blogging — Share content on the importance of hydration, water purity, and eco-friendly practices.
• Customer testimonials — Utilize positive feedback to build trust and encourage trial of your water.
• Hydration stations at events — Set up branded stations at local sports and wellness events to promote your product.
• Partnerships with fitness centers — Collaborate with gyms and yoga studios to supply your bottled water, reinforcing a healthy lifestyle image.
• Rewards program — Implement a program that rewards repeat purchases with discounts or other incentives.
• Targeted advertising campaigns — Reach health-conscious consumers and sustainability advocates through targeted digital ads.
• Influencer marketing — Work with health and wellness influencers to amplify the benefits of your water.
• Striking branding and packaging — Design distinctive labels and packaging that reflect the quality and values of your brand.
• Email marketing — Maintain engagement with your customer base through newsletters that provide hydration tips, company updates, and special promotions.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Today, customers are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your bottled water business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your bottled water business could be: 

• Refreshing natural spring water to live your healthiest life 
• Fortifying mineral water so you’re always at your best 
• Hydrogen water to give you an energy boost

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain but your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a bottled water business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in bottled water for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in bottled water. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a bottled water business include:

• Distribution center workers — preparing bottled water for shipping
• General manager — ordering, accounting
• Marketing lead — SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Bottled Water Business — Start Making Money!

Ready to get in on the action? The bottled water industry is set to double, which means now is the perfect time to create your own bottled water brand. You can start for a relatively low investment if you can find a white-label manufacturer and make a nice return on that investment. You just have to come up with an identity for your water and design your packaging well, and you can bring in some good money.

Now that you understand the business, it’s time to hit the ground running and launch your bottled water business!

• Bottled Water Business FAQs

Yes, bottled water has good profit margins. Your key will be to brand your water in a way that is appealing to consumers. You also need to find a reliable manufacturer.

You can find a water company that will produce your water and packaging and put your own brand and label on it.

The United States is the country that buys the most bottled water in the world.

To increase the sales of your bottled water, focus on marketing and branding by highlighting the quality and unique features of your product. Target your advertising efforts to reach your desired market through various channels. Consider product placements and partnerships to increase visibility and availability. 

To distribute your bottled water effectively, consider selling through retail stores, online platforms, beverage distributors, direct sales at events and via subscriptions, and B2B partnerships with establishments like restaurants and gyms. This strategy broadens your market reach and simplifies logistics.

This business model is informative and beneficial for entrepreneurs. Many thanks for such a great help.

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Bottled Water Business Name
• Create a Bottled Water Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund Your Business
• Apply for Bottled Water Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Bottled Water Business — Start Making Money!

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How to Start a Bottled Water Business

Bottled water businesses deal in the bottling and distributing of drinking water to consumers. Whether purified, distilled, or natural spring water, your bottled water business will supply your customers with ample hydration. Taking the steps to start your own bottled water business can be a satisfying experience that allows you to make money while also helping your customers achieve a healthy lifestyle. 

Learn how to start your own Bottled Water Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a bottled water business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Bottled Water Business
• Form your Bottled Water Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Bottled Water Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Bottled Water Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Bottled Water Business
• Get Bottled Water Business Insurance
• Define your Bottled Water Business Brand
• Create your Bottled Water Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your bottled water business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Bottled Water Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your bottled water business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a bottled water business.

Costs for starting a water treatment plant include storage tanks, filling machines, water treatment machines, filters, conveyors, sealers, water sterilizers, water dispensers, bottle loaders, trucks, and employees to work in the plant.

Startup costs can range from $500,000 to $750,000 for a “bare bones” plant. However, some plants may require more capital, up to $1.5 million, or more, depending on the size of your operation.

You will also need a license from the U.S. Food And Drug Administration (FDA). You will also need a permit from your state health department.

Finally, you’ll need a dedicated bottle supplier, a water source, and employees to run your plant. This is a very labor-intensive job.

What are the ongoing expenses for a bottled water business?

Ongoing expenses are extensive. Maintenance on the plant can cost tens of thousands of dollars every year for a small plant, and as much (or more) every month for a medium to large-scale bottled water plant.

Utility costs can also be high, due to the process of purifying and bottling water.

Labor costs are also high, as most employees expect a full-time salary, plus benefits. Liability insurance, health insurance, unemployment insurance, 401(k) matching and administrative services, and worker’s compensation insurance can run tens of thousands of dollars per month.

Who is the target market?

Customers are usually commercial enterprises like local grocery stores. However, some small companies do sell directly to consumers or to businesses.

How does a bottled water business make money?

A bottled water business makes money by charging customers for processing and bottling potable water.

Bottled water has a high markup. If you are selling to grocery stores, you may be able to charge $1 to $2 per bottle, or a flat rate per truckload or pallet. Most companies make arrangements for regular shipments to establish themselves as “anchor customers.” You may or may not sell your products for a lower price to get these deals, but will generally increase revenue as a result.

How much profit can a bottled water business make?

Profits can range between 100% and 500%, or more.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Your business can become even more profitable by entering niche markets such as flavored bottled water, sparkling water, spring water, and mineral water. Some companies have specialty lines of water, which include flavored mineral water, flavored sparkling water, and sports drinks.

Finally, consider offering designer waters, seltzer waters and club soda, and flavored soda.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your bottled water business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

Federal Business Licensing Requirements

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water. FDA regulations for bottled water include Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), standards of identity and labeling requirements.

A detailed description of regulation, licensing and labeling requirements can be found here .

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a bottled water business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Bottled Water Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Bottled Water Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a bottled water business

Marketing and distribution is key in this business. Your target market should be grocers, vending machine companies and operators, stadiums, event locations, and other large-scale commercial enterprises and operations that need high volume bottled water supplies.

How to keep customers coming back

Make sure you deliver on your promises and be competitive on your pricing. This is a highly commoditized industry. Often, it’s the business that meets deadlines and has the lowest (or at least competitive) pricing that wins.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is perfect for individuals who are passionate about their health or are health conscious and want to run a business that promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a bottled water business?

The day-to-day operations of a plant depend largely on the type of plant you run.

There are many different ways to process bottled water. Spring water is one of the most common. It comes from an underground formation and flows naturally to the earth's surface. Purified drinking water is one that is processed to remove chlorine and other contaminants. Unless your plant processes public sources of water, like municipal drinking water, you are not usually required to disclose where you sourced it.

Natural sparkling water is naturally carbonated water from a spring or well. Mineral water comes from a spring and contains dissolved minerals like magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and silica and bicarbonates. Finally, seltzer water is an FDA-regulated soft drink product.

The day-to-day operations include bringing in water from an outside source and bottling it. During this process, there are many intermediary steps, including sanitising containers, preparing bottles preparing and filtering the water, and setting up packaging protocols to ensure that the water is ready to be shipped.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful bottled water business?

You will need business experience, contacts in the industry, and a working understanding of how water is purified. No degrees are necessary but you may need special permitting and licensing from the government. Most owners and managers of a bottled water business have extensive management experience, especially in a related industry.

What is the growth potential for a bottled water business?

Growth potential is virtually unlimited. Companies like Nestle own massive water processing and treatment plants where they produce bottled water for countless grocery stores and make billions in profits every year.

Most bottled water plants start life as small or medium-sized plants.

You can grow your business at a rapid pace by taking on outside financing from a bank or venture capital firm. Or, you can grow more organically from sales profits. Growing through leverage (bank loans) has its advantages. For example, your profits are likely to climb quickly on momentum. This can shortcut the time it takes you to grow and meet your revenue growth targets. However, it can also saddle you with creditors who want to see target revenue and profit targets that are too optimistic.

Growing organically is prevents this from happening, but it also slows growth and might prevent you from growing beyond a certain size.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a bottled water business?

Spend time finding a sustainable water source for your operation. Your water source will greatly influence your profits. If you find a source that costs $3 to $5 per 1,000 liters, this is going to result in a higher profit than if you’re paying the same amount for 100 liters of water.

How and when to build a team

You must begin building a team immediately. A bottled water company cannot operate as a solo or one-person company. You will need at least 20 to 50 employees to start, and you should scale up within the first 3 years to at least 50 to 100 employees, or more.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• International Bottled Water Association
• International Council of Bottled Water Associations
• Water to Go Franchise Opportunity

Real World Examples

• Lithia Spring Water
• The Mountain Valley Spring
• Arbor Spring Water

Further Reading

• How to Start a Bottled Water Production Company in 20 Steps
• Important Points to Think About Your Business Plan
• Licensing & Labeling in the Bottled Water Business
• Source Water Development

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

Here are The Steps to Start a Bottled Water Business

Main Sections In This Post Steps To Starting A Bottled Water Business Points to Consider Resources Knowledge Is Power Featured Video

This article provides a comprehensive guide to starting and running a bottled water business.

It includes a detailed step-by-step roadmap and valuable resources for the startup phase and ongoing operations. Save this page for future reference, and feel free to share it with others interested in the industry.

Let’s get started with the steps.

Steps to Starting a Bottled Water Business

Below are the steps to starting a bottled water business.

Each step is linked to a specific section, allowing you to jump to your desired section or scroll to follow the steps in order.

• An Overview of What You’re Getting Into
• Bottled Water Business Overview
• Researching Your Bottled Water Business
• Looking at Financials
• Choosing A Business Location
• Creating Your Mission Statement
• Creating A Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
• Choose a Bottled Water Business Name
• Register Your Company
• Create Your Corporate Identity
• Writing a Business Plan
• Banking Considerations
• Getting the Funds for Your Operation
• Software Setup
• Business Insurance Considerations
• Supplier Considerations
• Physical Setup
• Creating a Website
• Create an External Support Team
• Hiring Employees

1.  An Overview of What You’re Getting Into

Is Starting a Bottled Water Business the Right Step for You?

Discovering Your Passion

A key factor holds the key to success in the business world – and that factor is you! Your drive and passion are pivotal in determining the path to triumph.

Passion: The Fuel for Success

Passion is an accessory and a vital ingredient in your entrepreneurial journey.

Challenges become opportunities for creative solutions when your heart is passionate about your bottled water business.

Conversely, lacking passion may lead you to seek an escape route rather than face obstacles head-on.

Unveiling Your Entrepreneurial Zeal

How fervent is your desire to own and manage a business? Let’s explore an intriguing perspective:

Imagine a life free from restrictions and abundant financial resources that can sustain you indefinitely. In this scenario, your choices are boundless, unaffected by monetary considerations.

The Decisive Question

Would you choose to venture into the bottled water industry in this context? If your answer is a resounding yes, it reveals your passion for this enterprise and signifies that you are on the right path.

Exploring Alternative Paths

However, if your answer leans towards a negative response, it beckons another question: What alternative path captures your preferences and aspirations? Perhaps it’s worth considering pursuing that path instead.

The Heart of the Matter

In conclusion, the essence of success lies in your passion for the business you undertake. Embrace your passion, and let it guide you towards a fulfilling and prosperous bottled water venture.

For More, See How Passion Affects Your Business . Also, see, Considerations Before You Start Your Business to identify key points for a new business owner.

2. Gaining an Overview of Owning a Bottled Water Business

Next, let’s spend some time on key issues to give you an overview of what to expect from owning and running your business.

Understanding the Bottled Water Business

A bottled water business revolves around providing a vital necessity – water. This enterprise involves sourcing, bottling, and distributing water to various customer bases, from grocery stores and convenience stores to offices and direct residential customers.

The daily operations for such a business are multifaceted. They include tasks such as quality assurance of the water, overseeing the bottling process, coordinating logistics for distribution, handling customer inquiries and orders, and performing administrative tasks, among others.

Keys to Success in a Bottled Water Business

Establishing a Loyal Customer Base

Building a solid customer base is essential for the longevity of the business.

This can be achieved through effective marketing strategies, superior products, and exceptional customer service. Additionally, engaging with customers to understand their preferences can help tailor your products to meet their needs.

Effective Staff Management

The smooth operation of a bottled water business largely relies on its staff, from those involved in sourcing and bottling water to those managing logistics and customer service.

Proper staff management includes training, motivation, and a conducive work environment.

Managing Cash Flow

Cash flow management is crucial in running any business, including a bottled water business.

It involves tracking all transactions, ensuring that income covers expenses, planning for future expenses, and maintaining an emergency fund.

Cost Management

Maintaining quality and customer service while minimizing costs is crucial for profitability.

This can be achieved by streamlining operations, investing in efficient equipment, and implementing cost-saving strategies without compromising product quality or customer service.

Adaptability to Change

The business landscape continually evolves with industry trends, business processes, or technology changes. Staying up-to-date on these changes and adapting your business operations is crucial for long-term success.

Revenue Fluctuations

Revenue in a bottled water business can fluctuate due to various factors, such as seasonal changes or market trends.

Proper planning and strategies can help manage these fluctuations.

Competitor Management

Dealing with competitors requires a solid understanding of the market, keeping track of competitor activities, and devising strategies to differentiate your products and services.

Meeting Customer Expectations

Meeting and exceeding customer expectations are integral to a bottled water business.

This involves offering high-quality water, providing excellent customer service, and ensuring timely delivery.

Regular customer feedback is an excellent way to understand their expectations and make necessary improvements.

With this customer-focused approach, your bottled water business can thrive and become a trusted provider in the industry.

b.) Bottled Water Business Models

Types of Bottled Water Business Setups and Their Business Models

Local Bottling Operations

These businesses source water locally, treat and bottle it, then distribute it within a particular region or community.

This model often operates on a small scale, emphasizing the local origin and quality of the water. The focus may be on home and office delivery, local retailers, or both.

Large-Scale Bottling Operations

These companies function on a national or even international scale. They source, treat, and bottle water in large quantities, distributing their products across wide geographic areas.

Products are typically sold through various retail outlets, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online marketplaces.

Private Label Bottling

In this model, a company bottles water to be branded and sold by another business.

Large retailers or brands often use this setup to offer branded bottled water without investing in sourcing and bottling infrastructure.

Office and Home Delivery Services

These businesses specialize in delivering bottled water directly to homes and offices.

They may either bottle their water or distribute products from other manufacturers. This model emphasizes convenience and regular, recurring sales to a set customer base.

Franchise Bottled Water Business

This involves buying into an established bottled water brand and operating a branch of the business under the brand’s umbrella.

In this case, the franchisor sets the business model, often including established supply chains, brand recognition, and ongoing franchisor support.

Custom Bottle Design and Packaging

These businesses focus less on the water and more on unique bottle design and packaging.

This could include personalized labels for corporate events, weddings, or promotional activities. In this model, the emphasis is on added value through design and customization rather than the water product itself.

In conclusion, identifying a profitable and high-demand niche for your bottled water business from the beginning is essential.

Carefully consider each business model and choose one that aligns with your resources, interests, and the market’s needs.

Switching your model later can be more challenging so a thoughtful initial decision can set the stage for long-term success.

c.) Making Your Bottled Water Business stand out

Unique Branding

Create a unique and memorable brand to distinguish your bottled water business from competitors.

This could involve an eye-catching logo, a strong brand story, or a distinct voice that resonates with your target market.

High-Quality Product

By prioritizing the quality of your water — through rigorous purification processes, stringent quality checks, and certified sourcing — you can gain a reputation for excellence that sets you apart.

Exceptional Customer Service

Providing outstanding customer service can make your business stand out. This can include prompt deliveries, professional responses to inquiries and complaints, and friendly service at all touchpoints.

Sustainable Practices

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, adopting sustainable practices can differentiate your brand. This can range from eco-friendly packaging to responsible water-sourcing practices.

Community Involvement

Involvement in local community events, charitable causes, or sponsorships can help your bottled water business gain visibility and a positive reputation.

d.) Add on Ideas for a bottled water Business

Complementary Products

Offering additional products that complement bottled water can enhance your business’s appeal. This could include healthy snacks, reusable water bottles, water dispensers, or water purification systems.

Subscription Service

Consider a subscription model where customers receive regular water deliveries. This offers convenience for the customer and predictable recurring revenue for your business.

Custom Labeling

Provide custom labeling services for businesses or events. This allows companies to have their logo on bottles or individuals to personalize bottles for special occasions.

Bulk Discount Offers

Discounts for large purchases can attract larger clients, such as corporate offices or event organizers, to choose your services.

e.) Questions for Your Bottled Water Business

Bottled Water Business Model

Have you decided on a specific business model for your bottled water operation? Are you considering local bottling, large-scale operations, private-label bottling, or a franchise?

Workforce Management

Do you plan to take on all business responsibilities, or do you intend to hire employees? What roles will be needed if hiring, and how will you find suitable candidates?

Management Considerations

Will you personally oversee your bottled water business, or do you plan to employ a manager to handle daily operations?

Partnerships and Investments

Are you considering bringing in business partners or seeking external investors? If so, how will you identify and approach potential collaborators?

Business Location

Do you intend to run your bottled water operation from a home office, or do you plan to operate from a commercial location? If choosing a commercial location, what factors will guide your site selection?

Operating Format

Are you considering a physical setup, like a brick-and-mortar store, or do you plan to operate mainly online? If considering an online operation, how will you handle logistics and distribution?

Future Growth

Have you given thought to your business growth strategy? What are your long-term goals for your bottled water business? How do you plan to scale up operations when the time is right?

Regulatory Compliance

Have you researched the regulations and compliance requirements for running a bottled water business in your region? How will you ensure ongoing compliance?

Market Analysis

Do you understand your target market and your competition? Have you done market research to guide your branding, marketing, and pricing decisions?

Financial Planning

Have you drawn up a detailed business plan, including financial projections? Do you clearly understand your startup costs, operating costs, and potential revenue?

Answering these questions will prepare you for the many facets of running a bottled water business and set you on the path to success.

f.) Pros and Cons of Owning a Bottled Water Business

The Benefits of Running a Bottled Water Business

Independence

Owning a bottled water business allows you to be your own boss. You can call the shots and run the business according to your vision.

Creative Freedom

You can be innovative with your products, branding, marketing, and overall business approach. This creative freedom can make the business more fulfilling.

Potential for High Revenue

Given the universal demand for clean water, a successful bottled water business can generate substantial income.

Flexible Work Hours

Once the business is successful and you have a competent team, you may have the flexibility to set your work hours.

Control Over Working Environment

As a business owner, you can create a working environment that aligns with your values and enhances productivity.

Contribution to Health and Wellbeing

The bottled water business contributes to the health and well-being of customers by providing clean, safe water, adding a sense of purpose to your enterprise.

The Challenges of Running a Bottled Water Business

Responsibility for Problems

As the owner, you shoulder the responsibility for any problems or challenges that arise in the business.

Irregular Income

You may not have a steady income, particularly during the start-up phase or during periods of fluctuation in the business.

Challenging Start-Up Phase

Getting the business off the ground can be difficult, with many simultaneous decisions and tasks.

Customer Acquisition and Retention

Gaining and keeping customers in a competitive market can be a significant challenge.

Extra Working Hours

You may have to work long hours during certain stages, which could affect your work-life balance.

Pressure to Succeed

Running a business comes with the pressure to succeed, which can be stressful.

Significant Initial Investment

Starting a bottled water business often requires a substantial financial investment for equipment, premises, and other startup costs.

Constant Change

In business, change is inevitable, whether it’s market trends, customer preferences, or industry regulations. Adapting to these changes can be challenging.

Business Risks

Running a bottled water business, like any business, carries risks. These could range from financial losses and regulatory issues to market competition and unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters.

Quality Control Challenges

Ensuring consistent water quality can be challenging but is essential for the reputation and success of the business.

In conclusion, owning and running a bottled water business has rewards and challenges.

Careful planning, diligent management, and a willingness to adapt can help you navigate these factors for a successful enterprise.

For more, see Pros and Cons of Starting a Small Business.

3. Research

Bottled Water Business Research

Laying the Foundation: Informed Decision-Making

Before diving into any business endeavor, conducting comprehensive research is paramount.

Equipping yourself with quality information is vital to understanding the industry’s difficulties, lest you find yourself caught off guard.

Seeking Wisdom: Learning from the Experts

One valuable avenue to acquire the best insights is tapping into the knowledge of seasoned individuals in the bottled water business.

These industry experts are qualified to provide reliable information, becoming a valuable resource for your research.

Unveiling Priceless Wisdom: An Opportunity for Growth

Interacting with experienced professionals offers an invaluable opportunity to glean insights and wisdom from their years of knowledge and expertise.

The time spent with them can prove invaluable in shaping your understanding and decision-making process.

Unlocking the Path: A Guide to Reaching Out

To assist you in connecting with the right individuals and approaching them respectfully and non-threateningly, I have crafted an article brimming with ideas and strategies.

While the complete steps extend beyond this post, I strongly urge you to read the article by following the link below.

It will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what lies ahead in your bottled water business journey.

See An Inside Look Into the Business You Want To Start for all the details.

Target Audience

Understanding your target audience in the bottled water business is crucial for reaping various benefits.

Knowing your target market allows you to tailor your offers to appeal to customers’ preferences, ensuring they find your products and services enticing.

Moreover, understanding your audience allows you to provide offerings that align with their interests, further enhancing customer satisfaction.

Target Market Ideas:

• Health-conscious individuals seeking hydration solutions
• Fitness enthusiasts and athletes in need of convenient, refreshing beverages
• Eco-conscious consumers looking for sustainable packaging and environmentally friendly options
• Busy professionals seeking on-the-go hydration solutions
• Parents and caregivers looking for healthy beverage choices for their families
• Outdoor adventurers and travelers in need of portable water options.
• Hospitality industry (hotels, resorts, restaurants) requiring bottled water for guests
• Retail stores and supermarkets looking to stock quality bottled water products
• Corporate offices and workplaces in need of hydration options for employees
• Event organizers and caterers requiring bulk bottled water for events
• Wholesale customers seeking bottled water for resale or distribution.

For more, see How To Understand Your Target Market.

4. Looking at Financials:

Startup Costs:

Accurate Estimation for a Smooth Launch

To ensure a smooth and successful launch of your bottled water business, it is essential to gain an overview of the startup costs involved.

Accurate estimation plays a pivotal role, as underestimating can lead to financial shortfalls that hinder your business opening, while overestimating can make your venture appear risky.

The size of your operation, chosen location, employment decisions, equipment purchases, and rental agreements all impact your costs.

For more detailed information, refer to my article on Estimating Startup Costs.

Comprehensive List and Research

Compile a comprehensive list of necessary items for your startup. Then, diligently research the prices associated with each item.

Be thorough in your investigation, as you may encounter additional expenses during your research phase.

This comprehensive estimation will ensure a more accurate assessment of your startup costs.

Sales and Profit:

Key Factors for Success

The success of your bottled water business relies on several factors when it comes to sales and profitability.

These factors include the popularity and demand for your products and services and the effectiveness of your marketing strategies in reaching the right target audience.

Beyond Sales: Consideration of Expenses

When assessing profitability, it is essential to consider the profit per sale and various expenses that impact your bottom line.

This includes rent, payroll, and other overhead costs associated with running your business.

Achieving Financial Success

To achieve financial success, your monthly sales must cover your expenses and provide sufficient profit to sustain your business.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that your sales generate enough revenue to cover your monthly expenses and allow for salary payments, ensuring the long-term viability of your bottled water business.

For More, See Estimating Profitability and Revenue

Sample Financial Lists As a Starting Point

Sample Financial Lists for Your Bottled Water Business

Below are three sample financial lists designed to give you a general idea of the expenses and revenues you might expect when starting and running a bottled water production business in the USA.

Sample Startup Costs for a Bottled Water Business

• Water Sourcing Rights: $5,000
• Bottling Equipment: $50,000
• Water Purification System: $20,000
• Warehouse Lease (first month + deposit): $4,000
• Business Licenses and Permits: $500
• Insurance: $1,000
• Branding and Marketing Materials: $2,000
• Website Development: $2,000

Total Estimated Startup Costs: $84,500

Sample Monthly Expenses for a Bottled Water Business

• Warehouse Lease: $2,000
• Utilities (water, electricity): $800
• Staff Salaries: $6,000
• Insurance: $200
• Marketing and Advertising: $1,000
• Equipment Maintenance: $500
• Miscellaneous Expenses: $500

Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $11,000

Sample Sales and Profit Breakdown

Assuming a sales price of $1 per bottle ( premium branded ), selling 20,000 bottles per month:

• Total Sales: $20,000
• Less Monthly Expenses: $11,000

Estimated Monthly Profit: $9,000

Remember, these figures are fictional examples that provide a broad sense of the financial aspects of running a bottled water business.

Adjusting these costs and revenue projections can significantly affect the success of your business.

A small shift in profit per bottle sold can make a huge difference when dealing with high-volume sales.

Also, remember that many new businesses take time to become profitable as they build a customer base, establish a reputation, and optimize operations.

Your specific costs, expenses, and profits will vary based on numerous factors.

It’s essential to do thorough research and consider seeking professional advice when calculating your business’s startup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential revenues and profits.

5. Choosing The Right Business Location

The Significance of Location for a Bottled Water Business

Choosing the right location for your bottled water business can determine its success or failure.

Demand and Competition Considerations

Operating in an area without product demand will inevitably lead to failure even before your business takes off. Conversely, setting up in an area saturated with competition can make it challenging to gain market share.

Balancing Demand, Competition, and Affordability

Ideally, you should aim for a location that strikes a balance between having sufficient demand for your bottled water products and facing an acceptable level of competition.

Additionally, affordability is a crucial aspect to consider. While operating in a highly populated area can offer more exposure, you must ensure that the extra expenses associated with it do not outweigh the potential profitability.

Exploring Different Options

Consider operating your business from home, especially if your model is primarily online or does not require extensive personal customer interaction.

Starting from home can be a cost-effective option initially, and as your business expands, you can evaluate the need to transition to a commercial location.

Thorough Research and Careful Evaluation

Choosing the right location is critical to achieving success for your bottled water business.

Conduct thorough research, analyze the local market, and evaluate demand, competition, and affordability.

It is essential to approach this decision carefully and gather all the necessary information to make an informed choice.

For more about business locations, see Choosing The Best Location for Your Business.

6. Create Your Mission Statement

A mission statement is a valuable tool for identifying the core purpose of your bottled water business.

It serves as a guiding principle to keep you focused and reminds you of the main benefit you aim to provide to your customers and community.

Examples of Mission Statements for a Bottled Water Business:

• “Our mission is to deliver pure, refreshing hydration to promote healthy lifestyles and contribute to environmental sustainability.”
• “We are dedicated to providing premium-quality bottled water that nourishes and energizes our customers, while actively promoting responsible water usage and conservation.”
• “At our bottled water company, our mission is to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water, enriching lives and supporting community wellness initiatives.”
• “We strive to be the trusted provider of premium bottled water, offering exceptional purity, taste, and convenience while reducing our ecological footprint through sustainable practices.”
• “Our mission is to hydrate and inspire, delivering the highest standard of purified bottled water while empowering individuals to embrace healthy hydration habits and make a positive impact on the environment.”

Note : These are fictional examples meant to illustrate the essence of mission statements for a bottled water business.

A real mission statement should be crafted to align with your business’s specific values and goals.

For more, see, How To Create a Mission Statement

7. Creating A Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

A Unique Selling Proposition (USP) plays a crucial role in identifying and creating a distinct offering that sets your bottled water business apart from competitors.

Examples of Unique Selling Propositions for a Bottled Water Business:

• “Our bottled water stands out with its exceptional mineral composition, providing a truly refreshing and revitalizing experience.”
• “We differentiate ourselves by offering sustainably sourced bottled water, contributing to environmental conservation and promoting a greener future.”
• “Our infused bottled water line combines natural flavors with premium water, offering a unique and indulgent taste experience.”
• “We pride ourselves on our innovative packaging design that enhances convenience and portability, making our bottled water the perfect companion for active lifestyles.”
• “Our commitment to social impact sets us apart, as we donate a percentage of every bottle sold to provide clean drinking water to communities in need.”

Note: These are fictional examples intended to demonstrate the concept of a Unique Selling Proposition for a bottled water business.

Developing a USP that aligns with your specific business goals, target market, and competitive landscape is important.

8. Choose a Business Name

When selecting a name for your bottled water business, it’s crucial to aim for something captivating and fitting.

Opt for an easily pronounceable and memorable name, as it will likely remain with your company for the long term. Additionally, securing a matching domain name for your online presence is essential.

Conduct thorough research to ensure another business does not already register the desired name.

Here are 30 creative ideas to inspire your original bottled water business name:

• AquaPure Springs
• CrystalWave Refresh
• PureFlow Oasis
• AquaViva Delight
• AquaGlow Hydration
• Nature’s Elixir
• AquaZen Wellness
• AquaWave Harmony
• CrystalClear Aqua
• HydrateHaven
• AquaEssence Revive
• AquaQuench Oasis
• RefreshStream
• PureSource Springs
• AquaBliss Nourish
• AquaJade Oasis
• VitalFlow Hydration
• AquaCrisp Revitalize
• AquaPure Delight
• RefreshMist
• AquaBloom Springs
• AquaZest Rejuvenate
• AquaPeak Revive
• PureDrop Oasis
• AquaLuxe Hydration
• RefreshRipple
• AquaVigor Wellness
• AquaDream Springs

Remember, these are just ideas to spark your creativity and assist in developing an original business name for your bottled water venture.

Ensure the chosen name aligns with your brand identity and resonates with your target audience.

Conduct proper research and consider consulting professionals to ensure legal availability and trademark considerations for your business name.

For more, see the following articles:

• How To Register a Business Name
• Registering a Domain Name For Your Business

9. Register Your Company

Ensuring Your Bottled Water Business is Legal

Operating a legal business is essential for compliance, protection, and overall success. Here are key points to consider:

Seek Professional Guidance: Consulting with legal and tax professionals is crucial to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. They can also assist in determining the best business setup for tax benefits and liability protection.

Common Types of Registrations: When starting a bottled water business, you may need to consider various registrations, including:

• Business Entity Registration: Registering your business entity (e.g., LLC, corporation) with the appropriate state authorities.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN): Obtaining an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes and hiring employees.
• State and Local Registrations: Registering for state and local permits, such as sales tax permits, to comply with specific requirements.

Permits and Licenses: As a bottled water business, you may need to obtain specific permits and licenses to ensure compliance and consumer safety. Some examples include:

• Food Establishment Permit: Obtaining a permit to operate as a food establishment, as bottled water is considered a food product.
• Bottled Water Plant License: Obtaining a license from relevant health and regulatory agencies to operate a bottled water production facility.
• Water Source Permits: You may need permits for water extraction or usage depending on your water source.

Compliance with Regulations: Ensure adherence to industry-specific regulations such as the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for bottled water production and labeling requirements.

Remember, laws and requirements may vary based on location, so consulting with professionals familiar with the bottled water industry and local regulations is crucial.

Complying with legal obligations helps protect your business, ensures consumer trust, and positions you for long-term success.

Registration:

• How to Register Your Business
• How To Register a DBA
• How to Register a Trademark
• How to Get a Business License

Business Structures:

• How to Choose a Business Structure
• Pros & Cons of a Sole Proprietorship
• How To Form an LLC
• How To Register a Business Partnership
• How To Form a Corporation
• How To Choose a Business Registration Service

10. Create Your Corporate Identity

Corporate Identity for a Bottled Water Business

Establishing Your Brand’s Visual Presence

A Corporate Identity (Corporate ID) plays a vital role in representing your bottled water business.

It encompasses elements that establish your brand’s visual presence, including your logo, business cards, website, business sign, stationery, and promotional items.

Consistency and Professionalism

Maintaining a consistent and professional design across these components is essential to leave a lasting impression on new and existing customers.

A strong and cohesive corporate identity conveys professionalism and helps build brand recognition and trust.

Logo Design: Capturing Your Brand Essence

As a key component of your corporate identity, your logo should capture the essence of your bottled water business.

It should reflect your brand’s values, evoke a sense of quality and purity, and resonate with your target audience.

Branded Materials: Showcasing Your Unique Qualities

From business cards to promotional items, each element of your corporate identity should showcase your brand’s unique qualities.

Whether it’s the design of your water bottle labels, the layout of your website, or the appearance of your business signage, consistency and attention to detail are crucial.

Impressing Customers: A Commitment to Excellence

A well-designed corporate identity demonstrates your commitment to excellence and professionalism. It helps create a positive and memorable impression on customers, fostering brand loyalty and encouraging repeat business.

Remember, a strong corporate identity is an investment in building your brand’s reputation and standing out in the competitive bottled water industry.

Seek professional design services or consult branding experts to ensure your corporate identity aligns with your brand values and effectively represents your business.

You can see our page for an overview of your logo , business cards , website , and business sign , or see A Complete Introduction to Corporate Identity Packages.

11. Writing a Business Plan

The Importance of a Business Plan for a Bottled Water Business

A business plan is a critical document for a bottled water business. It serves multiple purposes, such as acquiring funding and attracting investors.

Moreover, it acts as a roadmap to keep you on track during the startup phase and while your business is in full operation.

Crafting a Vision for Success

Writing a business plan requires time and effort as it involves creating a vision of what your bottled water business will be like once it’s operational.

Careful planning and thoughtful consideration of details are necessary to articulate your vision effectively.

Clarity and Guidance

Completing a well-crafted business plan is worthwhile because it clearly explains what is needed to start and operate your business successfully.

It serves as a guide to help you navigate the challenges and make informed decisions.

Choosing the Right Approach

When creating your business plan, you have various options available. You can start from scratch, enlist the services of a professional, utilize a template, or leverage business plan software.

Regardless of the chosen approach, active participation is essential to ensure your plan is distinctive and effectively communicates the nature of your bottled water business and management strategies.

Adapting and Optimizing

Recognizing that your business plan can evolve and be optimized as you gain experience and insights is important.

Periodically reviewing the document and making necessary adjustments to reflect changes in your business or operations is advisable.

Remember, a well-crafted and adaptable business plan is a valuable tool that can contribute to the success of your bottled water business.

A Fictitious Business Plan Example for a Bottled Water

PureSprings Bottled Water Business Plan

Executive Summary

PureSprings will offer high-quality, naturally sourced bottled water. Based in a region with abundant natural springs, we are uniquely positioned to cater to the demands of health-conscious consumers.

Company Description

PureSprings is a startup set to operate from a moderate-size bottling plant. We focus on sustainability, drawing water from local springs and packaging it in eco-friendly bottles.

Our target market comprises individuals and businesses seeking quality bottled water. With the continuous growth in the bottled water market, we anticipate steady demand for our products.

Organization and Management

PureSprings’ team will be spearheaded by the founder and CEO. Other team members will include a Production Manager, Marketing and Sales Manager, and an Accounting Manager.

Product Line and Services

Our product line includes natural spring water packaged in various sizes to meet consumer needs. Over time, we may introduce flavored water options.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

We’ll focus on marketing the health and sustainability aspects of our products. Our strategy will involve direct sales and partnerships with local and national retail stores.

Funding Request

We’re seeking an investment of $84,500, projected as the startup cost, to cover equipment purchase, water rights procurement, and initial marketing.

Financial Projections

In the first month, we anticipate selling 20,000 bottles, which gives us monthly revenue of $20,000. With estimated monthly expenses of around $11,000, we project a monthly profit of $9,000.

Exit Strategy

Once PureSprings achieves sustainable growth, we may explore franchising, expansion into new regions, or a potential acquisition by a larger beverage company.

Remember that this is a hypothetical business plan, and the figures are illustrative. Real-world business plans should be based on comprehensive market research and professional financial advice.

For information on creating your business plan, see, How to Write a Business Plan.

12. Banking Considerations

Consider selecting a local bank that specializes in serving bottled water business owners.

Opening a dedicated business account clearly separates your business expenses and personal spending.

This separation simplifies expense tracking, facilitates efficient bookkeeping, and provides documentation in the event of a tax audit.

Establishing a professional relationship with your banker is beneficial. They can offer valuable advice and financial services and expedite application processes.

Additionally, explore applying for a merchant account or similar setup to accept credit and debit card payments. This enables convenient payment options for your customers, enhancing their satisfaction and boosting sales.

Remember, choosing a bank that understands the specific needs of your bottled water business can streamline your financial operations and contribute to the overall success of your venture.

Research and compare banking options, seek recommendations from fellow business owners and consider the level of personalized service and relevant financial solutions when making your decision.

For more, see, How to Open a Business Bank Account. You may also want to look at, What Is a Merchant Account and How to Get One.

13. Getting the Funds for Your Operation

Getting Funding for Your Bottled Water Business

If you need financial support to start and operate your bottled water business, there are various funding options available. Here are some key considerations and tips to help you navigate the process:

• Explore Funding Options: Funding sources for your business may include traditional lenders, private loans, investors, or even selling any assets you may have. Research each option thoroughly to determine which aligns best with your needs and preferences.
• Highlight your industry expertise and demonstrate a solid understanding of the bottled water market.
• Emphasize the unique selling points of your business, such as quality, sustainability, or target market focus.
• Provide a realistic and well-structured financial plan, including startup costs, revenue projections, and expected returns.
• Business plan detailing your objectives, market analysis, and financial projections.
• Personal and business financial statements, including tax returns and bank statements.
• Legal documents such as licenses, permits, and registrations.
• Collateral information, if applicable.

Secure funding for your bottled water business requires thorough preparation, a well-crafted business plan, and effective communication of your vision and potential.

Research your options, seek professional advice, and diligently compile the necessary documents to increase your chances of obtaining the funds to launch and grow your business successfully.

See, Getting a Small Business Loan for more.

14. Software Setup

Software Considerations for Your Bottled Water Business

Selecting the right software is crucial for efficient operations when setting up your bottled water business.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Research Software Options

Thoroughly research the available software solutions. Implementing a program from scratch is often easier than switching to a new system after your data is already in another program.

2. Demo, Reviews, and Forums

Look for software providers that offer demos or trials. This allows you to evaluate the software’s features and user-friendliness.

Additionally, explore reviews and forums to gather insights from other user’s experiences with the software.

3. Expense Tracking and Financial Document Preparation

Consider software options that track expenses and prepare financial documents for tax filing.

Consulting with your bookkeeper or accountant can provide valuable guidance in choosing the right accounting software that aligns with your business needs.

Software Options to Consider for Your Bottled Water Business:

• Inventory Management Software
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
• Route Planning and Delivery Management Software
• Accounting Software
• Quality Control and Compliance Software

Remember to evaluate each software option based on its suitability for your business requirements, scalability, user-friendliness, and compatibility with existing systems.

Consider seeking recommendations from industry peers and consulting software providers for customized solutions tailored to your bottled water business.

Software Considerations for a Bottled Water Business.

Check out Google’s latest search results for software packages for a bottled water business.

15. Get The Right Business Insurance

Insurance Considerations for Your Bottled Water Business

Incidents can occur unexpectedly, making having the right insurance coverage essential before any activities occur at your bottled water business. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Comprehensive Coverage

Consider insurance policies that provide comprehensive coverage to protect various aspects of your business, including:

• Customer and Public Liability: Coverage for accidents or injuries to customers or the public on your premises.
• Workers’ Compensation: Protection for employees in case of work-related injuries or illnesses.
• Property Insurance: Safeguarding your physical assets, such as equipment, inventory, and facilities.
• Product Liability: Coverage for any harm or damage caused by your bottled water products.

2. Professional Liability Insurance

Consider obtaining professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance. This coverage protects you against potential lawsuits resulting from errors, negligence, or professional misconduct.

3. Home-based Business Insurance

If you plan to operate or manage your bottled water business from your home, inform your home insurance agent. Operating a business from home may impact your existing home insurance policy, and you may need additional coverage.

4. Consult an Insurance Broker

Working with a competent insurance broker is advisable to navigate the complexities of insurance and ensure you have sufficient coverage.

They can guide you in understanding your risks, selecting appropriate policies, and obtaining competitive rates.

Concerns When Seeking Insurance for a Bottled Water Business:

• Adequate coverage for customer and public liability risks
• Proper protection for employees through workers’ compensation
• Protection for your physical assets, including equipment and inventory
• Coverage for potential product liability claims
• Understanding any implications on existing home insurance policies for home-based businesses

Remember, securing the right insurance coverage is vital to safeguarding your bottled water business.

Assess your specific risks, consult with insurance professionals, and review policies carefully to ensure comprehensive protection against potential losses.

For more, see What to Know About Business Insurance . You can also browse the latest Google search results for bottled water business insurance .

16. Select Suppliers

Selecting Suppliers for Your Bottled Water Business

Developing strong relationships with reliable suppliers is crucial for the success of your bottled water business. Consider the following factors when selecting suppliers:

1. Reliability and Trustworthiness

Choose suppliers who are dependable and trustworthy. They should consistently deliver high-quality products and meet agreed-upon deadlines to ensure smooth operations.

2. Competitive Pricing

Look for suppliers who offer competitive prices. This lets you pass on cost savings to your customers, making your bottled water products more attractive and increasing your profit margin.

3. Stock Availability

Ensure your suppliers can consistently provide the necessary stock to meet the demands of your business. Prompt and reliable deliveries are essential to avoid any production or inventory management disruptions.

4. Respectful and Mutually Beneficial Relationships

Treat your suppliers with respect and fairness. Building a mutually beneficial relationship involves ensuring they also benefit financially.

This can foster long-term partnerships and open communication, leading to improved collaboration and shared success.

Remember, selecting the right suppliers is crucial for maintaining a reliable and efficient supply chain for your bottled water business.

Research and evaluate potential suppliers based on their reputation, product quality, pricing, and ability to meet your requirements.

Strong supplier relationships can contribute to your business’s overall growth and sustainability.

For More See, How To Choose a Supplier.

17. Physical Setup

A bottled water business’s physical setup/layout is crucial for efficient operations. The layout should prioritize functionality and convenience, allowing for smooth workflow and easy access to equipment and storage areas.

Consider factors such as production space, storage capacity, labeling stations, quality control areas, and shipping logistics.

An optimized layout ensures streamlined processes, enhances productivity, and promotes a safe working environment.

Setting up appropriate signage is essential for a bottled water business. In addition to installing a prominent main business sign, it is important to place signs in relevant locations, including parking lots, exits, and special areas.

Well-designed signs play a crucial role in directing people, providing clear instructions, and enhancing the overall professionalism of your operation.

Effective signage helps customers navigate your premises easily and creates a positive impression of your business.

Office Setup:

Managing your bottled water business requires dedicated time in the office. An organized office setup is key to maximizing productivity.

Ensure your office has essential tools, including computers, printers, telephones, filing systems, and comfortable furniture.

Create an efficient workspace that allows for effective communication, easy access to important documents, and a comfortable environment for administrative tasks.

A well-equipped and organized office supports smooth business operations, facilitates efficient decision-making, and enables effective management of your bottled water business.

See, Here are Considerations for The Setup of Your Office, for tips and ideas to make your office work for you. Also, have a look at our article About Company Signs.

18. Creating a Website

Having a website for your bottled water business offers numerous benefits. It is a powerful online presence, allowing customers to easily find and learn about your products and services.

A well-designed website showcases your brand, promotes credibility, and builds trust with potential customers. It provides a platform to showcase product information, pricing, and customer testimonials.

Additionally, a website enables online ordering and delivery options, expanding your customer reach.

It also facilitates effective communication, allowing customers to contact you directly, boosting customer engagement, and driving business growth in the digital landscape.

For more, see How to Build a Website for Your Business .

19. Create an External Support Team

Building an External Support Team for Your Bottled Water Business

An external support team of professionals is a valuable resource for your bottled water business. These experts provide valuable advice and services without being on your payroll.

While some professionals may already be part of your network, it’s important to recognize their significance and consider expanding your team.

Engaging Professionals for Specific Needs

Depending on your specific needs, you can engage professionals per project, contractual, or hourly. This allows you to access their expertise without the need for full-time employment.

Consider professionals such as an accountant, a lawyer, a financial advisor, a marketing specialist, technical advisors, and consultants.

Building Professional Relationships

Building professional relationships takes time and effort. Continually work on expanding your network and nurturing these connections.

As your business grows, you can benefit from the support and expertise of your trusted external team.

The Benefits of a Strong Support Team

A strong external support team ensures you have access to the necessary expertise and guidance when needed.

These professionals can assist with financial matters, legal compliance, marketing strategies, and technical challenges.

You can confidently make informed decisions and navigate challenges by leveraging your knowledge and skills.

Remember, developing a strong support team is an ongoing process. Regularly assess your business needs and seek professionals who align with your goals and values.

Collaborating with trusted experts contributes to the success and growth of your bottled water business.

For more, see, Building a Team of Professional Advisors for Your Business.

20. Hiring Employees

Hiring Employees for Your Bottled Water Business

At the initial stages of operating your bottled water business, you may consider handling all tasks yourself to avoid the expense of hiring employees.

This approach can be manageable and cost-effective, especially during the startup phase.

However, as your business grows, you may find it challenging to handle all aspects of management and operations alone.

Hiring employees can greatly improve productivity and allow you to focus on strategic decision-making.

List of Job Positions for a Growing Bottled Water Business:

The following are job positions or outsourced services you may want to consider as your bottled water business grows and becomes successful:

• Production Staff: Responsible for bottling, labeling, and quality control processes.
• Delivery Drivers: Ensuring timely and efficient delivery of bottled water to customers.
• Sales Representatives: Building customer relationships, acquiring new accounts, and increasing sales.
• Marketing Specialist: Developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote your brand and products.
• Warehouse Manager: Overseeing inventory management, stock rotation, and efficient storage practices.
• Customer Service Representative: Handling customer inquiries, resolving issues, and maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Financial Manager or Bookkeeper: Managing financial records, accounts payable/receivable, and financial analysis.
• Maintenance Technician: Ensuring proper functioning and maintenance of equipment and machinery.
• Administrative Assistant: Providing administrative support, managing schedules, and organizing documentation.

Remember, as your bottled water business grows, the workload increases and specialized roles become necessary for smooth operations and continued success.

Evaluate your specific business needs and consider hiring employees or outsourcing services to support your expanding operations effectively.

For more, see, How and When to Hire a New Employee.

Points To Consider

A List of Equipment and Supplies to Consider for a Bottled Water Business:

Equipment for a Bottled Water Business

• Water Source: You will need access to a water source, such as a well or natural spring.
• Water Purification Systems: To ensure the water is safe for consumption, a purification system that may include filtration, UV sterilization, and reverse osmosis equipment is required.
• Bottling Equipment: This includes washing, filling, capping, and labeling machines.
• Water Testing Kits: To consistently ensure the water’s quality and safety.
• Storage Tanks: For holding the purified water before it’s bottled.
• Conveyor Belts: These help move bottles from one station to another during bottling.
• Packaging Equipment: You’ll need equipment for packaging bottles into packs or crates for distribution.
• Pallet Jacks: These are necessary for moving larger quantities of packaged water around your facility.
• Delivery Vehicles: Depending on the size and reach of your business, you might need trucks or vans for distribution.
• Cooling and Heating Systems: Depending on your location, you might need to control the temperature in your storage areas.
• Office Equipment: Computers, printers, and other office equipment for managing orders, inventory, and other administrative tasks.
• Waste Management Systems: Equipment for managing waste and maintaining cleanliness in the production area.

This list gives a general idea of the equipment required for a bottled water business, but your specific needs may vary depending on your business model and local regulations.

Always do your research and seek professional advice if necessary.

Marketing Considerations

Attracting Customers for Your Bottled Water Business

In the bottled water industry, customers are vital for the success of your business. Initially, it can be challenging to attract customers as your operation is new and awareness is limited.

Building a good reputation over time will make it easier to attract customers. With experience and a solid reputation, you can leverage your marketing efforts more effectively.

Marketing your bottled water business is an ongoing process that requires continuous investment. Consider it as a means to raise awareness and capture opportunities whenever they arise.

Investing in effective marketing techniques directly impacts your revenue generation. By implementing strategic marketing campaigns, you can reach your target audience, create brand awareness, and drive customer engagement.

Remember, effective marketing is essential to establish your presence in the market and attract customers to your bottled water business.

Continuously refine your marketing strategies, adapt to changing consumer needs, and seize opportunities to promote your products and services.

See our article How To Get Customers Through the Door

Building Business Partnerships for Your Bottled Water Business

Creating partnerships with other businesses can be a valuable strategy to attract new customers to your bottled water business.

Consider approaching the following businesses to explore collaboration opportunities:

• Fitness Centers: Partner with gyms, health clubs, or fitness studios to provide bottled water for their members and offer special promotions or discounts to encourage referrals.
• Offices and Workplaces: Establish relationships with local businesses and corporate offices to supply bottled water for employees, meetings, and events. In return, offer referral incentives and customized branding options.
• Cafes and Restaurants: Collaborate with cafes, restaurants, and food establishments to offer bottled water as a beverage menu. Provide promotional materials and incentives to encourage them to refer customers to your business.
• Event Planners: Forge connections with event planning companies and wedding planners to supply bottled water for their events. Consider offering customized branding options and referral bonuses for each successful event referral.
• Health and Wellness Practitioners: Partner with healthcare professionals, nutritionists, and wellness practitioners who promote hydration and healthy lifestyles. Offer educational materials and referral incentives to support their clients’ hydration needs.

When approaching potential partners, emphasize the mutual benefits of collaboration. Consider offering referral fees, co-marketing opportunities, or exclusive promotions to incentivize referrals and strengthen the partnership.

Building strategic partnerships can extend your reach and attract new customers to your bottled water business.

Seek out businesses whose clientele aligns with your target market, and explore creative ways to collaborate and foster mutually beneficial relationships.

Assessing Your Skills for Running a Bottled Water Business

Evaluating your skill set is important to determine if you have the necessary abilities to run a successful bottled water business. Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus on areas that require improvement or consideration for delegation. Remember, if you lack an essential skill, you can learn it or hire someone with expertise in that area.

Essential Skills for a Bottled Water Business Owner:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Demonstrating a proactive, innovative, and growth-oriented approach to business.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding the bottled water industry, trends, regulations, and consumer preferences.
• Business Planning: Developing comprehensive business plans, setting goals, and creating strategies for growth.
• Financial Management: Proficiently managing finances, budgeting, tracking expenses, and analyzing financial performance.
• Marketing and Sales: Effectively promoting your brand, developing marketing strategies, and driving sales.
• Operations Management: Overseeing production processes, inventory management, quality control, and logistics.
• Customer Service: Providing excellent customer experiences, addressing inquiries, and resolving issues promptly.
• Communication Skills: Articulating ideas clearly, negotiating contracts, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving : Identifying challenges, evaluating options, and making informed decisions to overcome obstacles.
• Adaptability: Embracing change, navigating market dynamics, and adjusting business strategies as needed.

Remember, as a bottled water business owner, continuously developing and honing these essential skills will contribute to your business’s success and growth.

Seek opportunities for learning and improvement while considering delegating tasks where necessary.

Expert Tips

Benefiting from Expert Tips to Enhance Your Skill Set

Exploring expert tips is invaluable for skill improvement, whether an expert or a novice.

You can discover more efficient approaches and gain fresh perspectives as an expert. As a novice, you can gather numerous tips to enhance your skills and expand your knowledge base.

See the latest search results for expert bottled water tips to gain tips and insights.

Valuable Resources for Your Bottled Water Business

In this section, you will find a compilation of resources that provide access to the latest and most relevant information in the bottled water industry.

These resources are beneficial during the startup phase and when your business is fully operational.

By utilizing these resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of the industry, stay updated on industry trends, and access valuable tips for enhancing your business practices.

They serve as a valuable knowledge base for your growth and success in the bottled water industry.

Trends and Statistics

Gaining Insights from Industry Trends and Statistics in the Bottled Water Business

Examining industry trends and statistics offers valuable insights for a bottled water business. It provides a deeper understanding of market dynamics, consumer preferences, and emerging opportunities.

You can make informed decisions, adapt strategies, and position your business for success in a dynamic marketplace by staying informed.

See the latest search results for trends and statistics related to the bottled water industry.

Bottled Water Associations

Use a professional American writing style. Use simple words. Add Industry Keywords if Appropriate.

Write a neutral 40-word overview of

Trade associations offer numerous advantages, including staying informed about industry news and accessing networking opportunities. These benefits are particularly evident when associations organize events.

See the search results related to bottled water associations.

Top Bottled Water Business

Drawing Inspiration from Established Bottled Water Businesses

Examining established bottled water businesses can spark ideas and insights to identify untapped opportunities within the industry.

It allows you to uncover unique offerings or identify areas for improvement in your business that may have been overlooked. Learning from successful businesses helps shape your own strategies and differentiate your brand.

See the latest search results for the top bottled water businesses.

The Future of the Bottled Water Industry

Unveiling Future Opportunities: Researching the Future of the Bottled Water Industry

Researching the future of the bottled water industry offers significant benefits for aspiring business owners.

It allows you to gain insights into emerging trends, consumer demands, and technological advancements, enabling you to make informed decisions and position your business for long-term success.

See the search results for the future of the bottled water industry.

Gaining Price Insights: Researching Industry Prices for Starting a Bottled Water Business

Researching industry prices provides valuable benefits when launching a bottled water business.

It allows you to understand market pricing trends, determine competitive pricing strategies, and ensure your pricing is competitive while maintaining profitability.

This knowledge helps you make informed decisions and set appropriate product pricing.

See the latest bottled water prices.

Bottled Water Businesses for Sale

Considering the Purchase of an Established Bottled Water Business

Exploring the option of buying an existing bottled water business offers both advantages and disadvantages.

The benefits of acquiring an established business include:

• Immediate Revenue: Start earning revenue from the day you take over the business.
• Skip the Startup Phase: Bypass the challenges and uncertainties of starting from scratch.
• Proven Success: The business has a track record of success, and you know it works.
• Financial Insights: Access information on revenue, profit, and expenses before deciding.
• Existing Customer Base: Benefit from an established customer base, saving time and effort in acquiring new customers.
• Established Reputation: The business has already built a reputation in the market, which can be advantageous.

However, there are also potential disadvantages to consider:

• Higher Cost: Purchasing an established business often involves paying a premium due to its goodwill and existing customer base.
• Customer Retention : If you intend to make significant changes to the business, there is a risk of losing customers accustomed to the previous operations.
• Inherited Reputation: When acquiring a business, you also inherit its existing reputation, which may include both positive and negative aspects.

Even if you don’t find an exact match for a bottled water business for sale, it’s worth exploring similar opportunities within the industry.

Researching available options can provide valuable insights and inform your decision-making process.

Businesses for sale: See the latest results for a bottled water business and others related to this business model.

Franchise Opportunities Related to a Bottled Water

Considering the Purchase of a Bottled Water Franchise

Exploring the option of buying a bottled water franchise offers both advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to carefully evaluate these factors before starting a business.

Additionally, while exploring franchise opportunities, you may discover related options in the bottled water industry that you hadn’t considered.

• Proven Business Model: Follow the established plan provided by the corporate office, leveraging their expertise and experience.
• Established Reputation and Marketing: Benefit from the franchise’s existing reputation and marketing efforts, giving your business a head start.
• Comprehensive Knowledge: Gain thorough insights into every aspect of the business before getting involved.
• Corporate Support: Receive ongoing support and guidance from the corporate office to navigate business challenges.
• Cost: Purchasing a franchise can involve significant upfront expenses, including fees and other financial obligations.
• Limited Autonomy: Major changes require approval from the corporate office, limiting your freedom to make independent decisions.
• Approved Products and Services: Operate strictly within the framework of approved products and services defined by the franchise agreement.
• Operational Restrictions: Adhere to the operational guidelines and restrictions outlined in the franchise agreement.
• Ongoing Franchise Fees: Pay regular franchise fees for your ongoing financial obligations.

Even if you don’t find an exact match for a bottled water business franchise, you can explore franchise opportunities within the same industry using the provided link.

See the latest search results for franchise opportunities related to this industry.

Knowledge Is Power if You Use It!

Harnessing the Power of Knowledge for Your Bottled Water Business

Acquiring knowledge is a powerful tool when effectively utilized in your bottled water business. The internet offers a wealth of information about your industry.

Following the links in the following sections, you can access valuable resources to support your research, guide you through the startup phase, and enhance your business operations.

Stay informed, leverage the available information, and empower your journey to success in the bottled water industry.

A Day in the Life

Insights into the Day-to-Day Life of a Bottled Water Business Owner

Gain valuable tips and insights from industry professionals to understand what to expect in a typical day as a bottled water business owner. This resource provides an overview of the daily responsibilities and operations, offering practical guidance for success in the industry.

See the search results related to a day in the life of bottled water business owners.

Bottled Water Business Owners Interviews

Gaining Valuable Insights from Interviews with Bottled Water Industry Business Owners

Take the time to explore this section, where interviews with experienced business owners in the bottled water industry provide essential information and insights. Look into different perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and valuable insights into what to expect.

See the search results related to interviews of bottled water business owners.

Bottled Water Publications

Staying Informed with Publications in the Bottled Water Industry

Publications serve as a valuable resource to stay updated with the latest information about the bottled water business.

Explore these publications to access industry news, trends, insights, and best practices, ensuring you stay informed and ahead of the curve.

See the search results for Bottled Water publications.

Bottled Water Forums

Engaging in Bottled Water Forums for Industry Insights

Participating in bottled water forums allows one to join relevant discussions and connect with industry peers.

By actively engaging in these forums, you can foster relationships, gain customer perspectives, and gather valuable insights contributing to your business understanding and growth.

See the latest search results related to Bottled Water forums.

Enhancing Skills and Industry Knowledge through Bottled Water Production Courses

Enroll in courses related to bottled water production to enhance your skillset and stay updated with industry advancements.

These courses offer valuable learning opportunities to improve your capabilities and remain knowledgeable and current in the industry.

See the latest courses related to bottled water production  and our management articles to provide insights and tips on managing Your business.

Bottled Water Blogs

Gaining Insights and Industry Updates through Bottled Water Blogs

Subscribing to bottled water blogs offers a valuable source of ideas and industry updates.

By subscribing to multiple blogs and curating the ones that provide value, you create a collection of resources that deliver a constant flow of relevant information to support your business endeavors.

Look at the latest search results for bottled water production blogs to follow.

Staying Current with Bottled Water Industry News

Stay updated with the latest bottled water industry events by following industry news.

Set up alerts to receive notifications whenever new developments are covered by the media, ensuring you stay informed and well-informed.

Bottled Water News

Gaining Valuable Tips and Insights from Bottled Water Industry Videos

Explore videos about the bottled water industry to access helpful tips and insights.

Additionally, take advantage of related videos suggested by YouTube, as they often cover topics you may not have previously considered, expanding your knowledge and understanding.

See the links to YouTube Videos Below.

• Videos related to starting a bottled water business can be found here.

Starting a Water Refilling Station Business

For More Business Ideas, See our Collection of Business Ideas.

Privacy Overview

Bottled Water Company Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Bottled Water Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Bottled Water business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Bottled Water businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Bottled Water business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company is a startup bottled water company located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The company is founded by Eileen Dursten, a local landowner with a series of fresh waterfalls and streams located on her thirty-acre property just outside the city of Knoxville. Eileen has been studying the concept of providing bottled water from an acceptable source of freshwater for some years. She recently had the water in three streams on her property tested for bacteria and parasitic evidence, and received a report that the water was highly-potable and acceptable for bottling. With this information, she’s decided to move forward to build the necessary infrastructure and office area to start her bottled water business.

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will provide a unique, fresh and local source of water within each bottle, made especially for the communities within the Knoxville area. The brand name will become synonymous with “clean, crisp notes of the mountains” and it will be a distinctive product for consumers to purchase. ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will be the ultimate choice in Knoxville for fresh bottled water, while also offering the best pricing for local water in Knoxville.

Product Offering

The following are the products that ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will provide:

• Bottled water in consumer-sized containers: 12 ounce, 16 ounce and 24 ounce.
• Bottled water in 5-gallon and 7-gallon drum sizes to fit water dispensing machines.
• Flavored water (watermelon, peach, apple, lemon, and lime) in 16 ounce bottles.
• Carbonated water in 12 ounce, 16 ounce and 24 ounce sizes.

Customer Focus

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will target all individuals within the greater Knoxville area and surrounding communities. In addition, they will also target companies who use water dispensing systems. They will also target party planners and event coordinators who will want large quantities of specialty water or custom-made belly bands on the bottles for weddings, anniversaries, etc. ClearRiver Bottled Water Company is committed to serving every customer in the best way possible, meeting requests for customized bottles or simply one bottle of water with courtesy.

Management Team

RiverClear Bottled Water Company will be owned and operated by Eileen Dursten, who will take the role of President. She has recruited John Matheson, a Senior Engineer, from the Jacksonville, Florida company, SwampWater, LLC.

John created the SwampWater brand and developed the water treatment and bottling systems to the 6M business it is today. He initiated robotic labeling and packaging in 2017 and has been at the forefront of business trends throughout his entire career of twenty-five years at SwampWater, LLC.

John’s role will be Senior Engineer and Vice President of the company. He is eager to be back in the Knoxville area, where his family resides, and is also eager to create another success with RiverClear Bottled Water.

Success Factors

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team at ClearRiver Bottled Water Company.
• Faultless system for treating and clarifying the pure local water of Knoxville prior to bottling.
• Unique flavoring and/or carbonation processes added to the product line that will appeal to all ages.
• Unique aspect of fresh water from the immediate area, as a “taste of home” product.
• ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will offer the best pricing in Knoxville for bottled water in comparison to other offerings. The customer, no matter whether a small concern or a large business, will receive modest pricing for superior products.

Financial Highlights

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its ClearRiver Bottled Water Company. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for ClearRiver Bottled Water Company.

Company Overview

Who is clearriver bottled water company.

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company is a newly established full-service water bottling company located in Knoxville, Tennessee. ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will be the most reliable, cost-effective, and efficient choice for bottled water in the city of Knoxville and the surrounding communities. ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will provide a comprehensive menu of pure local water, flavored waters, and carbonated water products for any customer to utilize. Their full-service approach includes a free water-tasting event in their bottling facility for those who would like to tour the bottling plant.

  Eileen Dursten and John Matheson will be able to provide a variety of bottled water for the residents and visitors of Knoxville. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in water purification, bottling and marketing. ClearRiver Bottled Water Company is the perfect solution for those customers seeking the crisp, clear water that comes from natural streams within their local area. The best customer service will accompany that water, ensuring a seamless experience for all customers.

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company History

Since incorporation, ClearRiver Bottled Water Company has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered ClearRiver Bottled Water Company, LLC to transact business in the state of Tennessee.
• Has a contract in place at one of the office buildings, where Eileen Dursten will manage the staff within the 10,000 square foot office space.
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include RiverClear Bottled Water at corporate and private party events, in addition to distribution at grocery stores and convenience shops throughout the regional area.
• Began recruiting a staff of four employees for the bottling plant and 2 office personnel to handle filing, scheduling and mitigating errors.

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company Services

The following will be the services ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will provide:

Industry Analysis

• The bottled water industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $12 billion in 2030.
• The growth will be driven by consumer demand for clean, notably pure and reliable water sources.
• The growth will be driven by the need for safe water in areas where unsafe water is often consumed, leading to illnesses.
• The growth will be driven by the demand of consumers seeking flavored and carbonated waters in lieu of sugary sodas and fruit juices.
• Costs will likely be reduced as prices are lowered for bottling processes through the use of robotics and other time-and-space saving bottling techniques.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will target individuals, companies, event planners, and party coordinators in Knoxville, Tennessee. They will target associations and city and state governmental entities who will want products that originate in the city or state.

Customer Segmentation

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• They will target all individuals within the greater Knoxville area and surrounding communities.
• They will target companies who use water dispensing systems.
• They will target party planners and event coordinators who will want large quantities of specialty water or custom-made belly bands on the bottles for weddings, anniversaries, etc.
• They will target every customer, whether a small shop or a large enterprise and serve every customer with courtesy.

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Crystal Water Company

The Crystal Water Company, a direct competitor, is owned by a conglomerate, S & H Products, located in Dallas, Texas. Crystal Water is produced in Texas, bottled, and shipped to national distribution centers for delivery to individual chain markets, such as Walmart, Target, Safeway, and other companies that sell bottled water. Distribution is approximately 11 million bottles of water shipped monthly. The water is labeled as “pure” and carries no flavor or carbonation.

The S & H Products Company is owned and operated by the Stewart and Hart Family Trust, which has been in existence for over 75 years, selling and bottled water from a water purification system located on the family ranch.

Naturally Sweet Sparkling Water Company

The Naturally Sweet Sparkling Water Company is a direct competitor, in that the company bottles and ships water throughout Tennessee and surrounding areas. The water is carbonated, sweetened with a sugar product, and flavored artificially. No claims are made of “pure” or “local” water being used in the making of the bottled waters.

The Naturally Sweet Sparkling Water Company is owned by Hugh Grover, a businessman who started a grocery outlet in 1990 and saw the opportunity to move into bottled sparkling water when parents began to complain that their children were drinking too much soda. Hugh played with water flavors and carbonation levels until he found the perfect fit, then brought in a bottling company to replicate his efforts. His company targets individuals, companies, and private party planners across the state of Tennessee.

Grover’s Back Road Water

Grover’s Back Road Water was started in Tennessee in 1973 by Arnie Grover, a farmer who held thirty acres of prime dark dirt and planted it all in sweet corn and tobacco. Arnie saw the potential to add products to his farm sales; he developed an earthy water to replicate the very dark water of the farming communities in the Tennessee areas. Arnie targets young adults and older adults who favor unusual tastes and water that is reminiscent of old farmhouse water systems. Grover’s Back Road Water is found in bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and convenience stores within the outlying communities of Knoxville and is sold in single 16-ounce bottle sizes only. It is an “acquired taste” and consumers are often split on whether or not the earthy-flavored water is exceptional or not. The company has developed plans to increase production and introduce new flavors of water, but has not done so as yet.

Competitive Advantage

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees who are able to provide a comprehensive menu of bottled waters, including flavored waters and carbonated waters.
• Fresh, pure water from local streams that is purified, filtered and bottled under the best conditions.
• Packaged and presented to appeal to all consumers.
• Pricing that is modest and lower than national brands of water.
• A “made at home” feel and look to the bottled water.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for ClearRiver Bottled Water Company is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will use social media contacts provided by friends, family and local contacts to assist in sharing news about the launch of ClearRiver Bottled Water Company. The announcements will include free “water-tasting” parties at local malls and discounts on bottled water when the ClearRiver Bottled Water Truck is parked in the central area of Knoxville and offering giveaway prizes.

Professional Associations and Networking

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will join associations and community groups to network and build relationships with area companies in Knoxville. Both Eileen Dursten and John Matheson will join groups and work to secure contracts for events or large-quantity orders.

Print Advertising

One week prior to the launch of ClearRiver Bottled Water Company, every home in Knoxville will receive a direct mail offer, including a discount on bottled water and an invitation to attend a free tasting in the Knoxville city square. Prizes will be distributed at that event to celebrate the launch.

Website/SEO Marketing

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will utilize a website that is well-organized, informative, and complete. It will list all the services that ClearRiver Bottled Water Company is able to provide. The website will also list the contact information and the places where the bottled water can be purchased. SEO marketing tactics will be utilized so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “bottled water company” or “bottled water near me”, ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for ClearRiver Bottled Water Company. Operation Functions:

• RiverClear Bottled Water Company is owned by Eileen Dursten, who will take the role of President. She will develop relationships with large accounts and work on product development with John Matheson.
• Eileen Dursten has recruited John Matheson, a Senior Engineer, from the Jacksonville, Florida company, SwampWater, LLC. John’s role will be Senior Engineer and Vice President of the company. John will oversee all water purification and treatment processes in addition to developing new products and managing staff members.
• Rocky Anderson will be the Operations & Maintenance Director for the facilities and the office. He will lead a team of two staff members who will clean, prepare, assist in filtration and other duties as assigned.
• Pamela Nygard will be the Office Manager, overseeing systems, scheduling and handling staff matters.

Milestones:

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the ClearRiver Bottled Water Company
• 6/1/202X – Finalize distributor contracts for ClearRiver Bottled Water Company
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• – Begin moving into ClearRiver Bottled Water Company office
• – ClearRiver Bottled Water Company opens its office for business

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company will be owned and operated by Eileen Dursten. She recruited John Matheson, a former Senior Engineer, from the Jacksonville, Florida company, SwampWater, LLC.

Eileen Dursten, a local landowner with a series of fresh waterfalls and streams located on her thirty-acre property just outside the city of Knoxville. Eileen has been studying the concept of providing bottled water from an acceptable source of freshwater for some years. She recently had the water in three streams on her property tested for bacteria and parasitic evidence, and received a report that the water was highly-potable and acceptable for bottling. With this information, she’s decided to move forward to build the necessary infrastructure and office area to start her bottled water business.

John’s role will be Senior Engineer and Vice President of the company. John will oversee all water purification and treatment processes in addition to developing new products and managing staff members.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for ClearRiver Bottled Water Company are the fees they will charge to the customers for their products.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff the company office. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

ClearRiver Bottled Water Company is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its bottled water company..The funding will be dedicated towards securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Customers Per Month: 600 (30 corporate; 570 single-unit)
• Average Fees per Month: $27,000
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, bottled water business plan faqs, what is a bottled water company business plan.

A bottled water company business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your bottled water business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Bottled Water Company business plan using our Bottled Water Company Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Bottled Water Companies? 

There are a number of different kinds of bottled water companies , some examples include: Purified or Distilled bottled water, Sparkling bottled water, and Alkaline bottled waters.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Bottled Water Company?

Bottled Water companies are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Bottled Water Company?

Starting a bottled water company can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Bottled Water Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed bottled water business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your bottled water business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your bottled water business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Bottled Water Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your bottled water business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your bottled water business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Bottled Water Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your bottled water business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your bottled water business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful bottled water company:

• How to Start a Bottled Water Company

Bottled Water Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting a bottled water business can be an incredibly rewarding venture, offering potential for high profitability with relatively low startup costs. The #1 Bottled Water Business Plan Template & Guidebook will provide entrepreneurs with the step-by-step guidance they need to turn their dream of a thriving bottled water enterprise into a reality. Covering everything from market analysis to pricing and operations, this comprehensive resource will give aspiring business owners the confidence they need to launch and sustain success.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Bottled Water Business [11 Steps]

How to Write a Bottled Water Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your bottled water business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your bottled water business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a bottled water business:

Our mission at XYZ Bottled Water is to provide an easily accessible and sustainably sourced product that revitalizes our environment and improves the quality of life of those we serve. We strive to be a leader in the industry through our commitment to eco-friendly, responsibly sourced water and our focus on providing superior customer service. We are passionate about delivering a product that enhances our communities and is beneficial for both nature and consumers.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Bottled Water Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your bottled water business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your bottled water business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your bottled water business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your bottled water business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a bottled water business?

• Bottled Water Bottles
• Bottling Equipment
• Packaging Supplies
• Labeling Equipment
• Labels for Bottles
• Water Treatment Equipment
• State and Local Permits

5. Management & Organization of Your Bottled Water Business.

The second part of your bottled water business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your bottled water business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Bottled Water Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a bottled water business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a bottled water business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your bottled water business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your bottled water business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your bottled water business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bottled Water Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a bottled water business.

A business plan is an essential part of launching a bottled water business. It outlines your goals, investments, and strategies needed to reach success. With a well-developed plan, you can identify potential pitfalls and devise strategies to overcome them, while also measuring progress over time. Additionally, potential investors or other partners are more likely to take your project seriously if they can see that you have carefully planned it out.

Who should you ask for help with your bottled water business plan?

It is recommended to seek advice from a business consultant or a business advisor. These professionals can provide valuable insights about setting up a bottled water business, including developing comprehensive plans, understanding the industry standards and regulations, and maximizing profitability. Additionally, a lawyer may be consulted to ensure that all legal aspects are addressed.

Can you write a bottled water business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a bottled water business plan yourself. Writing a business plan involves researching the bottled water industry, creating financial projections, developing marketing plans, establishing operational procedures, researching potential competitors and much more. While it is possible to write a business plan without any help, it is often recommended to seek professional assistance in order to ensure that the plan is thorough and complete.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

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How to Start a Bottled Water Company in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

Updated:   January 23, 2024

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The bottled water industry is a lucrative market, valued at over $316.76 billion in 2023 . As health trends shift towards sugar-free options and consumers place greater value on convenience, bottled water has become one of the fastest-growing beverage segments, with an expected 6.14% growth rate from 2023 to 2028.

Tap into this high-demand niche with your own bottled water company. Determine your production capacity and distribution reach to target specific client segments – from grocery chains to hotels and gyms to hospitals. Research permits, equipment, and testing are needed to bottle natural springs or purified water.

This guide will explain how to start a bottled water company. Topics include market research, competitive analysis, obtaining business insurance, forming an LLC, customer focus, registering an EIN, and more.

1. Conduct Bottled Water Market Research

Market research is essential to water bottling company newcomers. It offers insight into market trends, target market, market saturation, and other details integral to starting your own bottled water business.

Some details you’ll learn through market research include:

• An appealing factor is the high gross margins for bottled water companies.
• While figures vary based on factors like source and processing method, bottled water generally produces gross margins of over 50% on average.
• With strong forecasted revenue growth, the bottled water industry remains lucrative.
• Rising environmental concerns could pose a challenge.
• Growing awareness of plastic pollution may gradually shift demand towards sustainable packaging and water access initiatives.
• Those entering this market should emphasize product purity, sustainable practices like recycled PET bottles, and affordable pricing bundles to retain budget-conscious consumers in an economic downturn.

With strategic planning, emerging bottled water companies can capitalize on this growth market by identifying an under-served niche, differentiating through unique mineral content claims, or disruptive filtration methods for purified water. The rewarding margins provide healthy profit potential to establish your footprint here.

2. Analyze the Competition

Understanding the competitive landscape is key for new bottled water companies aiming to secure market share. Investigating other bottled water businesses offers an important look into local pricing, services, water treatment machines, and even where to base your water bottling plant.

Research major brands and regional players to analyze pricing, packaging, labeling claims, and target demographics. For example, budget offerings like Aquafina or higher-priced imports like Fiji. Visit grocery stores, convenience shops, gyms, and hotels to see first-hand what’s stocked and promoted through displays or signage.

Evaluate direct local competitors by obtaining samples to compare factors like taste, mineral content, and water purity against your own. Identify where potential gaps exist you could fill or areas where you can parallel and then surpass through unique selling points like enhanced filtration methods or custom mineral blends.

Online competitor analysis examines SEO visibility, website engagement metrics, social media followings, and customer sentiment in reviews. Leverage free tools like SEMrush, BuzzSumo, and Facebook Audience Insights to benchmark competitors’ site traffic, top-performing content, and user demographics.

Ongoing monitoring of sales patterns, product line expansions, and marketing campaigns keeps your competitive strategy sharp and adaptive. This vigilance primes you to counter key market threats through greater value offerings tailored to reach more customers. For instance, some competitors may sell their products to liquor stores to complement the products already on offer while others partner with catering businesses to maximize sales.

3. Costs to Start a Bottled Water Business

When launching a bottled water company, significant capital is required, especially on the front end. From sourcing spring water access to bottling equipment to product distribution, expenses add up. We’ll analyze typical start-up and ongoing costs to factor into your business plan.

Start-Up Costs

Securing spring water rights often demands upfront investments starting around $50,000. Licensing and exploratory drilling fees apply, along with hydrology tests to analyze water quality, yields, and sustainability.

Bottling equipment represents a significant expense. Automated machinery for washing, filling, and capping bottles can run $75,000 to $100,000 or more. Additional filtration systems to purify water and monitoring devices cost extra. Allow at least $150,000 total for industrial-scale equipment.

Product testing and reporting must conform to state and federal safety regulations. Initial lab work and analysis averages $1,500. Recurring quarterly testing and reporting may require partnerships with water quality assurance labs.

Branding and package design are critical for shelf appeal and company recognition. Budget around $6,000-$10,000 for logo design, labeling, and prototyping your plastic or glass bottles.

Other expenses include warehouse space leasing, shipping pallets, office furnishings, and legal/professional services for business licensing, contracts, and financing, costing roughly $30,000 in total.

In total, around $250,000 or more provides a reasonable fund for covering core start-up costs. Additional operating capital gives flexibility for overruns.

Ongoing Costs

Raw materials represent water businesses’ highest ongoing expenditure. Sourcing and bottling enough spring water to meet demand, allowing for spillage – called “overage” – runs approximately $0.20 to $0.40 per gallon.

Plastic bottle production, including cap, label, and packaging averages $0.12 to $0.20 per unit. Opting for glass can nearly double per-unit costs. With recycled PET and bulk bottle orders, materials may cost $0.10 per piece.

Depending on production volumes, plan on at least $15,000 to $25,000 monthly for raw materials including water sourcing, bottles, labeling, and packaging.

Warehousing fees are another major line item, with small-operation monthly rates starting around $1,500. Variable storage fees and pallet spacing needs can quickly increase costs though. Depending on business growth, dedicate at least $18,000 but likely more annually.

Ongoing quality control testing will run about $3,000 quarterly. Marketing expenses like trade show participation, sales commissions, and advertising depend on distribution scale but often range from $2,500 monthly for regional bottlers. Account for another $10,000+ annually.

Other recurring operating expenses like equipment maintenance, insurance premiums, administrative fees, and payroll contribute added overhead. Evaluate your organizational blueprint, production goals, and sales territory to accurately forecast costs.

4. Form a Legal Business Entity

When establishing a bottled water company, the legal structure carries major implications for liability, tax treatment, and ease of expansion. We’ll analyze the key options – sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, and corporation – specifically for this industry.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship has simple paperwork and full owner control, but zero liability protection where owners’ assets could be seized.

Partnership

Partnerships allow pooling resources and splitting profits but still expose personal assets. Difficult to add new partners later without amending complex agreements.

Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)

A limited liability corporation (LLC) emerges as the prime structure for bottled water businesses. LLCs limit owners’ liability, so their homes and bank accounts stay protected. Tax flexibility allows filing as a corporation or pass-through entity. No ownership restrictions facilitate bringing on investors or additional bottling plants under the LLC umbrella. Admin fees of around $100+ annually prove reasonable.

Corporation

Converting to a C-corporation has appeal for major expansion plans, including potentially going public someday. But double taxation of profits and dividends deter small bottlers. Additionally, increased legal oversight on policies and share distribution must be managed through annual filings. For mid-size operators though, S-corp election retains LLC tax advantages without the C-corp burdens.

5. Register Your Business For Taxes

Even sole proprietors must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) when establishing a formal business. This unique 9-digit number acts like a Social Security Number for your company when opening business bank accounts and filing taxes. EINs are free and easy to obtain directly from the IRS.

As a bottled water provider selling products, you are legally required to furnish an EIN for state sales and excise tax reporting along with federal tax purposes. Follow this streamlined process:

First, have key details handy including your Social Security #, business name, addresses, and the exact format of your business entity (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc). Then simply visit IRS.gov and click “Apply Online Now” for instant EIN confirmation.

Answer a few identification questions about your company and owners through the user-friendly screens. Typically approval takes just 3-4 minutes for immediate access to your EIN. Print/screenshot the notice then add this essential number to your small business bookkeeping files.

There are no EIN application fees when processing directly through the IRS portal. However, some third-party services charging unnecessary fees appear in online searches, so double-check your land at IRS.gov to avoid scams.

With your federal EIN established, contact your state revenue department to formally register for sales tax collection needs relevant to bottled beverage distribution. Basic state registration costs around $50. You’ll need to file regular sales tax reports and payments later on based on taxable transaction volume. However, the EIN serves as the key business identifier throughout federal and state reporting.

6. Setup Your Accounting

Meticulous financial recordkeeping provides the foundation for commercial success and IRS compliance. For bottled water companies, accounting accuracy across production, inventory, sales, and expenses prevents costly errors that erode profitability. Software and professional guidance facilitate managing finances.

Accounting Software

Deploying small business accounting software like QuickBooks allows seamless syncing of bank/credit card transactions into relevant categories for easy tracking. Dashboards and reporting generate real-time visibility on profit drivers like production costs per bottle.

Inventory management integrates with bottling systems and warehouses to track usage. Sales tax calculations are also simplified by linking sales data. At around $25-50 monthly, automation delivers immense time and money savings over manual methods.

Hire an Accountant

Enlisting an accountant’s expertise provides additional quality control for bottlers through services like bookkeeping cleanup, payroll processing, quarterly sales tax filings, and custom reporting on key profit drivers. Expect costs between $200-$500 monthly.

Open a Business Bank Account

Fundamentally, separating finances avoids commingling personal and business transactions that trigger IRS red flags, unnecessary tax burdens, and disputes over who owns what assets. Establish dedicated accounts, cards, and documentation flowing through proper bottling company channels from day one.

Apply for a Business Credit Card

Applying for a small business credit card also makes tracking simpler with consistent monthly statements. Limits up to $100k get extended based on personal credit history and annual revenues. Have your EIN, contact details, and financial statements ready to complete the application.

7. Obtain Licenses and Permits

Before selling your first bottle, proper permissions must be obtained legally and safely operate. Find federal license information through the U.S. Small Business Administration . The SBA also offers a local search tool for state and city requirements.

Securing water rights represents the first hurdle but opens access to your primary raw material. Water rights permits apply whether bottling from freshwater springs or drilling wells. Fees vary but licensing confirms approved extraction volumes that regulators monitor to prevent aquifer depletion.

Relatedly, wetlands protections may mandate permits for pipelines traversing protected ecosystems near water access points. Wildlife impact studies and seasonal construction restrictions often apply. Allow 6-9 months for approval.

Food manufacturing permits from departments of health follow since bottled water gets classified as a food product. Annual inspections governed by strict codes for sanitation, purification standards, and production procedures ensure facilities meet GMP benchmarks. Violations risk suspended production and sales.

HACCP compliance takes safety further through hazard prevention plans that systematically mitigate risks like contamination. Develop thorough protocols then prove consistency through compliance audits. Achieving certification takes time but boosts retailer confidence.

Trademark registrations provide legal protections around branding assets like custom bottle packaging and labels that define companies. Register marks used in commerce with state and federal trademark offices. The process takes 6-9 months from application to certificate issuance but then lasts for years once granted. This guards against competitors mimicking your visual identity.

Evaluate zoning regulations when selecting bottling plant locations and warehouse space. Industrial activity permits may be required depending on protocols for chemical storage, noise, waste disposal, and utility demands. Build rapport with local officials early when identifying potential issues.

The path towards legally bottling and selling products has obstacles, from source licensing to safety codes across planning, facilities, and output. However due diligence in researching requirements, hiring specialized lawyers, and allotting sufficient lead time checks the right boxes for approval.

8. Get Business Insurance

Operating a bottled water business carries an array of risks that insurance helps mitigate, from minor equipment failures to catastrophic natural disasters. Policies shield owners against expenses that could otherwise cripple companies or trigger bankruptcy.

Imagine a production line bottleneck that delays a 50,000-unit order, forcing reimbursements to a major retailer. Or a storm flooding your warehouse with thousands of pallets destroyed. Even a visitor slipping on a wet floor could trigger a lawsuit exceeding $100k. Lacking proper coverage, these frequent mishaps could force closures.

General liability insurance protects against bodily injury, property damage, and associated legal claims by those harmed while on-premises or using products. Plans like Business Owner’s Policies (BOPs) bundle general liability with property/casualty coverage plus business interruption insurance to replace income lost from disasters.

Separate policies may cover vehicles, expensive equipment, or specialized risks like product recall expenses if contamination issues arise. Work with an independent insurance agent to review needs and obtain quotes. Expect reasonable plans to run a few thousand dollars annually.

The process begins by inventorying assets and ranking risk exposures. Provide details on properties, vehicles, equipment, staff, and revenue when getting quotes. Inquire about Renaissance Insurance programs for niche ventures. Then select a policy aligning with your risk appetite and premium budget. Pay annually or break payments into installable premiums.

9. Create an Office Space

An office provides a professional hub for bottled water operations – hosting meetings with suppliers, interfacing with quality inspectors, and signing major account contracts. It also houses equipment like printers and offers room for admin work. We’ll analyze options based on cost and functionality.

Home Office

Utilizing a home office makes sense initially through converting a spare bedroom for minimal expenditure – perhaps $100 for a desk and chair plus wifi and utilities. Meetings can occur but lack scale for more than 2-3 people. Still, this allows bootstrapping during early growth stages while establishing operations.

Coworking Office

For client presentations or investor pitches, coworking spaces like WeWork provide sleek meeting rooms with presentation tools for $25-50 per hour depending on extras like video conferencing needs. Some offer private offices starting around $300 monthly with flexible terms. No hassles over the internet, printing, or coffee either.

Warehouse Office

Seeking larger production facilities or warehouse spaces may include build-to-suit office additions averaging $100 per square foot for simple construction. Budget at least $3,000 for a basic 30′ x 20′ space. These integrate operations but don’t facilitate meetings with external parties.

Commercial Office

Over the longer term as staff expands, dedicating $2,000+/month for a traditional 800 sq ft office rental provides requisite space for 4-5 employees, storage needs, and conference rooms to host clients, inspectors, and partners. Expect interpreting services and administrative assistance included along with furnishings, internet, and janitorial with 3-5 year leasing contracts.

10. Source Your Equipment

Launching bottling operations requires production machinery for purification, washing, filling, and packaging. Buying new or used provides ownership, while rental and leases offer flexibility. We’ll explore options to access essential equipment.

Purchasing brand-new automated bottling equipment from manufacturers like Specialty Equipment enables customizing multi-stage systems from filtration to label applications tailored to output targets. Expect prices from $75,000 to $150,000+ for complete lines. Finance through equipment leasing if cash-strapped.

Buying used machinery cuts costs by 30-50% while still getting solid equipment. Vet condition, servicing records, and output rates when evaluating listings around $50,000. Factor in some reconditioning costs too.

Instead of buying equipment, leasing through an equipment finance company gains usage without major capital investments. These loans cover 80% at fixed monthly payments structured around project revenue timelines. Tax write-offs apply as with purchases.

Long-term leases spanning several years provide more flexible terms over rentals if planning to scale production substantially. The lessor assumes maintenance responsibility too. Expect roughly $5,000 monthly for a complete system.

11. Establish Your Brand Assets

Crafting a distinct brand identity sets bottled water ventures apart while conveying purity and quality promises. Professional branding assets prompt consumer awareness and preference to drive sales.

Get a Business Phone Number

Getting a unique business phone number using providers like RingCentral shows commitment beyond personal mobiles. Expect a local or toll-free number with call routing features like voicemail transcription for $30-50 monthly. This grants credibility when contacting suppliers, clients, and property managers.

Design a Logo

A polished logo acts as the lead brand ambassador applied to all touchpoints. Consider an abstract mark evoking droplets or a memorable illustrative icon to reference fresh springs. Brand system extensions like stationery, uniforms, and fleet branding create cohesion.

Services like Looka assist by providing full branding packages including a logo with alternate versions, a brand guide, social media assets, website graphics, and business card design from $149. This turnkey solution expedites the launch.

Print Business Cards

Ensuring sales reps and executives have professionally printed cards from Vistaprint lends further validation when meeting buyers, networking at trade events, or negotiating with vendors. Include essential contact and web details along with a descriptor like “Purveyors of Natural Spring Water”.

Obtain a Domain Name

Secure the business name as a .com domain for branding continuity and an online destination. Use .com over alternatives like .biz and include keywords like “water”. Namecheap runs under $15 annually for domains. Redirect it to a coming soon page until a full website launches.

Design a Website

Building that dedicated website as an online brochure explains the brand story, showcases products, and profiles company values. Utilize templates from Wix to DIY for $20-40 monthly. Or hire web developers on Fiverr to custom craft sites from $500. This digital footprint supports 24/7 sales enablement.

12. Join Associations and Groups

Tapping into local networks multiplies opportunities through camaraderie, elevated expertise, and partnerships. We’ll explore helpful associations, events, and online groups to enrich startups.

Local Associations

Joining a local chapter of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) guides safety regulations plus advocacy for the industry. Annual memberships start under $500. The Pennsylvania Bottled Water Association runs around $350 per year for in-state connectivity.

Local Meetups

Attend trade events like the Bottled Water Expo allowing networking with major equipment vendors and fellow bottlers. This fuels innovation through witnessing cutting-edge machinery first-hand while building strategic relationships. Use Meetup to find similar regional events.

Facebook Group

Facebook communities like Water Bottle Wholesale Buy or Sell provide forums to crowdsource advice on production techniques, quality assurance, equipment questions, and regulator relations from thousands nationally. Trusted answers result.

13. How to Market a Bottled Water Business

Implementing an integrated marketing strategy combines digital promotion and real-world outreach to exponentially expand bottled water visibility and sales. We’ll explore proven tactics to connect with more customers.

Personal Networking

Recognize existing friends and family as initial brand ambassadors to organically spread awareness through interactions and referrals. Incentivize sharing by providing discounts for referring new accounts that convert to loyal buyers.

Digital Marketing

• Digital channels then facilitate cost-efficient outreach and conversions at scale.
• Consider Google Ads campaigns geo-targeting local searchers of services like office water delivery or hotel amenities. Expect to pay $2-5 per click.
• Facebook and Instagram ads also allow laser-focus on demographics like health-conscious millennials. Budget $100 monthly testing each platform.
• Launching an email newsletter or SMS campaign nurtures leads by providing value-added content like infused water recipes and reuse ideas for empties.
• Automate messaging through providers like MailChimp with segmentation by buyer types.
• Getting seen by channel partners like retailers, hotels and offices often requires old-school direct mail and sales letter outreach.
• Create professional sell sheets extolling health safety certifications, community roots, and equipment investments as proof of quality and reliability.
• Target key accounts for incremental wholesale relationships.
• Hitting the streets with branded giveaways at local festivals, 5K runs, and wellness fairs raises awareness while making community connections.
• Tabling at these events markets both products and purpose.

For ongoing nurturing, launch a YouTube channel creating weekly content like quick recipes or reuse crafts using empties. Optimized video titles can rank highly in Search results. Encourage subscriber sign-ups.

Traditional Marketing

Traditional tactics still prove worthwhile:

• Print local paper coupons to counter big brand mass market domination
• Negotiate an endorsement from a celebrity or athlete with local ties
• Explore highway billboard visibility during seasonal road trips

An integrated methodology blending digital and real-world marketing sustains awareness and interest while optimizing budget efficiency. Analyze campaign performance to double down on what moves the needle most. Through multi-channel outreach, even tiny brands can make big ripples.

14. Focus on the Customer

Providing exceptional customer service cements bottled water loyalty even amid commodity competition. Experiences determine repurchasing and referrals, directly driving growth.

For delivery accounts like offices, ensure consistency through prompt arrivals within precise time windows to avoid work disruptions. Also follow up post-delivery to address spills, leakage issues, or mismatches between orders and receipts. These service touches feel personal despite routine transactions.

Likewise, for hospitality and events clients, customized branded water bottles make promotional activations feel special. Accommodating last-minute catering increases or flexible minimums wins you preferential vendor status. Consider also that you can sell your products to vending machine businesses or stores that utilize these machines to increase sales.

For individuals, promotional giveaways like reusable bottles help, but personal notes or birthday coupon mailers make bigger impressions with minimal effort.

Getting the product right earns business, but getting the service right gains loyalty even despite higher prices. This emotional equity triggers referrals – a satisfied gym owner raving about your flexibility prompts a restaurant owner to trial your services.

Bland brands risk commoditization where choice gets dictated by case price alone. But those providing memorable customer experiences create preferences worth paying more for. A premium for personalized service produces higher lifetime values.

Keep communicating, learn client priorities, correct issues quickly, and sprinkle in surprises to delight. Water may be simple, but customer service leaves lasting impressions that better-bottled water businesses bank on.

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Start a Bottled Water Business

Turning the Tides of Entrepreneurship with a Bottled Water Business

BOTTLED WATER BUSINESS

Related business ideas, discover your perfect domain, bottled water mini business plan, expected percent margin:, earnings expectations:, actions to hit those numbers:, inventory management:, marketing and customer acquisition:, sales and customer experience:, cost control:, business operations:, not what you had in mind here are more ideas, grab your business website name, step 1: determine if the business is right for you, breakdown of startup expenses, breakdown of ongoing expenses, examples of ways to make money, step 2: name the business, step 3: obtain licenses and permits, local regulations, step 4: find a supplier, packaging supplies, shipping supplies, step 5: design and print labels, printing labels, step 6: find a distributor, negotiate a contract, establish a relationship, step 7: market the business, develop a brand, promotional items, step 8: set up an online presence, step 9: develop a marketing plan, tips on developing a marketing plan, step 9: monitor and adjust, explore more categories, take the next steps.

How to Start a Bottled Water Company

Starting a bottled water company can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful bottled water company.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a bottled water company is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps To Start a Bottled Water Company :

• Choose the Name for Your Bottled Water Company
• Develop Your Bottled Water Company Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Bottled Water Company
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Bottled Water Company (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Bottled Water Company with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Bottled Water Company
• Buy or Lease the Right Bottled Water Company Equipment
• Develop Your Bottled Water Company Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Bottled Water Company
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Bottled Water Company

The first step to starting a bottled water company is to choose your business’ name. 

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your own bottled water business:

• Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your water company.

2. Develop Your Bottled Water Company Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a water company is to develop your bottled water business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise money for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your bottled water business.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your bottled water company and what type of bottled water company you operate. For example, are you a bottled water company that sells spring water, purified water, or mineral water.
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the bottled water market. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target market are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing products like the ones you will offer?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your bottled water company? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your bottled water company make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

3. choose the legal structure for your bottled water company.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your bottled water company and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the bottled water company and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to open a bottled water company together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a bottled water company include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a bottled water company is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your bottled water company, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Bottled Water Company (If Needed)

In developing your bottled water company business plan , you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a bottled water company to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a bottled water company that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

There are a few things to consider when looking for a location for your bottled water company. Firstly, you’ll need to find a production and storage space that is big enough to store all of your bottles and equipment. If you’re bottling spring water, you’ll also want to find a location that has easy access to a spring. For most other water types, you will need enough land to drill a well, unless you plan to enhance public tap water. Additionally, you’ll want to choose a space that is close to a transportation hub, so you can easily distribute bottled water.

Once you’ve found the perfect location for your bottled water company, there are a few things to consider when designing your space. You will need a substantial amount of room for the machinery involved in bottling water. It’s also a good idea to include a room dedicated to shipping and receiving.

6. Register Your Bottled Water Company with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your bottled water company’s name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your bottled water company to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

The licenses and permits you need to launch a bottled water company will vary depending on your location. However, some common licenses and permits include a business license, a license from the FDA, and a permit from your state health department. Make sure to research the specific licenses and permits required for your business, and contact your local government agency for more information.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Bottled Water Company

The type of insurance you need to operate a bottled water company will vary depending on the state in which you reside.

Types of business insurance policies that you should consider for your bottled water company include:

• General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. 
• Product liability insurance : This covers any medical expenses or damages incurred from a defective product.
• Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

11. Buy or Lease the Right Bottled Water Company Equipment

To launch a bottled water company, you will need:

• Bottled water production equipment (storage tanks, filling machines, water treatment machines, filters, conveyors, sealers, water sterilizers, water dispensers)
• A water source
• Bottles and caps for packaging
• Bottled water labels
• A truck or van to distribute the bottled water to retailers and clients

12. Develop Your Bottled Water Company Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your bottled water company.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your bottled water company. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website : Likewise, a professional bottled water company website provides potential customers with information about the products you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
• Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your bottled water company.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Bottled Water Company

The software you need to run a bottled water company is: 

• A Point of Sale System
• A Bottling Management System 
• An Inventory Management System
• A Delivery Management System

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your bottled water company. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful bottled water business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you with how to start a spring water business.

How to Finish Your Ultimate Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your bottled water company business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

How to Start a Bottled Water Company FAQs

Where can i download a bottled water business plan pdf.

You can download our Bottled Water business plan PDF  here. This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Is it hard to start a bottled water company?

Starting a bottled water company is not hard but it does take some effort and planning. The most important part is making sure you have a good product that people will want to buy.

How can I start a bottled water company with no experience?

There are a few ways that you can open a water bottling plant with no experience. You can start by researching the bottled water industry and learning about the different types of water that are available, the production process, and the marketing and distribution channels that are used in the industry.  You can also research the different ways that you can get your bottled water into stores and learn about similar companies to find out what works best in your area. By getting a few years of experience under your belt before starting a bottled water company, you will be able to avoid making some common mistakes during this time in order to save money.

What type of bottled water company is most profitable?

The most profitable bottled water company is the one that can provide the best quality of water at a low price. At present, natural spring water is the most popular and profitable type of bottled water.

How much does it cost to start a bottled water company?

The cost of starting a bottled water company can range from $500,000 to $1.5 million, depending on the size and type of company you want to start. Some costs involved in this business are facility cost, label design and purchase, water testing, water treatment machines , marketing materials, transportation costs of the product to distributors or retailers.

What are the ongoing expenses for a bottled water company?

The ongoing expenses for a bottled water company typically include the cost of bottles, labels, labor, and shipping. Further, the cost of maintenance on your water treatment machines can be high. The cost of warehousing or transportation may also be incorporated into the ongoing expenses calculation.

How does a bottled water company make money?

A water bottling company makes money by charging a premium for their product. The cost of water is often lower than the cost of producing and delivering the water, so companies can make a profit by charging more for bottled water than it costs to produce. Additionally, bottled water businesses can also sell advertising space on their bottles, which brings in additional revenue.

Is owning a bottled water company profitable?

Yes, bottled water businesses are profitable, but the profit margins vary depending on the company. The main benefit of owning a bottled water company is that the product is not perishable, so it can be stored and sold for a higher price than other types of drinks. People are increasingly choosing to drink water from bottles over tap water. This is due in part to the perception that bottled water is healthy drinking water , but also because of the many different flavors and brands of bottled water available.

Why do bottled water companies fail?

Bottled water companies fail because of the high price of the product and the environmental concerns associated with it. Some bottled water plants also fail because they are unable to convince the public that their product is worth the price.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

How to Start a Small Water Bottle Business

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How to Start a Spring Water Business

How to run a cast concrete business, how to set up a natural spring bottling company.

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Water business ideas include producing and selling bottled water in small or large containers, working as a distributor for a larger producer, or providing water delivery services. Consumers like bottled water because the bottles are pre-filled and easy to grab, pack and transport. According to the job experts on LinkedIn , the water bottle business profit margin is adequate, and you can start a business with a moderate investment.

How to Start a Bottled Water Business

There are approximately 565 licensed bottled water distributors and producers in the U.S., and the industry is steadily growing. The writers at Entrepreneurship in a Box explain that the best way to open a water bottle company is to buy a franchise or another bottled water business. If you find resources like those provided by Dealstream , you'll see that this investment can cost millions of dollars. Most people don't have that money to invest, so starting small is a more realistic option.

Competition requires market research to learn about demographics and narrow down a target audience. There are not a lot of niches in this industry since water needs to meet international standards. Still, you will find flavored, sparkling, distilled, custom-sized and pH-modified bottled water. The industry is heavily regulated to make it safe for human and animal consumption. You must either buy FDA-approved water purification technology or partner with a private label supplier.

Bottled Water Business Plan

The Tan Do Beverage website explains that it is possible to start a small bottled water company as a distribution affiliate for a prominent brand for $1,000 to $5,000. This path is an excellent way to learn about production, storage and distribution needs. Another option is to work with a private label bottled water brand. You need $50,000 or more and a strategy for success to start up your own company.

The business experts at Growthink detail a bottled water business plan to use as a guide. The plan includes an executive summary, type of bottled water, and analyses of the industry, potential customers and competition. You also need to develop a marketing campaign and an operations plan that looks at startup costs, everyday processes and long-term objectives. Other components of this business model include a financial plan and income statements. Download the website's bottled water business plan PDF for help with all this.

How to Sell Your Own Bottled Water Brand

The writers at Farmers Weekly explain that entrepreneurs can sell bottled water or their own natural mineral water or spring water. Natural mineral water has to be from a named groundwater source, of suitable quality, and be chemically stable. Spring water has to meet similar standards, but you likely need to treat it to meet regulatory requirements. Either option is then packaged into small glass bottles, cans, or plastic bottles.

Water must be bottled at the source, so you need to purchase or rent the appropriate extraction and bottling equipment. Local authorities partner with you during the process to ensure that strict safety guidelines are followed. The cost estimates for setting up a water source infrastructure, bottling plant, equipment and labeling is well over two million dollars, with added costs for transportation, staffing and marketing.

• LinkedIn: How Lucrative Is Bottled Water Business?
• Entrepreneurship in a Box: How to Start a Bottled Water Business
• Dealstream: Bottled Water Businesses for Sale
• Tan Do Beverage: How to Start a Bottled Water Company in 2021
• Growthink: Bottled Water Business Plan Template
• Farmer's Weekly: So You Want to Sell Bottled Water?

Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. She has been writing on business-related topics for nearly 10 years. She owns her own content marketing agency, Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing, and she works with a number of small businesses to develop B2B content for their websites, social media accounts, and marketing materials. In addition to this content, she has written business-related articles for sites like Sweet Frivolity, Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group, Bloom Co and Spent.

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How To Start A Bottled Water Company

• Last Updated: December 20, 2023
• By: Greg Bouhl

Advertising Disclosure

With billions of gallons sold yearly in the U.S. alone, bottled water is big business – and you can cash in by starting your own bottled water company. While there is enormous potential for this type of business, it isn’t easy to break into.

To help you get started, this guide will provide an overview of the industry and walk through the key steps to launch your own successful bottled water company.

Business Description

As a bottled water company, you will be processing and purifying water and then bottling it for resale to consumers. The most common types of water are purified water, spring water, naturally sparkling water, mineral water, and seltzer water, directly sourced from municipal supplies, underground springs, and wells.

The business makes money by selling bottled water on a retail or wholesale basis. The profit margins can be attractive, as the key input, water, is usually fairly low in cost. However, the main expenses in this business involve processing, packaging, and distribution, as well as compliance with health and safety regulations.

Related Business Ideas

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Industry Summary

The bottled water industry in the United States is large and growing. Only 464 companies make up this industry, employing over 15,000 employees, and are expected to make $9 billion in 2023. 1 The three largest companies by sales in the US include BlueTriton Brands, Coca-Cola Company (Dasani), and PepsiCo (Aquafina). 2

Growth in this industry is driven by several factors. People are continually seeking healthier drink alternatives, and bottled water is seen as a preferable option to sugary sodas or juices. Plus, the convenience of bottled water is appreciated by consumers on the go.

In addition to large competitors, there are other challenges to confront in this industry. Notably, environmental concerns about plastic waste are becoming increasingly significant. The desire to reduce carbon footprints might drive some consumers towards other, more eco-friendly beverage choices.

Steps To Start A Bottled Water Business

Step 1:  write a business plan.

Before a single bottle is filled or sold, developing a strong business plan should be your first step to starting a bottled water company. The investment needed in this type of business can be quite large, not to mention the logistical complexity, so without careful upfront planning, it’s easy to make a costly mistake. Here are just a few of the main reasons why a business plan is so important, especially for a bottled water company.

To start, your business plan helps bring your vision for your bottled water company to life. In this plan, you set clear goals and decide how to achieve them. Setting a clear direction is very important when you’re in a business so tied to brand identity and what consumers prefer.

Next, the bottled water market is pretty competitive. To stand out, you need to understand what consumers want, what your competitors are doing, and where there’s room for someone new. Your business plan will include a careful study of the market, helping you create products that meet consumers’ needs and find your unique place in the industry.

Last, your business plan will need to cover the financial side of things in detail. You’ll need to spend on things like getting water, cleaning it, putting it in bottles, and getting those bottles to stores or customers. A business plan helps you figure out how much all this will cost. It also helps you think about where the money will come from, whether that’s your savings, loans, or investors. What’s more, if you’re hoping to get investment or a loan to help get your business off the ground, having a clear business plan is a must to show possible investors that your business has strong potential for growth and success.

Related:  How to write a business plan

Step 2:  Secure a Water Source

The next step in establishing your business is to secure a water source. It may seem like a simple task, but the quality and availability of the water source play an essential role in the success of your business. The water source is not just a supplier; it’s the heart of your bottled water business. The quality, taste, purity, and cost to treat your product depend on the source you choose. Consider volume, flow rate, natural mineral content, potential seasonal variability, and protection from contaminants when evaluating options.

Bottled water manufacturers typically source their water from protected underground springs, wells, and municipal supplies. Each of these offers its own benefits and challenges:

• Underground springs and wells: These sources are often preferred due to the high-quality water that they can provide. However, this quality can come with higher costs and stricter regulations.
• Municipal supplies: This option might be more economically friendly, but it can also mean that you’ll need to handle more water treatment yourself.

Beyond just finding a source, you’ll also need to consider the quality of the water that it can supply. Will it meet the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration? There may be unique requirements for bottling businesses. Carefully study these, as you will need to adhere to them for your business to be approved and run legally.

After identifying and evaluating a water source, the next step is to secure the rights to use it. Depending on the source’s location, this can involve negotiating with landowners, municipalities, or government agencies. Having a reliable source of water is important for your long-term success, so be sure to obtain the rights that allow for the volume of water extraction needed for your operations.

Finally, you’ll need to set up the necessary infrastructure to extract, transport, and store the water. This might involve drilling a well, installing pumps, and building storage tanks. You’ll also need to consider how to protect the water source from contamination.

Step 3:  Find Funding

Starting a bottled water business requires a significant investment, and this step is often challenging. Here are several common sources of funding that entrepreneurs can explore:

Personal investment : The first source of funding to consider is personal savings. This can include cash savings, retirement accounts, or other personal assets.

Bank loans : Banks and other financial institutions are a common source of funding and typically require borrowers to invest a minimum of 15% of their personal funds towards the total cost of the project, have a good credit score, and have sufficient collateral. If the bank needs additional security to back the loan, they can use a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan guarantee.

Equipment financing : For bottled water companies, equipment is often one of the largest expenses. Equipment financing allows entrepreneurs to purchase necessary machinery without a large initial out-of-pocket investment.

Angel investors : Angel investors provide funding in exchange for equity in the business. In some cases, they can also offer valuable industry insights, which can be beneficial for navigating the bottled water market.

Related:  Finding the money to start a business

Step 4:  Register the Business

Starting a bottled water company involves several legal steps to ensure the business is properly registered and compliant with federal, state, and local bottled water regulations. Requirements will vary by location, but here is an overview:

Business structure: There are four main business structures to choose from, each with different implications legally and for taxes:

• Sole proprietorship: Simplest structure with no formal registration needed, but owners have unlimited personal liability.
• General partnership: This is also relatively easy to establish, but partners share unlimited personal liability.
• Corporation: A corporation is a separate legal entity that provides personal asset protection. However, it is more complex and costly to set up and maintain.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC combines the benefits of a corporation and a sole proprietorship or partnership. It provides personal asset protection and has fewer regulations than a corporation.

The most common structure for bottled water companies tends to be an LLC or a corporation due to their liability protection advantages.

Related: Comparison of business structures

Forming an LLC sounds complicated and expensive, but using an entity formation service guides you through the process so you know it was done right.

Some popular LLC formation services include:

IncFile  - $0 plus state fees & free registered agent for 1 year!

ZenBusiness  - Best for beginners. $0 plus state fees & free registered agent for 1 year!

Northwest  - Best privacy protection. $39 plus state fees & free registered agent for 1 year!

Business name registration: After registering the business structure, you may need to register your business name. This process will vary depending on what business structure you pick. Sole proprietors and partnerships will often be required to register a “Doing Business As” (DBA), while corporations and LLCs register with the state during the formation process.

During this time, it’s also a good idea to check if the name you want is available as a web domain, even if you’re not ready to set up a website yet.

Related: Finding a domain name for your business

Obtain business licenses and permits: Depending on your location, there will likely be a variety of general business registrations needed before opening. These could include a business license, seller’s permit, and Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Related: State guides for general business licensing

Compliance with federal and state regulations: There are several federal and state regulations to follow in this industry. These include:

• FDA regulations : Adhere to the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), standards of identity, and labeling requirements. The FDA ensures that bottled water companies meet federal standards for quality and safety. 3
• EPA regulations: Ensure your business complies with any environmental regulations, particularly if you’re sourcing water. This might involve the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), especially for companies using private or municipal water systems. 4
• State Department of Health requirements : Each state may have additional requirements for bottled water companies, often overseen by the state’s Department of Health.

The International Bottled Water Association provides a lot of resources on industry regulations.

Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications like the NSF seal of testing compliance. These certifications can add credibility to your product and reassure customers about the quality of your water. 5

Trademark protection: Trademarking your brand, including the company’s name and logo, protects your brand identity from being used without your permission and helps establish a unique presence in the market.

Step 5:  Set Up Operations

With funding in place and the business properly registered, the next step involves moving into the operational phase. This phase begins with the establishment of a processing facility, ideally situated close to the water source. The reason being that water is usually processed and sealed in safe drinking containers at the source. This can involve multi-barrier filtration methods and purification processes such as deionization, distillation, or reverse osmosis.

Next, map out an efficient bottling production line flow, including water treatment systems, conveyors, labeling machines, palletizing stations, inspection systems, and more. Proper equipment layout saves costs and ensures that the process is as efficient as possible.

Once your production line is in order, turn your attention to your suppliers and staff. These suppliers will provide the materials you need for your operations, including bottles, caps, and labels.

Finally, you’ll need to hire the right people to manage various aspects of your business. This includes workers to oversee the bottling process, maintain equipment, handle deliveries, and provide customer support.

Step 6: Set up Distribution Channels & Marketing

Starting a bottled water company is not just producing a quality product but also ensuring it reaches your customers effectively. The next step in this journey is establishing the distribution channels and creating a marketing strategy.

Before you can start selling your bottled water, a distribution plan is needed. There are a variety of distribution channels to consider, including direct sales, retail stores, restaurants, and vending machines. This plan will help you determine who you will sell to, how you will get your product to them, and where you will sell it. In it, consider factors such as packaging, transportation, storage, and delivery.

When developing your distribution plan, you will need to research the competition and evaluate the market demand for your product. You may also want to consider partnering with a distributor who can help you reach a wider audience. This can be especially helpful if you are new to the industry and don’t have existing relationships with retailers.

Once you have your distribution plan in place, you need to create a marketing strategy to promote your product. This will help you create a strong brand identity, build brand recognition, and drive sales. There are a variety of marketing channels to choose from, including digital, print, and outdoor advertising, as well as public relations and events.

Your marketing strategy should be tailored to your target market. You will need to identify who your customers are and where they are most likely to see and interact with your message. This may include social media platforms, local events, and trade shows. You will also need to consider your budget and create a marketing plan that is both effective and affordable.

Branding and packaging are two of the most important aspects of your bottled water business. Your brand identity should be memorable and unique while also communicating your company’s values and mission. Your packaging should also be visually appealing and functional, ensuring that your product stands out on store shelves.

When designing your brand identity and packaging, it can be helpful to work with a professional designer or branding agency. They can help you create a cohesive brand and visual identity that resonates with your target market. You may also want to consider sustainable packaging options to appeal to consumers who value environmental sustainability.

Your pricing strategy is also an important consideration in this phase. You will need to consider your production costs, distribution costs, and retail markups when setting your prices, in addition to evaluating the competition’s pricing and setting pricing that is competitive while also allowing for a reasonable profit margin.

Your pricing strategy should also be influenced by your marketing strategy. You may want to offer promotions or discounts to drive sales, or you may want to position your product as a premium offering that justifies a higher price point. It’s important to experiment with different pricing strategies to determine what works best for your business and your target market.

This material is property of StartingYourBusiness.com

Common Questions When Starting a Bottled Water Business

How much does it cost to start a bottled water business.

Starting a bottled water company can be a significant investment, with total startup costs ranging from $200,000 to over $750,000, based on the scale and specific requirements of your business. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Location: The most significant expense is securing a location for your processing facility. A facility could range from $100,000 to over $500,000.

Equipment: The next most substantial expense in starting a bottled water company is often the equipment. This includes water treatment systems, bottling machinery, conveyors, labeling machines, and quality control systems. A basic water treatment plant for mineral water production can cost around $25,000 to $150,000.

Vehicle fleet: A fleet of delivery vehicles is an essential part of your distribution network. You might expect to spend around $50,000 on two second-hand vehicles to start.

Business registration: The cost of business registration and permits varies by state and water source, but expect around $5,000.

Initial insurance costs: Initial insurance costs, covering liability and property insurance, can range from $2,000 to $5,000. This is crucial for protecting your business against potential risks.

Marketing: Up-front marketing and branding costs, such as designing a logo, creating a website, and launching an initial advertising campaign, might account for $20,000.

How profitable is a bottled water business?

Estimating the profitability of a bottled water company involves taking into account several key industry statistics, overhead, production costs, and potential sales revenue. For this analysis, let’s hypothetically consider a small bottled water company that has the capacity to produce 1 million bottles of water per year.

Determining our hypothetical company’s potential revenue involves understanding the standard wholesale price for bottled water, which can vary between $0.19 to $0.45 per bottle. 6 Let’s use a conservative estimate of $0.30 per bottle for a 500ml bottle of water. So, if our company sells all 1 million of its bottles, that results in a total sales revenue of $300,000.

However, achieving this revenue also depends on the expense of producing bottled water. Bottled water production costs can include the cost of water, purification, bottling, packaging, and labor. On average, let’s assume that these costs amount to around $0.12 per bottle. Therefore, the expense of producing 1 million bottles of water would be $120,000.

Additional costs such as marketing, distribution, office overhead, and other operating expenses also need to be accounted for. These costs can vary, but for argument’s sake, let’s assign a value of $100,000 for these expenses.

To calculate projected profit, we subtract total expenses from total revenue. In our scenario, the total revenue of $300,000 minus total expenses of $220,000 (production plus additional costs) equates to an estimated profit of $80,000 before tax.

• IBISWorld ↩︎
• Statista ↩︎
• Food and Drug Administration ↩︎
• Environmental Protection Agency ↩︎
• NSF certification ↩︎
• Custom Water Inc. ↩︎

With over two decades as an entrepreneur, educator, and business advisor, Greg Bouhl has worked with over 2,000 entrepreneurs to help them start and grow their businesses. Fed up with clients finding and acting on inaccurate and outdated information online, Greg launched StartUp101.com to be a trusted resource for people starting a business.

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Bottled Water Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

Bottled Water Business Plan Template

If you want to start a Bottled Water business or expand your current Bottled Water business, you need a business plan.

The following Bottled Water business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning Bottled Water business plan.

You can download our business plan template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Below are links to each of the key sections of your Bottled Water business plan: I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

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Bottled Water Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

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Starting a water bottle business from scratch: 5 things to know, by sumona startups 11 november 2022.

The demand for water bottles will increase with more people becoming health-conscious.

Be it gym workouts, marathon runs, swimming sessions, or playing sports; people need to stay hydrated. They need water bottles that are lightweight, portable, and easy to carry around. Even better if the bottles are reasonably priced.

Looking at the growing demand for water bottles, it makes sense to tap this profitable market. If you’re planning to start a water bottle business from scratch, know these tips first.

5 Crucial Facts To Know Before Starting A Water Bottle Business From Scratch

1. Know Your Target Market

Water bottles are a must-have for people who love to stay fit. So, if you’re planning to start a water bottle business from scratch, know this: You’ll be selling them to gym-goers, runners, swimmers, and athletes. But that’s not all.

You may also want to cater to those who have an active lifestyle but don’t want to carry heavy bottles filled with water or sports drinks.

So take your time and define your target market that aligns with your short and long-term business goals.

Keep these tips in mind when deciding on the target market:

• Identify the needs of your target market .
• Find out how many people within that group are interested in buying water bottles from you.
• Determine what would make this group buy more water bottles for everyday use.

2. Do a Competitor Analysis

Analyzing your competitors will give you insights into your competitors’ strategies and how well they’re doing in the market. The analysis will also reveal what you’re up against and what it’ll take to succeed.

Here’s how to conduct a competitor analysis:

• Search online for businesses that sell water bottles.
• Check their websites and social media platforms to get an idea of their branding and marketing strategies.
• Note their pricing strategies.
• Find out what type of water bottles they’re selling and the features they’re offering.
• Understand their target market and business goals .
• Identify their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use the information to fine-tune your business plan and strategies .

3. Choose the Right Water Bottle Material

The three most common water bottle materials are plastic, glass, and stainless steel. Each has its pros and cons. So, it’s important to choose the right one for your business. Here’s a quick look at each material:

• Plastic : Lightweight and shatter-resistant, plastic is the most popular type of water bottle. It’s also the most affordable option. But it’s not eco-friendly and may leach chemicals into the water, harming health.
• Glass : Glass bottles are eco-friendly and don’t leach chemicals. But they’re heavy, easily breakable, and more expensive than plastic bottles.
• Stainless steel : Stainless steel bottles are durable, eco-friendly, and won’t leach chemicals. They’re also the most expensive option.

4. Pick a Water Bottle Design That Stands Out

The bottle designs should be eye-catching and unique. They should also be functional and easy to use.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Use bright colors or interesting patterns to make your water bottles stand out.
• Consider adding a creative twist to the traditional water bottle design.
• Ensure the water bottle is easy to hold and drink from.
• Choose a design that’s easy to clean.
• Consider adding a handy carrying strap or carabiner clip.

You can also consider blank water bottles wholesale to buy bottles in bulk.

5. Decide on the Water Bottle Features

Your water bottle should have features that appeal to your target market.

Consider these features:

• A wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning.
• A filter for purifying water on the go.
• An infuser for flavor-infused water.
• A fruit-infuser basket for healthy, flavorful water.
• A built-in straw for easy sipping.
• A carrying strap or handle for convenient transport.
• A leak-proof lid to prevent spills.
• A thermal sleeve for hot or cold drinks.
• Double-wall construction for insulation.
• A wide base for stability.

Use the tips mentioned above to fine-tune your business plan and strategies. And remember always to stay focused on your target market. With a little hard work and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to success.

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Water Purification and Bottling Business Plan Template

Mar.14, 2022

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Table of Content

Water purification and bottling business plan for starting your own business

Bottled water is one commodity consumed in all parts of the world, and of course, those in the business of producing bottled water are known to generate sales all year round if the company is well-managed. The economic downturn hardly affects the consumption of bottled water simply because it is a commodity that is as important as the air we breathe.

Production companies in the bottled water industry purify bottled water into plastic and glass bottles for consumption. The process involves use of a comprehensive business plan for bottled water and detailed franchise business planning .

If you plan on having a water purification and bottling business of your own, here is a purified drinking water business plan developed for Aqua Dreams. If you are confused about how to start a packaged drinking water business, this plan will provide you with all the details you need to know before going forward with your startup idea. 

The business plan for Aqua Dreams is as detailed as a business plan for Starbucks . Hence it is assured that it will answer all your questions regarding how to start a purified water business.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Aqua Dreams will be a licensed and standard bottled water production company situated in an industrial area in Orleans, Massachusetts. We have been able to secure a long-term lease for a facility in a strategic location with an option of a long-term renewal on agreed terms and conditions favorable to us. The reason behind this successful execution is a well-thought-out water purification and bottling business plan .

2.2 Management of water purification and bottling business

While taking an entrepreneurial initiative, it is essential to ensure that all aspects of your business are coherent. Hence, you must prepare a unique bottled water business plan that helps you seek sufficient funding. 

Having said that, while writing a bottled water business proposal, you must analyze all the available resources. If you intend to raise loans, you should also study some business plans for banks because the process of getting loans can be exhaustive. 

2.3 Customers of water purification and bottling business

While thinking of how to start water bottle business, you must understand who your target market is. Including this detail in your water purification business plan will help you in subsequent planning. The recurring customers of Aqua Dreams are identified as:

• Restaurants and Canteens
• Event Planners

2.4 Business Target

Our vision is to establish a standard bottled water Production Company whose products will be sold in Orleans – Massachusetts, and throughout the United States of America and  Canada . There would be no compromise on the quality of the product, and complete transparency would be offered concerning our filtering processes.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Aaron Finch will be the owner of Aqua Dreams. Aaron has strong leadership and organizational skills that he acquired while working at different water filtration plants since 2009. He graduated with a major in resource management from the University of Texas and researched this field ever since. He identified a lack of efficient purification systems in existing firms in the market and hence felt the need to introduce an innovative bottling water business plan.

3.2 Why the water purification and bottling business is being started

The bottled water production industry is profitable, and it is open for any aspiring entrepreneur to come in and establish their business. Aaron thought of coming up with a packaged drinking water business plan so that he doesn’t miss on any important aspect.

3.3 How the water purification and bottling business will be started

Step1: Planning for the business

Before setting up your business, looking into all the available resources and planning your way forward is essential. It gives you an idea of the availability of human resources and capital. If you are adding farm-related aspects to your business, it would be beneficial to also read out farmers market business plan before making a business plan for your startup.

Step2: Get Recognized

The next step is to be recognized by defining your business’s services and values. Having the proper business structure is very important to us at Aqua Dreams. Besides, producing healthy, portable, and well-packaged bottled water, we aim to impart perfect customer care service.

Step3: Offices 

The cooperate office of Aqua Dreams will be located in the industrial zone of Orleans. It will be a feasible location since it would grant easy access to resources. Consequently, the cost of acquiring production factors would be low. The market trends in this water purification business plan pdf can help you strategically choose your corporate office’s location. 

Step4: Online Presence

Living in an age of social media and digitalization, having a web presence is imperative for a company’s success. The website for Aqua Dreams would entail the company’s purification and bottling methods to educate the consumers about the sustainable processes we use.

Step5: Marketing

The last step is developing and executing a marketing plan to promote your services. In your business plan for bottled water , you must add marketing strategies that you will be using to reach out to the target customers. For diverse and unique advertisement ideas, research is imperative. You may need to visit several business operational models such as a liquor store business plan to gain an insight into the expectations of your target market.

Services of water purification and bottling business

Ideas to start your own bottled water business can be daunting and confusing. If you are new to the business and are unaware of the facilities to offer, you can refer to the services available at Aqua Dreams mentioned below:

• Bulk Purified water

The most preferred processes used for the purification process are reverse osmosis, deionization, and distillation. Aqua Dreams will use reverse osmosis systems as they remove up to 99% of organic substances and ions from the water. This process is discussed in detail in our water purification plant business plan.

• Still bottled water

This type of bottled water is the most often used to replace tap water. It has varying levels of dissolved minerals and does not contain added carbonation. In this bottling water business plan, we will list how much sales of this product were expected in a period lasting three years.

• Sparkling bottled water

Sparkling water, also known as seltzer, soda, or tonic water, is infused with carbon dioxide to create tons of bubbles and fizziness. It is often used as a healthy substitute for sugary sodas and other beverages because it is lower in calories and sugar. We will offer different flavors of the product to meet the expectations of our customers.

• Flavored bottled water

Flavored water is a beverage with added natural or artificial flavors, herbs, and sweeteners. Aqua Dreams will offer different options to its customers for a wider target market.

If you are new to the industry and are thinking how to start a water bottling plant, it is recommended that you go through this water bottling business plan pdf and learn about the technicalities involved.

Marketing Analysis of water purification and bottling business

Excellent work.

excellent work, competent advice. Alex is very friendly, great communication. 100% I recommend CGS capital. Thank you so much for your hard work!

In this water bottling plant business plan, you will find a detailed marketing analysis conducted by Aqua Dreams. This is the perfect water purification business plan sample for your reference if you are confused about how to start a water purification business.

5.1 Market Trends

Research conducted by IBIS World shows that the level of concentration in the purified drinking water business is modest in the USA. The top four players are expected to generate 65.5 percent of revenue. The industry is responsible for the employment of well over 14,360 people. Experts project the bottled water production industry to grow at a 4.0 percent annual rate.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

While analyzing how to start a water purification business, you must investigate your target audience. Market segmentation is vital to understanding the scope of your filtered water business. If you don’t know who you will be interacting with, you can refer to the customer groups of Aqua Dreams mentioned below:

Business plan for investors

5.2.1 hotels.

The minibars you see in your hotel rooms are usually stocked with bottled water of all kinds, let it be still, sparkling, or flavored. Hence, Aqua Dreams will be supplying bottled water to different hotels on a contractual basis. Since they place large orders, their revenue would be the main reason behind the success of our water purification business. 

5.2.2 Restaurants 

Since sparkling water is also often used in cocktails and other drinks to create a fizzy sensation, restaurants in the city will be the primary customer group for this specific product for Aqua Dreams. Our products will also assist them with their purification systems installed in the kitchens.

5.2.3 Event Planners

Nowadays, instead of serving water in glasses, it is preferred to offer bottled water to the guests. Hence event planners are expected to procure bottled water from us and provide it to the customers they are dealing with.

5.2.4 Retailers

Carbonated and fizzy drinks are loved by almost everyone these days, which can be bad for their health. Our flavored water, supplied to retailers nationwide is relatively less unhealthy and therefore we expect to have great sales of it.

5.3 Business Target

• Start a bottled water delivery service based on a courier services business plan
• Have a customer satisfaction score of 93%
• Capture 30% market share within the first year of business
• Install two new purification plants in the next five years of operations 

5.4 Product Pricing

Our prices will conform to what is obtainable in the industry. We have put in place those business strategies that will help us run on low profits for six months.

Marketing Strategy of water purification and bottling business

Regardless of whether you are thinking of having a bottled water company business plan or a water purifying business plan, you need to have an effective marketing strategy. It would help you stand out amidst competition and capture market share. 

Aqua Dreams will use a robust set of marketing and sales strategies mentioned in this water bottle business plan pdf. Hence it would be helpful for you to read it thoroughly if you are wondering how to start a packaged drinking water business.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• The services at Aqua Dreams would be supervised by water purification experts who have insights worth 5+ years of experience.
• Sustainable practices such as environmentally friendly purification systems will be employed at Aqua Dreams.
• Calorie Check will be done thoroughly in our flavored bottled water.
• The introductory prices offered by Aqua Dreams would be lower than the market rates without compromising on the quality of services.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• Introduce our bottled water by sending introductory letters to hotels, water merchants, and restaurants.
• Advertise in local directories.
• Use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram for sponsored ads.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 sales yearly, 6.5 sales forecast, personnel plan of water purification and bottling business.

The average cost involved in a bottled water production water business plan is similar to that in a donut shop business plan .

It is important to account for different kinds of costs to forecast financial returns accordingly. These costs also include the salaries of employees at the purification plants. To give you an idea of average salaries in the market, the salaries of our employees are quoted in this purified water business plan.

7.1 Company Staff

While thinking of water business ideas, the following are the positions you would essentially recruit for:

• 1 Plant Manager
• 1 Operations Manager
• 5 Production Assistants
• 1 Marketing Officer
• 3 Delivery Drivers
• 1 QA Engineer

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan of water purification and bottling business.

A sole focus on increasing sales does not ensure that your business has become successful. For generating profits, you need to do a thorough analysis of your water company profile and estimate the operations’ capacity for your business accordingly.

In your financial plan, you must identify when and how to cover your investment amount with the earned profits. Moreover, you should evaluate the business projections and ratios to assess how the financial trajectory of your enterprise will go in the coming years. These assessments are important to highlight in your business plan for a water purification plant because they help investors decide whether to fund your bottled water startup or not. Besides, they help you direct your efforts to achieve your business goals.

If you don’t know how to conduct a financial analysis, you can refer to this water bottle business plan pdf.

Here we’re providing a business plan used by Aqua Dreams for you to use as a reference.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis, 8.3 projected profit and loss, 8.3.1 profit monthly, 8.3.2 profit yearly, 8.3.3 gross margin monthly, 8.3.4 gross margin yearly, 8.4 projected cash flow, 8.5 projected balance sheet, 8.6 business ratios.

• Is water bottling a profitable business?

A bottled water plant is profitable, provided a strategic business plan is in place. The average bottled water profit margin ranges between 25-30% for small and medium-scale water plants. It can be as high as 60% for large bottle production. Hence, the question “is bottled water business profitable” really depends on your scale of operations and management.

• How do I start a water purification business?

You can make a business plan and execute it in a set time frame. The most common mistake made when starting a new business is neglecting to write up a business plan. A good purified water business plan establishes a framework and a roadmap for your water purification business. If you try starting a bottled water business without a well-defined plan, your venture might not get successful.

• Is packaged drinking water business profitable?

The profit margin in the mineral water business is highly dependent on your products and location. This business can be profitable if you research what is in demand in the market and come with up unique sales ideas to let your customers know about you.

• How much does it cost to manufacture a bottle of water?

The cost of manufacturing a bottle of water differs from business to business based on the technology that is being used. Moreover, the scale and production level will also affect the cost incurred during manufacturing.

To get an idea of how you can cut costs, you can see a butcher shop business plan . It is generally assumed that mass production leads to lower manufacturing costs and in turn prices.

Download Water Purification and Bottling Business Plan Template in pdf

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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Water Purification Business Plan for Package Drinking Water

• Last Updated: November 7, 2023

• With a growing number of consumers, the water purification industry has opportunities for entrepreneurs to drive further growth.
• Starting a water purification business, your top priority should be recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, and counseling employees.
• Also, it is important to comply with regulations and invest in quality equipment to ensure the safety and purity of the water distribution.

Bottled water remains one of the leading commodities people consume worldwide.

According to estimates, the Bottled Water segment’s revenue in 2022 will reach $302.50 billion. The market is expected to grow annually by 8.03% between 2022-2026.

This is simply because bottled water is an essential amenity, so of course, efficient water service companies will never be out of demand. In fact, package drinking companies will generate per-person revenues of $39.74 in 2022. 

This article will be an excellent starting point to help you understand a water purification business plan . If you want to break into water purification services and achieve very healthy gross sales, read along.

Table of Content

• List of Water purification services
• Why to start a water purification business?
• Roles and responsibilities of Water Purification Business owner
• Water purification business plan template
• How to start a water purification business?
• Let Upper help you reach your client’s location on time

List of Water Purification Services

Creating ideas for a water purification business can take time and effort. You can refer to the list of services below if you are new to the industry and need clarification on what you can offer: 

• Bulk Purified water – Purified water typically comes from reverse osmosis, deionization, or a combination of these methods.
• Still bottled water – Bottled still water is the leading alternative to tap water. It comes in a range of mineral concentrations.
• Sparkling bottled water – Making sparkling water involves adding carbon dioxide. People often use it as a healthy alternative because it has fewer calories and less sugar than other sodas.
• Flavored bottled water – Flavoured water is a beverage with additional natural or artificial flavors, herbs, and sweeteners. Water purification is vital to provide safe drinking water for your community. 

Why to Start a Water Purification Business?

There are multiple reasons why water purification businesses are the need of the hour and why you must start one. 

As per Fortune Business Insights , the global water purifier market is set to grow from $30.62 billion in 2022 to $50.66 billion by 2029. So it’s a growing market, and you can ride the wave by starting your own business.

By 2026, 36% of spending and 9% of volume consumption in the Bottled Water segment will be attributable to out-of-home consumption. That tells us that your services will always be in high demand. 

Also, a growing number of consumers are concerned about their health and the environmental impacts of using untreated water from rivers or lakes. This is expected to drive further growth of the market for water purification services.

Roles and Responsibilities of Water Purification Business Owner

As a water purification business owner, here are your roles and responsibilities: 

• Your top priority is recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, and counseling managers. Communicate values, assign roles, develop strategies and define primary objectives, monitor results, and create incentives. 
• You’re also responsible for fixing your pricing strategy and signing business deals.
• Your employees will look up to you for providing direction to your water purification business.
• You also need to create, communicate, and implement the mission and vision statement of your organization.
• You’re the face of your organization, so you’ll sign the high-level documents.
• Finally, you’ll evaluate the success of your organization and be responsible for formulating profit-boosting strategies. As a small business owner, if you’re the one managing the water purification plant, these will be your added responsibilities: 
• You’ll oversee the smooth running of your water purification (industrial) plants. 
• As a water purification plant manager , you’ll need to ensure that all equipment is functional and focus on preventative maintenance and repairs.
• It’s your job to ensure that your plant meets the safety and hygiene standards at all times. 

Water Purification Business Plan Template

A well-defined plan relies on market research and stresses quality. It also helps you secure funding and start-up assets, fulfill an unsatisfied market need, attract customers, monitor start-up expenses, and prevents very expensive shut down. 

Here’s an elaborate water purification business plan template using which you can create your own business plan.

1. Executive and company summary 

This executive summary aims to summarise the critical points of this comprehensive business plan, saving you time and preparing you for the upcoming content.

An executive summary for a company includes:

• The business opportunity – describes the need for your services.
• Services – tell how your business will serve the market.
• The target market – represents the customer base you will be targeting.
• Business model – how your services create, deliver, and capture value.
• Marketing plan and sales strategy – describe how you will market and sell your products to a potentially unsatisfied market.
• Discuss your competition and how you plan to gain market share – how can you differentiate yourself from your competitors, i.e., what do you offer to customers that nobody else can?

2. Services offered 

The products and services section of your business plan should include a description of the products or services you are offering or plan to offer. 

You should explain how your products and services will be priced and compare the products.

Your product and service section outlines your product or service, why your market needs it, and how it will compete with other businesses selling similar products and services.

3. Market analysis 

Market analysis is about figuring out the needs of your target market, whether the existing products on the market meet those needs, and what competitors are doing to meet those needs.

You’ll also want to figure out how much people in your industry make per year, how fast the industry is growing or shrinking, and what kind of barriers exist for new players entering it, so you can decide if the environment is suitable for your business idea.

Essentially: Market analysis helps you determine if there’s an actual need for your product or service.

4. Human resources plan 

The importance of a solid human resources plan cannot be overstated, especially in specialized industry sectors. A business needs the right people to do the jobs, and you need a solid plan to hire the right talent.

A well-executed human resources business plan will help you attract and retain talent, which is essential for any company looking to grow.

5. Financial Plan 

A financial plan is not just a list of numbers and projections. It overviews your current business financials and the direction they are progressing in.

Your financial plan will help you set realistic expectations regarding the overall costs and success of your business. You are more likely to be prepared for any eventuality, whether a crisis or incredible growth if you know your financials inside and out.

6. Marketing strategy

Starting a business, ensuring quality service, and promoting operational efficiency are undoubtedly necessary. But you’ll struggle with reaching your ideal consumers if you don’t have actionable marketing and business strategies. To ensure your business thrives, create marketing strategies that increase brand visibility and keep bringing quality leads. 

How to Start a Water Purification Business? 

Follow these steps to start a water purification business: 

1. Use the business plan template for your water purification business

A comprehensive plan is essential for new water purification business owners. This plan should include all aspects of the company, including start-up costs, funding, and day-to-day operations. 

New business owners also need to be realistic about their goals and expectations. Finally, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the competition.

Businesses with well-thought-out plans are more likely to succeed.

2. Form the legal entity

When starting your business, you must know what kind of liability exposure you want and your company goals. A sole proprietorship may be enough if you sell to limited consumers. 

But a corporate organization or LLC may be better if you want more protection or to grow the business.

3. Obtain permissions and business licenses

If you’re looking to start a new business, it’s important to remember that specific licenses and permits are required by law. However, this varies depending on the type of water purification business you’re looking to start and where your business will be located.

Contact your local business licensing office or chamber of commerce to find out which permits and licenses you need.

4. Purchase equipment

The most critical elements of starting a water purification business are equipment, tools, and supplies.

You’ll need some things for everyday use, like wrenches and screwdrivers, but you’ll also need more specialized items, like meters or pumps. And remember your safety equipment. You’ll want to ensure you have all the protection you need when working with chemicals or other hazardous materials. 

To ace this step, document everything you might need and research different suppliers that fulfill your requirements. You can also consider renting equipment you won’t regularly require; buying expensive equipment that you wouldn’t use frequently doesn’t make sense.

5. Market your services

Now that you’ve built your water purification business, it’s time to get it out there and start generating revenue. Your own sales force will prove most helpful here. Start with building a brand identity to stand apart from your competitors, reach monthly sales target, and keep sales growing gradually. This includes naming your business and creating a logo and color schemes to remain consistent across social media platforms. It is branding that helps you charge a premium price and stay afloat in economic downturn.

You can then work on creating a website for your business with all the details. Finally, it’s time to create a launch strategy for such a niche product—leverage word of mouth via friends and family, social media shout-outs, and influencer marketing. Advertising in local newspapers, paid ads on social media, yellow page ads (local directories), and more are also game changers for your high purity water business.

Let Upper Help You Reach Your Client’s Location on Time 

Now that you know how to create an elaborate business plan, let’s discuss how you’ll fulfill all your orders. 

With Upper’s route planning and optimization software , though, businesses like yours save 10 hours per week and get more deliveries done on time. You’ll get more done, and your customers will get all their fresh water right when needed.

With Upper, you’ll get the most efficient routes for your bottled water delivery.

• Your drivers can take advantage of the shortest routes as per specific constraints, driving preferences, time windows, and more, so you’ll always deliver on time.
• You can mark your shipments low, medium, or high as per priority. You can also add multiple stops and details such as service time, importance, or other notes for your drivers to manage their jobs better.
• Upper sends automatic notifications regarding the ETA of delivery to your customers to save your drivers from failed deliveries. It helps them get more deliveries done and ensures items safely reach the end customers.

Try the 7 days free trial today. 

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The water purifier will cost around $2,500. The cost of installing new plumbing lines and connections will be $195. Water softener treatment will cost $1,500. The total cost comes to around $4,195 approximately.

The 5 Types of Filters are as follows:

• Mechanical Filters.
• Absorption Filters.
• Sequestration Filters.
• Ion Exchange Filters.
• Reverse Osmosis Filters.

Water treatment steps often used in water systems include:

• Coagulation.
• Flocculation.
• Sedimentation.
• Filtration.
• Disinfection.

A purification plant is a water system that treats or improves water quality by complying with the state board of health standards. The purification plant can be a stand-alone facility or a portion of a more extensive system.

Conclusion 

Water purification for the bottled water industry is brimming with opportunities. The demand for convenience and high disposable income is driving the consumption of bottled water across the globe. However, you need a comprehensive plan for overall company success. A business plan will help you set realistic goals and expectations, and you can use this plan to get an edge over your competition.

To further grow your business, invest in robust route planning and scheduling software like Upper so that you can provide your services to your customers in time and ditch poor or slow servicing. Try the 7 days free trial today. 

Rakesh Patel, author of two defining books on reverse geotagging, is a trusted authority in routing and logistics. His innovative solutions at Upper Route Planner have simplified logistics for businesses across the board. A thought leader in the field, Rakesh's insights are shaping the future of modern-day logistics, making him your go-to expert for all things route optimization. Read more.

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How to Start Packaged Drinking Water Business ?

Market of bottled water business today in india , steps involved in packaged drinking water production, steps to start a bottled water business, fssai license for packaged drinking water, fssai license permissions for packed drinking water, promotions and market of bottled water business today in india, challenges of bottled water business, packed bottled water business overview.

Water is available throughout the globe but how much of the available water is fit for drinking? We all rely on a water supplier (either the government water board or an external supplier) for consuming purified water. Unpurified water is highly dangerous as it may contain chemical impurities, bacteria, and dust. Naturally, available water must undergo a treatment process to ensure it has the right PH balance and only required minerals. With the consumption of water increases due to the growing population, it is quite imperative that the world would require a greater number of water purification units. This is where the bottled water business players are benefitting from.

Bottled water business comprises purifying the water, bottling them for consumption and selling them. Bottled water is extremely convenient to carry especially for employees, travelers, and students. It keeps them hydrated irrespective of their proximity to the water supply.

Bottled water can be made of spring water, mountain water or normal water. Spring and mountain water are referred to as mineral water. Flavored drinking water is a new trend in the bottled water industry.

Do you want to start top Business Ideas with Less Investment and contact us at StartupYo as we provide entire Guidance to start your own water Bottle Business with less Investment?

Read More: How To Start PET Bottle Manufacturing Business ?

Economic conditions do not affect consumption of water as it is something, we all can’t survive without. According to a survey, the global bottled water market was valued at USD 17.0 billion in 2014 and is estimated to reach USD 280.0 billion by 2020. The bottled water industry is growing at 8.5% CAGR from 2015 to 2020. Packaged water business contributes to 18% of the total beverage sales in the world.

Books you Must Read

Water business wiz: quick success tips.

Drinkable water must be tasteless, odorless and colorless. However, some minerals and salts can be added to enhance its taste. Steps involved in packaged drinking water production depend on the quality of source water. Quality of source water determines the treatment required. Treated water must be bottled in sterilized bottles with a label containing the details of expiry, composition, quantity, price, etc. A fully-automatic plant or a semi-automatic plant can be installed depending on the production capacity.

Conduct a feasibility study and analyze market trends A feasibility study is required for an entrepreneur to understand the requirements, determine the pricing strategy and define a marketing strategy that can make the product survive the market. A thorough market analysis can give valuable insights to untapped market places and opportunities or even enhancements to bottled water.

Register the Business Register a business name. It helps in identification in the market, gaining trust from customers and avoiding competitors misusing your market value.

Write a business plan Business plan for bottled water business can make business execution easy and also win funds for you. Business plan for bottled water must have sections like an executive summary, vision, missions, potential market, market analysis, promotion, and marketing, staffing, capital and return estimations.

Obtain necessary permits and licenses After registering the business, permits, and licenses on establishing a water plant, procuring water, selling them and certifying the safety of water is required. Absence of any the permits or licenses might invoke serious actions from the government and may even result in shut down of the company.

Find a suitable location Choose a location strategically by considering factors like a water source, transportation distance to the market, availability, and affordability of a space large enough to set up huge water tanks and most importantly continuous power supply. Ensure that the location selected has enough space for transporting water tankers.

Find a good water source A good water source is essential to the success of the business. The source of water could be boring well water, surface water, seawater, municipal supply or other sources in which treatment is possible.

Identify Bottle Suppliers The cost of bottles purchased for filling water is one of the major costs incurred in bottled water business. So, to gain good profit margins, focus on minimizing the expenditure on bottles. Find a supplier who provides bottles for an acceptable price with satisfactory quality.

Procure Machinery The machinery for bottled water business depends on the scale on which you would like to produce. The common machinery required is a generator, tanks, bottle filling, labeling and sealing machines, testing tools, treatment machines, filters and water purifying chemicals. To ensure safety and hygiene, the bottles must first be washed and sterilized. This is can be done manually using warm water for small scale water plant units but must be automated for medium and large-scale units.

Hire Your Staff and Start Operations Bottling water business involves many activities and might have complex processes depending on the method used for purification of water. Minimum staffing for bottled water business includes a trained professional for water testing, machine operators, sales manager, production helpers, supervisors, drivers, and cleaners. Hiring experienced water testing personal, machine operators and the salesperson is key to run the business.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the food regulatory body in India that ensures the safety and quality of food, water, and other beverages. According to FSSAI, no Food Business The operator should produce bottled drinking water without FSSAI License or Registration . Businesses cannot obtain a license without having a BIS certificate. Therefore, it is mandatory to procure a BIS certification to avoid cancellation of FSSAI registration or license. There are three types of FSSAI licenses.

FSSAI Basic License  – for retailers with an estimated annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 Lakhs.

FSSAI State license  – for estimated Annual turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakhs and less than 20 Crores.

FSSAI Central License  – for manufacturers running units in more than one state or for estimated annual turnover more than Rs. 20 Crores.

As per FSSAI, water for bottling can be obtained from surface water, underground water, seawater, civic water supply or other consistent supply of water. To obtain an FSSAI license, the rules set by FSSAI must be adhered to.

• Water must undergo purification by decantation, demineralization, filtration (a combination of filtrations), aerations, activated carbon filtration, remineralization, reverse osmosis etc.
• Water must be disinfected. Microorganisms must be the scientifically accepted level.
• Seawater must be desalinized.
•  Containers used in the plant must be sealed.
• Chemicals and ingredients used for remineralization must be approved by food grade and pharma-grade quality.

To obtain an FSSAI License for your bottled water business, you will need the following registrations and documents:

• SSI Registration.
• ISI Mark Certificate (BIS Registration): BIS Registration is mandatory for the packaged drinking water in India.
• Pollution control certificate: Pollution control certificate is issued by the Pollution Board office of the state or local government.
• Test reports of raw water and pure water.
• Pest control certificate.
• Degree and medical certificate of Chemist.
• Degree and medical certificate of Microbiologist.
• Registration of trademark.
• Document of ownership or lease of land.
• Electrical department load sanction.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) of companies or Partnership.
• Sanction of the layout plan.
• NA of land if it is not in the industrial area.

Is a packaged mineral drinking water business profitable?

Both packaged drinking water and mineral water are profitable businesses. Despite heavy competition, small and medium water business players still make significant profits due to undying demand the variation in the cost of water bottles and the wide range of customers. Take additional care to create unique and personalized labels for parties and events. Focus on retaining all your existing customers.

Read More: How To Start Disposable Plastic Glasses Making Business ?

Profits on Bottled Water Business

The profit margins vary anywhere between 25% to 200%.

Normal water and Mineral water advantages and disadvantages

Normal water:  Normal is packaged drinking water or bottled water. The water from borewell, surface water or civic water is used and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is reduced through the RO process. It does not contain any minerals. It is relatively cheap to set up a normal water plant.

Mineral water:  Spring water or mountain water is referred to as mineral water. Water from springs or mountains is processed and minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, etc. are used. It is healthy compared to normal water. Setting up a mineral water plant requires intensive capital.

Disadvantages of using Normal Water:-

• Might contain toxic minerals like lead and chlorine.
• Might contain pesticides.
• Might contain bacteria and other harmful organisms.

Advantages of using Packaged Drinking water Business:-

• Easy to carry.
• Free from contamination due to pesticides, toxic minerals, and microorganisms.
• Free from unpleasant taste and odor.

Read More: How To Start Plastic Recycling Business ?

Thoughtful promotions and marketing are necessary to compete with the competitors in the bottled water business. Understand the offerings by the small, medium and large-scale bottled water business players and craft a marketing strategy. Get creative and innovative with the promotions, packaging and bottle shapes.

• Build corporate contacts.
• Focus on setting up deals with retailers, hotels, restaurants, gyms and sports clubs, etc.
• Use social media to establish your brand through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
• Participate in roadshows and exhibitions.
• Encourage direct marketing and sales.
• Target event planners for customized water bottles.
• Sponsor a few events or programs.
• Distribute fliers in your target location.
• To retain existing customers, make sure the taste and quality of the water you the bottle is consistent.

Every business has its own challenges. Let’s look at the potential challenges in starting a bottled water business.

• Bottled water business requires significant capital to set up a plant, hire a work location, transport water, purchase large machinery and run maintenance repairs.
• Technical knowledge of machine handling, water testing is mandatory for the staff. Hiring them expensive and so is training them.
• Bottled the water business is heavily reliant on uninterrupted power. Therefore, arrangements for generator sets must be made to ensure operations during power outages.
• Bottled the water business is susceptible to frequent inspections to check on water quality and hygiene conditions.
• Changing weather conditions impact availability of water and its quality so take extra care during summers and monsoons.

Water is essential for our survival and every person on earth would want to drink clean and safe water. The bottled water market is overcrowded with many small, medium and large-scale industry players but there is and there will always be scope for new entrants offering bottled water that is safe, tasty, and affordable. Focus on establishing your market reach and catering to customized orders. Restaurants, hotels, event managers are all now looking for unique and customized bottled water with personalized labels (names, logos, etc.) and added health benefits.

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How to Start Mineral Water Plant Business in 10 steps

• December 2, 2023
• by Next What Business Research Team

Do you want to start a mineral water business? Find here a detailed plan guide on how to start a mineral water plant business with costs, licenses, manufacturing process, machinery required, and more.

Packaged drinking water or mineral water manufacturing plant is a profitable business in India. Here in this post, find a detailed business plan guide on how to establish a small-scale package drinking water manufacturing plant with a reasonable investment.

Mineral water is purified water fortified with requisite amounts of minerals such as Barium, Iron, Manganese, etc. which can be absorbed by the human body. However, either you can obtain it from natural resources like springs and drilled wells or it is fortified artificially by blending and treating with mineral salts.

Packaged drinking water means water derived from any source of potable water and subjected to various treatments to meet the prescribed standard before being packed in a plastic or glass container. Water containing less than 250 ppm of total dissolved solids is defined as natural mineral water. Rising health awareness, an increase in tourism, and the easy availability of bottled water have increased the per capita consumption of bottled water in India.

10 Steps to Start a Mineral Water Plant Business

1. understand the local market.

The first step before actually jumping into starting a mineral water plant is to know more about the local demand and the level of competition. It is advised to do detailed market research and collect the necessary information like who are the major players, market volume, pricing, opportunities, etc.

For example, you must have a plan to compete with the major players in the mineral water industry like Bisleri, Kinley, etc. In addition, you will also most probably face competition from local players. It is critical to understand your target consumers. Whether it’s households, offices, or retail outlets.

2. Create a Business Plan

It is a must to have a professionally drafted business plan document to launch a mineral water plant business. You must hire professionally competent people to write your business project plan.

If you are looking for funds from financial institutions, a business plan is a must-have document. All investors will ask for your project plan before deciding on whether to invest or not.

3. Finding a Reliable Water Source

One of the foundational steps in establishing a successful mineral water plant is selecting a reliable water source. Before finalizing a water source, conduct preliminary tests to assess its quality. It is strongly advised to consult with water quality experts or environmental engineers to interpret test results accurately.

Another important aspect is to assess the chemical composition of the water, looking for minerals and impurities. Perform microbial analysis to ensure the absence of harmful microorganisms.

Additionally, understand the local regulations regarding water extraction and usage. Obtain the necessary permits for water extraction from local authorities.

4. Arrange Funds

You will need a considerable amount of investment to start and run a mineral water plant business. If you are short on budget, it is advised to pitch for funds with local banks or private investors. There are various financial institutions that you can contact and pitch for funding in India. If you are unable to get the required funds from banks, reach alternative financial vendors for startup and working capital.

Read:   Best Business Loans for Small Businesses

5. Business Registration & License For Mineral Water Plant

In starting a small-scale mineral water plant, you must obtain different registrations and licenses from Government authorities. However, check your state’s law. Here we have listed some of the general criteria.

• First of all, register your business .
• Trade License from Municipal Authority
• Apply for Udyog Aadhaar MSME registration
• Additionally, apply for a Factory License
• Apply for GST registration number
• Licenses from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India ( FSSAI )
• Get a Food Operator License
• BIS Certification. ISI Specification for packaged drinking water
• NOC from the Pollution Control Board
• Get your Business Name Trademarked.

6. Location and Infrastructure

Select a location with easy access to raw materials, a reliable water source, and transportation facilities. Set up a production facility with modern equipment for water purification, bottling, and packaging.

7. Mineral Water Manufacturing Plant Unit Setup

You will need to have a minimum covered area of 500 Sq Ft and an uncovered area of 500 Sq Ft to start a small-scale packaged drinking water or mineral water plant. However, the cost of the plant hugely depends on the packaging facility you want to get. Generally, packaged drinking water is available on the market in the form of 200 ml pouch packing, 500 ml bottles, 1-litre bottles, 2-litre bottles, 5-litre jars, and 20-litre drums.

According to the investment capacity and desired packaging, you must select the right type of plant. Additionally, you can go with a fully automatic plant. Otherwise, a semi-automatic plant is also very effective compared to a fixed-cost investment. We have listed here some of the major machinery and equipment.

• Alum Treatment Tanks
• Reverse Osmosis Plant
• Chlorination tanks made of S. Steel
• Sand filter
• Activated Carbon filter
• Micron filters
• Ultraviolet disinfectant system
• Electronic Doser for alum
• Electronic Doser for Chlorine
• Ozone Generator
• Raw and Purified water collection tanks with motor and accessories
• Automatic rinsing filling and capping machine
• Shrink wrapping machine for bottle
• Miscellaneous tools equipment, pipeline, etc.
• Laboratory testing and Quality Control, Microbiological instruments, etc.

8. Packaging and Branding

Choose appropriate packaging materials, such as PET bottles or jars. Develop an appealing brand identity and ensure compliance with labelling regulations.

9. Distribution Network

You need to establish partnerships with local retailers, supermarkets, and distributors. Also, consider setting up your retail outlets for direct consumer sales.

10. Marketing and Promotion

Create a website and leverage social media for marketing. Also, run promotional campaigns to create awareness, especially during the initial launch.

Mineral Water Manufacturing Plant Cost Synopsis:

Find here a sample investment chart of a small mineral water plant:

The actual cost of a mineral water plant project may change with different assumptions. You can modify the project capacity and project cost as per your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a mineral water plant in india.

Depending on scale and location, you will need to invest approximately INR 10 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs.  Operational expenses will vary based on production volume and overheads.

Is the mineral water business profitable?

The mineral water business holds substantial potential for profitability. As lifestyles evolve, there is a heightened awareness of health, leading to an increased demand for safe and purified drinking water. In addition, consumers are making a preferential shift from traditional water sources to packaged mineral water.

What is the average profit margin in the bottled water industry?

Profit margins can vary. The industry average is typically between 10% and 20%. However, some premium brands or specialized products make higher margins.

What purification technologies are recommended for a mineral water plant?

Reverse Osmosis (RO) to remove impurities and contaminants. Use ultrafiltration processes for further purification and removal of microorganisms.

The Editorial Staffs at NextWhatBusiness is a team of Business Consultants with years of experience in small and medium-scale manufacturing and service-based businesses.

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Making a Splash-How to Start Your Water Bottle Business in India

Introduction

The packaged drinking water business in India, a flourishing industry, resonates with the country’s growing emphasis on health and cleanliness. This article provides a comprehensive guide on starting a packaged drinking water business, offering profound insights on every critical aspect of the enterprise.

Understanding the Significance of Packaged Drinking Water Business in India

The market for packaged drinking water in India has gained significant traction in recent years, driven by increased health consciousness, contamination concerns, and an expanding middle class. The sector offers lucrative opportunities for new entrants.

Packaged Water Business: An Opportunity Worth Considering

The allure of the packaged water business stems from its necessity, expansive growth potential, and the capacity to garner substantial profits. Thus, an investment in this sector becomes an opportunity worth contemplating for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Determining the Capital Investment: Startup Costs and Recurring Expenses

Establishing a packaged water business necessitates an understanding of initial startup costs – including the purchase of purification systems, bottling machinery, and land for the plant. Additionally, recurring expenses like maintenance, utilities, and labor costs should also be taken into account.

Understanding the Legalities: Necessary Licenses and Permits

Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits from organizations like the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an essential step. This ensures the business adheres to regulatory compliances and guarantees the quality of the product.

Identifying a Reliable Water Source

Identifying a consistent and reliable source of water is vital. The quality of the source water can drastically affect the purification process and the final taste of the product, influencing customer satisfaction.

Selecting the Right Purification Technique

Purification is a pivotal step in the packaged water business. Selecting an appropriate method – like Reverse Osmosis (RO), Ultrafiltration (UF), or Ultraviolet (UV) – ensures the water meets stringent safety standards.

Bottling and Packaging Essentials

Bottling and packaging are not only about containment and aesthetics but also about maintaining water quality, ensuring durability, and adhering to regulations. The right choice of materials can greatly impact a product’s market acceptance.

Constructing a Water Bottle Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan outlining objectives, financial projections, marketing strategies, and growth plans provides a roadmap for the water bottle business in India. It acts as a compass guiding the enterprise towards its envisioned success.

Identifying the Target Market

Understanding consumer preferences, demographic factors, and consumption patterns are crucial for identifying the target market. Tailoring offerings to meet these preferences can significantly boost sales.

Establishing a Strong Distribution Network

A robust distribution network guarantees that the product reaches every nook and corner of the target market. Collaborating with local retailers, supermarkets, and eateries can ensure wide accessibility.

Importance of Branding and Marketing in Packaged Water Business

A potent branding and marketing strategy can provide a competitive edge in the market. Building a trustworthy brand and crafting compelling narratives through advertising can foster customer loyalty.

Navigating the Challenges in Packaged Water Business

While lucrative, the packaged mineral water business comes with its share of challenges, such as stiff competition and environmental concerns. Developing innovative solutions and differentiating offerings can help overcome these obstacles.

Sustainable Practices in the Packaged Water Business

Adopting sustainable practices, like using recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials, can help mitigate environmental impact. This not only helps the environment but can also appeal to eco-conscious consumers, enhancing brand image.

Conclusion: Mapping a Successful Journey

In conclusion, initiating a packaged drinking water business in India, though demanding, can be a rewarding venture. Armed with a well-laid plan, proper understanding of the market, and unwavering determination, one can navigate this complex path and build a successful enterprise.

In response to the challenges in the packaged water business such as competition, marketing, and strategic planning, ffreedom app offers a comprehensive course designed for water bottle start up aspirants. This course, tutored by successful industry mentors, covers essential topics like understanding Packaged Water Product Types and Pricing Strategies, effective marketing, and branding tactics for your water bottle business, and more. By delving deep into the complexities of the industry, ffreedom app equips you with the right tools and knowledge to navigate these challenges and successfully start your own purified water bottle business. To learn more and embark on this enlightening journey, download the ffreedom app today

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Tips for drinking more water

• Get healthy recipes and tips

Water is essential for every cell in the body to function correctly. Water aids the digestive system, helps prevent constipation, flushes toxins from the body, promotes good kidney function, keeps your joints and muscles lubricated, supports healthier and younger-looking skin, and helps regulate body temperature.

How much water do you need?

Whether you prefer plain, sparkling or infused water, drink plenty every day. So much water does an average adult in a temperate climate need?

Mayo Clinic recommends this minimum daily intake of water:

• Women — 11.5 cups, or 92 ounces
• Men — 15.5 cups, or 124 ounces

You lose water through breathing, perspiring, urine and bowel movements. You must continually replace your body's water supply by eating food and drinking beverages that contain water. About 20% of the daily intake of liquid comes from food and the rest from drinks.

Anyone can become dehydrated, but certain people are at greater risk, including infants, young children and people who work or exercise outdoors. Even mild dehydration can leave you feeling tired and lacking energy.

In addition, older adults are more likely to become dehydrated. As you age, your body's fluid reserve becomes smaller, your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute. These problems are compounded by chronic illnesses such as diabetes and dementia, and the use of certain medications. Older adults also can have mobility problems that limit their ability to obtain water for themselves.

How do you know if you're drinking enough water?

Your fluid consumption is adequate for your needs if you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is colorless or light yellow. To prevent dehydration, consider drinking water regularly with meals, throughout exercising and when you feel thirsty.

Increasing your water intake may seem easy, but it can take a lot of work to remember to drink up.

Here are some tips for upping your water game:

• Flavor it. Add fruit to your water. Lemons, limes and oranges are tried and true. Cucumber, watermelon, strawberries and herbs also are delicious options.
• Tie it into a routine. Drink a glass of water every time you brush your teeth, eat a meal or use the bathroom.
• Eat it. Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content, including melon, cucumbers, lettuce and celery.
• Track it. Invest in a high-tech bottle that connects to your smartphone and records how much you drink. Or set an alarm as a reminder and track your intake in your calendar.
• Challenge a friend. Kick off a healthy competition with a friend or your kids to see who can meet their guzzling goal most often.
• Take it to go. Drinking enough water when you are the go can be challenging. Fill your water bottle before you leave home, and bring it along on your daily travels.
• Alternate your drinks. If you can't give up soda or juice completely, try alternating with water. Each time you finish a glass of water, switch to soda or juice and vice versa.

Follow some of these tips to keep yourself and your loved ones properly hydrated.

Liana Reiland is a nurse practitioner in Family Medicine in Mondovi , Wisconsin.

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Royal Caribbean drink packages: Prices, inclusions and what to know before you buy

Royal Caribbean drink packages allow you to drink what you want, when you want without feeling like you are being nickeled and dimed. Isn't that most cruisers' dream? The all-inclusive, extra-fee beverage plans aren't necessarily for everyone, but they offer a nice way to enhance your cruise and take some of the stress out of in-the-moment vacation decisions.

Royal Caribbean ships offer a variety of packages, from a simple Water Package that keeps you and your crew hydrated during your cruise to a comprehensive plan that includes most alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Other than the Water Package, which is priced based on the quantity you order, drink packages on Royal Caribbean are priced per person, per day.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The most common questions about Royal Caribbean's drink packages revolve around what each package includes, whether they are worth the price and when is the best time to buy your package. I've tried all of Royal Caribbean's drink packages. I've also cruised without a package. Here's what you need to know to decide if a beverage plan is right for you.

What's included in Royal Caribbean's drink packages?

Royal Caribbean offers a few different drink packages, and the inclusions vary based on your choice. All options include gratuities, and no Royal Caribbean drink package covers room service or minibar drinks. Also, unlimited alcoholic beverage packages may not be available while the ship sails in some locations, so package details may change based on the itinerary.

Related: Cruise drink packages: A line-by-line guide

Water Package

Royal Caribbean's Water Package is available in 12- and 24-packs of 1-liter bottles of Evian water. The bottles will be delivered to your cabin on embarkation day.

If you don't want to pay for a Water Package, you can find drinking water at complimentary drink stations in the buffet area and often in other locations on Royal Caribbean ships. Bring your own reusable bottle and fill it from these stations or straight from the faucet in your cabin. The water throughout the ships is not only drinkable but also better than what's available in many cities. You can also purchase bottles of water a la carte.

Why might you consider a Water Package? If you drink bottled water at home, you may prefer the taste. The package also allows you to have plenty of water on hand in your cabin or to take on excursions.

The downside is that 1-liter bottles are not the ideal size for lugging off the ship with you. You must either bring a reusable bottle or purchase single-serving bottles for port days. You can get these at bars or the gangway as you disembark in each port.

Classic Soft Drinks Package

Royal Caribbean's Soft Drinks Package is for the serious soda drinker. On select ships, the package comes with a souvenir Coca-Cola cup with a chip on the bottom to allow the holder to use the Freestyle soda dispensing machines throughout the ship. The "magic" cup gets you all the refills you want 24 hours a day, with your pick of sodas with add-in flavorings. (Orange Coke is my fave.) Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are available on 18 ships in the fleet.

You can also order a glass of soda at any restaurant or bar on board. Some venues only serve fountain sodas, but others have cans. One big bonus of the package is that sodas on Royal Caribbean's private island destinations ( Perfect Day at Coco Cay and Labadee ) are included. The only time you can't get a free soda with this package is with room service (because room service, other than continental breakfast, comes with a $7.95 service fee, no matter what you order) or from your cabin's minibar.

Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

You can bring up to 12 cans of soda (or bottles up to 17 ounces) per person on board with you in your carry-on luggage when you board the ship. So, why would you want a Classic Soft Drinks Package?

It's a question of convenience. I've been known to take a couple of 16-ounce bottles of soda on board with me, but carrying on much more than that is a big hassle. With a Classic Soft Drinks Package, you can easily access your beverage of choice anywhere you are on board — including ordering sodas from roaming bar servers at the pool, in the casino or at events and shows — or on Royal Caribbean's private islands . You don't have to return to your room to grab a soda. It's also great for older kids and teens who might be roaming the ship with friends.

Refreshment Package

This is my favorite Royal Caribbean drink package. It includes still and sparkling water, sodas (with the included Freestyle magic cup), mocktails, premium coffees and teas (but not those from Starbucks stand-alone stores or kiosks) and freshly squeezed juices.

With this package, you can order almost anything nonalcoholic at bars and most restaurants on board. The Refreshment Package does not include shakes at Johnny Rockets, which are only included with the Deluxe Beverage Package.

Even the smoothies and protein shakes at Vitality Cafe and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets are included in this package, as is the sweet tea at Portside BBQ on Oasis of the Seas. Want a strawberry slushy? Order a virgin strawberry daiquiri. Want hot cocoa? Covered. How about a virgin mudslide? A bartender will happily blend up vanilla ice cream, coffee, hazelnut syrup and chocolate syrup into a perfect mocha shake.

As with the Classic Soft Drinks Package, you can order your nonalcoholic beverages, from sparkling water to fancy mocktails, from your pool lounger or blackjack table.

Plus, with the Refreshment Package, you've solved the problem of needing water to take off the ship with you for excursions and what to drink while on the private islands. It's all included in this package.

Deluxe Beverage Package

This package takes all that's available in the Refreshment Package (sodas, water, mocktails, premium coffee and tea, and fresh-squeezed juice) and adds cocktails, spirits and liquors, as well as beer by the bottle or can and wine by the glass.

There are some limits on brands available with the package, but the list includes imported, domestic and craft beer, an extensive wine list and commonly ordered spirit brands on drinks up to $14. Any bar server can tell you what's available on your cruise.

You also get a hefty 40% discount on bottles of wine up to $100 and a 20% discount on bottles over $100. It's handy for sharing a bottle with your travel partner at dinner.

As with the Classic Soft Drinks and Refreshment packages, you can use the Deluxe Beverage Package anywhere on board (except stand-alone Starbucks locations). Use it in restaurants, bars and any other venue where a bar server is present, as well as at either of Royal Caribbean's private island destinations. The Deluxe Beverage Package also includes milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.

This package comes with a few caveats. If one person in a cabin buys this package, everyone of legal drinking age in the cabin must buy the same package, according to cruise line policy. If someone in your room does not drink alcohol, don't worry. I've encountered many people who have called customer service and downgraded one or more non-drinking adults to a Refreshment Package.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

The package also does not include drinks that come with souvenir glasses, but you can order the same drink in a regular glass.

If your vacation plans include alcoholic beverages, buying this package is a nice way to pay your cruise bar tab in advance rather than deal with the shock of a high bill at the end of the cruise.

Cafe Select Coffee Card

This option is ideal for cruisers who prefer a little fancier caffeine fix than what a simple cup of coffee provides. This card entitles you to any 15 specialty espresso-based coffees throughout your cruise. (This package excludes beverages from Starbucks stores or cafes.) One shot of espresso equals one card punch. If you order a specialty coffee that includes two shots of espresso, you will pay for that one drink with two punches.

Unlike Royal Caribbean's other drink packages, the Cafe Select Coffee Card is not restricted to one person, and anyone in your cabin can use it.

What do Royal Caribbean drink packages cost?

The cruise line uses dynamic pricing on beverage packages the same way it does on cruise fares. That means you won't know the prices for each package before you book a cruise. Demand, destination and promotions play a big part in the pricing, especially for the Deluxe Beverage Package, causing them to fluctuate slightly.

Here's what you can expect a Royal Caribbean drink package to cost:

• Water Package : 12 bottles for $39; 24 bottles for $69
• Classic Soft Drinks Package : $12.99 per person, per day
• Refreshment Package : $29 per person, per day
• Deluxe Beverage Package : $56 to $105 per person, per day (depending on your ship and trip)
• Cafe Select Coffee Card : $31 per card

The prices listed above do not include an automatic 18% gratuity (which is also applied to the coffee card). You'll want to factor that amount into your travel budget if you decide to purchase a package.

You will notice that the Deluxe Beverage Package price range listed above is a bit wider than what is posted on Royal Caribbean's site. Posted price ranges include the disclaimer that prices on individual sailings may vary. We used a realistic range of prices from Royal Caribbean guests who have booked cruises and paid for drink packages in the past 12 months.

The best time to buy Royal Caribbean drink packages

You can purchase a beverage package as soon as you book your cruise, but should you? A lot depends on how soon your ship will depart. If you're sailing within a few months, go ahead and get any packages you plan to buy — unless Black Friday happens before you sail. Black Friday deals on drink packages are generally the lowest you'll find all year.

The package that varies most in price is the Deluxe Beverage Package. Its price is higher during peak travel times and on cruises with stops at private islands. Buying this package ahead of time is always cheaper than purchasing it once you're on board.

Royal Caribbean does advertise price drops and deals for pre-cruise purchases. If you're waiting and hoping for a deal, frequent cruisers report that you should look at the actual price per person, per day, not at the percentage off or BOGO deals, to determine if the package price is where you want it.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

Is a Royal Caribbean drink package worth it?

Now that you know your choices and why you might want each package, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of whether these packages are worth purchasing.

The 1-liter bottles in the Water Package cost roughly the same as a 12-ounce bottle from a bar. That makes this package a deal, but only if you prefer bottled water over taps or dispensers. It's also convenient to have the water delivered to your cabin, eliminating the need to bring a case of bottles on board or search for a bottle when you want water on the ship.

When ordering an individual soda on the ship, your charge will be what you'd expect to pay at a land-based restaurant, plus an 18% gratuity added automatically. When you ask a bar server for a soda on the ship, you'll be charged just over $4 per soda with the tip, regardless of whether it comes in a can or from a fountain.

As the starting point for the Classic Soft Drinks Package is just over $15 per person, per day with the gratuity, you'll need to count on drinking a minimum of four sodas a day for it to be a good value.

If you prefer nonalcoholic beverages, you can expect to pay around $7 for mocktails and protein shakes, $5 for lattes at non-Starbucks locations and close to $9 for smoothies. These prices are before the automatic 18% gratuity.

Here's what your daily consumption might look like on the Refreshment Package: You could start with a morning latte ($6 after you add gratuity), grab water for your excursion ($3.84), enjoy a soda at lunch ($4), sip a couple of mocktails during the afternoon ($8.25 each), have another soda with dinner ($4) and enjoy another mocktail for the show or in the casino ($8.25).

That puts you at over $40 for the day, making the Refreshment Package a deal at $34 (with tip) per person, per day. Drink much less than that, and this Royal Caribbean drink package won't be worth it. The Refreshment Package price varies only slightly between sailings.

For alcoholic drinks, prices vary a lot based on your order. Beer and hard cider average $7 to $9. Wine by the glass is $9 to $25. Cocktails are $10 to $14, except for the drink of the day, which is $8. These prices do not include the 18% gratuity.

When deciding if Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it, be sure to factor in nonalcoholic drinks you are likely to have, not just those with alcohol. How many premium coffees do you drink each day, including one with your dessert at dinner? How many bottles of water and sodas?

The value of those often adds up to $25 or more per day. That leaves you with somewhere between $30 and $80 per day to spend on alcoholic drinks to break even.

If you're lucky and can purchase your package at the lowest possible price, almost anyone who drinks a combination of nonalcoholic drinks and a couple of cocktails daily would break even. But if your purchase price is somewhere in the middle of the price range (where most people land), you would need to consume a minimum of $55 per day beyond the average nonalcoholic beverages to break even. That equals six beers, or four or five glasses of wine or cocktails.

Related: Are cruise drink packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

For fans of specialty coffees, this package could save you money. Based on the price of a single espresso shot latte (about $6 after you add gratuity), you would only get five coffees for roughly the same cost as the coffee card. Since you get 15 single espresso shot beverages with the coffee card, you get more than double the number of coffees for the same price.

Whichever package you choose, your value may also depend on your itinerary and activities. On a Caribbean cruise that includes a sea day or two and a stop at CocoCay, you'll likely drink more — simply because you're relaxing more than touring, and the hot temperatures will make you thirsty.

But what about a port-intensive cruise in Europe where you are off the ship for long hours and likely to be sampling local beverages? In that case, the ship's beverage package might not come through for you.

Combined packages

If you mainly drink specialty coffees and sodas, one way to save a little money on your beverages is to combine the Cafe Select Coffee Card with the Classic Soda Package.

For example, you would need to purchase the Refreshment Package to get both sodas and premium coffees and teas, which is $29 per person, per day. The cost for the Cafe Select Coffee Card with the Classic Soda Package would run you $12.99 per day, plus a one-time cost of $31 for the card. So, for a five-night cruise, the Refreshment Package would cost you $145 per person; the combined Cafe Select Coffee Card and Classic Soda would cost $95.95 per person. You could spend even less if you're traveling with a partner and want to share one coffee card and each get your own soda package.

Additional factors

Before you decide if a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it, there are two more things to consider: your Crown & Anchor loyalty status and your Casino Royale player status .

If you are a Diamond C&A member, your SeaPass card will be loaded with four free drinks per day. Diamond Plus members get five drinks, and Pinnacle members get six. Those can be water, specialty coffee or tea (other than from Starbucks and Desserted), sodas from bar servers, beer, wine or cocktails up to $14 (except at Bionic Bar).

As for casino perks, if your status is Prime or higher, you can drink free from the casino bar anytime it is open.

Those free perks could make the difference in which package you choose, if any. For example, a Diamond member might use her free drink allotment on cocktails and wine and save money with a Refreshment or Soda Package for her other daily drinks. Or, perhaps, the free drinks are enough that it's cheaper to buy a few nonalcoholic beverages a la carte.

Diamond Plus members also have a discount of 30% on Deluxe Beverage Packages when purchased on board. That's rarely a good deal unless you simply forget to buy in advance, as pre-purchase in the cruise planner or app is almost always at least 30% lower than the onboard price.

Bottom line: Is a drink package on Royal Caribbean right for you?

Now that you have all the facts, there are several ways to look at Royal Caribbean's drink packages to determine if you should get one.

First, consider every kind of drink you will likely pay for on board. Are you happy with beverages that are included in the cruise fare? Those include tap water, drip coffee, tea, milk, lemonade and juice from a dispenser at breakfast. Or, will your vacation only be complete with morning lattes, smoothies, fruity drinks by the pool and wine with dinner?

For some people, it's easy. If you're likely to drink four or five cocktails most days, plus specialty coffee, waters for excursions, soda and a glass of wine at dinner, your total, if purchased individually, would easily exceed $80 per day. Unless your sailing has a higher-than-average price for the package, go for it.

However, if you typically only drink a couple of glasses of wine at dinner, you aren't likely to break even — at least, not on the Deluxe Beverage Package. In that case, skip the package that includes alcohol and do the math on the Refreshment Package.

If you drink soda, the difference in price between the Classic Soft Drinks Package and the Refreshment Package is $16. Almost any combination of two other drinks — lattes, mocktails, smoothies or bottled water — makes the Refreshment Package a deal for you. If you can live without the extras, stick with the soda-only package.

If none of those looks like a bargain, pay as you go. Some people set a daily drink budget and check themselves (or their kids) against their folio in the Royal Caribbean app or on the interactive TV in their cabin. I've even met people who bring cash along to pay their drink balance daily at guest services to stay on track.

The other side of the equation is to factor the price of the drink package into the total vacation cost to make the cruise more of an all-inclusive vacation experience. Think about it like you would an all-inclusive land-based resort. When you vacation at one of those, you not only wouldn't know the price of the drinks you consume, but you also would not care.

If you're more interested in a stress-free vacation where you don't have to agonize about the cost of every drink you consume than you are in paying the least amount of money possible for your vacation, a Royal Caribbean drink package is totally worth it.

The bottom line is that drink packages on Royal Caribbean expand your choices. You can use packages to make your cruise as all-inclusive as you'd like (and maybe save some money in the process), or you can opt to cruise and drink in pay-as-you-go mode. Either way, you'll find plenty of fun cocktails and mocktails, as well as your favorite wine and beer, to enhance your vacation at sea.

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