Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Guidelines to Opening a Water Store

Water Store Owner’s Guide

1. Find location. This is one of the most important steps - Location, Location, and Location!

2. Apply for Registration - call power, phone, gas, and water, Obtain fictitious business name  from Trade Mark and Registration and Design Logo required for Trade Mark and Copy Right.  Obtain No objection from UC’s of your area . Obtain resale’s City Govt. registration from the City Govt. area Nazim. Obtain taxpayer. Have a lawyer look over your  contingent on getting all necessary permits to open a water store.

3. Order your equipment from us. Please allow 4-5 weeks for delivery. If you need the equipment sooner, ask! We may be able to make special arrangements.

4. Assistance available from PakWater Care Services for rough sketch and store layout plans.

5. Have contractors bid for improvements. (Optional)

a) Get at least 3 different contractors to give you bids.
1). You may act as your own contractor and hire sub-contractors and save money.
2). You can hire a contractor to do all the work for you.
b) You may need some or all of the following tradesmen for the work - carpenter, plumber, flooring/tile, electrician and  painting contractor.        

6. Get permits for building and tenant improvements from building department. Also you may need a sign permit.

7. Start construction.
a) Plumbing - floor sink, water line with back flow.
b) Carpentry - walls, windows, etc.
c) Electrical - 220 v. Single phase, 30 amp, 220 v plugs, lighting.
d) Painting - walls, ceiling tiles, window advertising painting.
e) Flooring - except cove base. Cove base should be installed in equipment room    only prior to installation of equipment.


8. Call PCSIR/Agha Khan Laboratory for water testing requirements.
a) Get names, times frames, prices of testing services in area. Phone numbers located in the manual.
b) Obtain License from PSQCA (Optional)

9. Order inventory.

10. Advertise Grand Opening – YOU’RE ALMOST THERE!

11. Requirements needed before equipment installation -
a) 220 volt 30 amp with neutral disconnect located in equipment room (we provide the plug).
b) Equipment room complete with paint.
c) Flooring complete in equipment room and cove base installed.
d) 2" Floor sink installed.
e) 1" water line with shutoff with a threaded fitting.
f) Backflow device installed before shutoff valve in water line above floor sink.
g) 1" water meter installed if required by landlord.


After Construction:


10. PakWater Care Services will deliver, install, set up and train you on your equipment (at your location or ours).

11. Install cove base.

12. Have your water tested and call for store inspection after receiving water test results.
a) Water test requirements include lead, bacteria, and VOC testing.

13. Set up store displays, shelving, etc.

Congratulations, you are ready to sell your first gallon!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STORE LAYOUT

Here is a list of do’s and don’t for laying out a water store.

  1. Equipment room should be a minimum of 12’ x 12’ inside measurements.
  2. Equipment room should be located on a sidewall that is on the same side the fill station is on.
  3. The floor sink should be next to a sidewall so that all pipes that need to be plumbed to it can be easily run to it. The floor sink needs to be located so all pipes do not have to cross any doorways.
  4.  
  5. Equipment room door should be located so all the equipment can be taken in and out, this means a door 36” or wider. An 8’ sliding glass door in the front of the room works very well.
  6.  
  7. A 1” water line needs to be installed on the sidewall next to the backside of the system. It also needs a backflow preventer on the incoming water line. The water line should be located 5’ up from the floor.
  8.  
  9. The electrical needs to be a 30Amp. 220-volt single phase with a neutral and ground. It should be located next to the water line about 5’ up from floor.
  10.  
  11. When looking at the system from the front, the water line and electrical are located on the right backside of the system.

A Business Opportunity with Unlimited Potential

The Demand for Purified Water
Getting Started
Commonly asked Questions and Answers
Water Store Package Benefits
The Cost to Open a Water Store
Important Considerations when Purchasing Equipment
Monthly Sales Projections

Water Stores


What’s Hot? Water stores are according to Entrepreneur Magazine which noted this in their popular “What’s Hot” section. Water Stores are the new waves of the future. The water industry is more than a billion-dollar industry around the world in Pakistan as Well and increasing. Why? I will tell you why. People are making a lot of money. They are finding out that water is their “liquid gold”.

THE PROBLEM:
Most people do not like the taste of their tap water and some are getting sick from their tap water. Every day we hear stories about bacteria in our local water supply and people getting sick or even worse. Worldwide, three million people die each year from contaminated water. Health departments warn the public constantly of harmful chemicals hiding in our local tap water and the situation is not improving. The private sector is taking into their hands what the government cannot afford to do which is supplying men, women and children with pure, affordable drinking water.

ALTERNATIVES:

In 1995, Americans consumed some 2.7 billion gallons of bottled water, which is a 1,025 percent increase over 1975 figures. According to the International Bottled Water Association, bottled water sales topped 3.1 billion gallons in 1997, creating a per capita consumption of 11.7 gallons. Since 1990, the United States bottled water market has gained nearly one billion gallons, while per capita consumption has increased nearly three gallons for every man woman and child nationwide. Bottled water delivery companies are as popular as ever, but their costs are still high compared to Water Stores. In some cities, five gallons of home delivered water cost $7.50. At grocery stores, the least expensive store brands sell for 50 cents or more per gallon. Most importantly many consumers, regardless of economic times, like to save money. This makes the Water Store a very wise consumer choice.

WHAT IS A WATER STORE?
The Water Store of today is a full service retail outlet that offers local customers pure drinking water and water related products. The Water Store provides service and quality drinking water at a price much less than delivered bottled water or bottled water that they purchase in the grocery store. Water Stores also sell ice and various sizes of water bottles, crocks, coolers and some even sell POU (Point of Use) equipment for the household. Worldwide, we are seeing the Water Store as it should be, as a “mini water plant” that provides needed pure drinking water for the community.

HOW CAN PWC’S HELP?
We specialize in Water Stores and are direct manufacturers of Water Store equipment and also provide one stop shopping for Water Store owners. We have manufactured and installed our equipment for several of Water Stores in Pakistan. We are experts in designing water purification systems for projects which include bottling and vending.  WATER STORES ARE OUR MAIN FOCUS! PWC’S is doing our part assisting individuals in opening their own “mini water plant”, the Water Store.

GETTING STARTED:

There are many factors to consider when opening a successful Water Store. At PWC’S, we understand how important opening a business is for the first time.  PWC’S works with our clients on a personal one on one project basis. We assist you step by step on what you need to open your store and give you the training and continuing support that you need.

Many people call us asking "How do I get started, or what's the next step?"
1) First you need to choose a location and go through the leasing process. As in most business ventures remember, location, location, and location. It is vital to your success.

2) When you sign your lease, you will visit us at our facilities where you will take a tour of existing Water Stores and get a chance to talk to different owners about the business. At this time, you will consider many different designs for your store. PWC’S will help you with a floor plan and give you step by step instructions on what you need to do to get your store ready.

3) It is very important that when you sign your contract, you also order your equipment. We believe that you can probably have your store opened in Three to Five weeks The lead-time on the equipment will be four weeks. There are buyer improvements that need to be done such as electrical, water lines and floor sinks along with an equipment room, finished ceilings, flooring and walls. PWC’S will give you step by step instructions on what needs to be done.

4) Once you are ready for the equipment, PWC’S will travel to your store and do the installation and start up process for you. We will train you at our facilities on how to do the installation for free.

5) PWC’S will provide you with a list of suppliers for the bottles, crocks and coolers and help you work a deal to get the best prices available for all your store merchandise.
6) Water testing may be required by your local health officials. The requirements vary from state to state and country to country. PWC’S will advise you during this process.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!  YOU’RE READY TO OPEN THE DOORS!
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q. How great is the demand for clean drinking water?

A. According to the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), Americans   consumed some 2.7 billion gallons of bottled water in 1995.  Approximately 1 in 4 households in Southern California use bottled water as their source of drinking water, and the number is growing.

Q. Why do people buy water at Water Stores?

A. Price, quality, convenience, and consistency all play major roles, but the most important factor is trust in the product.  People have become very skeptical of the water being delivered to their homes or business’, or the water they purchase from vending machines or grocery stores, not to mention tap water.

Q. What type of location and size?

A. Supermarkets and shopping centers that people use.  Strip centers with good visibility and parking.  Avoid shopping centers that people only use once a month (Target, K-Mart, Costco, etc.).  Store size should be about 1,000 square feet.  Middle class centers work very well.  Stay away from high income areas.  High density areas (apartments) work best. Close, adequate parking is essential.

Q. What type and how many employees do I need?

A. Friendly, part-time employees that can work flexible hours.  As part-time help you do not need to provide benefits.

Q. Where do I get my supplies and inventory?

A. We will furnish you with a list of suppliers for all you needs (bottles, coolers, crocks, etc.).

Q. What about training?

A. PWC’S will train you on your equipment.

Q. Is financing available?

A. Yes. Lease financing is available for equipment and leasehold improvement, however, not available for inventory or working capital, etc.

Q. What other products might I sell to my Water Store?

A. Bottles, coolers, crocks, ice and water filter equipment is standard inventory. Other items such as snacks, Soft Drinks would also sell well.

Q. Water Stores are new to my area.  How can I tell if they will do well?

A. Many different factors make a Water Store successful.  Survey your area to find out where people are buying their water now.  Outside water vending machines in front of  supermarkets are an excellent sign that your market is ready for a Water Store. This is just one factor of many that we look for.

WATER BUSINESS PAKISTAN


WATER STORE PACKAGE BENEFITS

1) Free store design and layout.
2) Six Months warranty on all systems.
3) Free technical training at our facilities.
4) Installation crews available.
5) Customer phone service support.
6) Custom designed Reverse Osmosis systems for specific applications.
7) Contacts for suppliers of bottles, crocks, coolers and other store merchandise at the best pricing.
8) The most complete line of water store equipment available. We offer one stop shopping for our customers including fill tables, bottle rinsers and water vending machines, along with the of R.O. Systems, the Skid.

EQUIPMENT & UTILITIES TO OPEN A STORE
Water Treatment System Equipment with Filling Table
Water Reservoir Tanks
Leasehold Improvements, Wall Counters, decor, furnishings
Neon Sign
Lease or rent deposit
Plumbing and Electrical
Inventory (bottles, crocks, coolers, etc.)
Advertising and Grand Opening
Insurance (Optional)
Miscellaneous supplies
Building permits fee, business license   

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Things to consider when purchasing Equipment for a Water Store:
As you are considering the purchase of equipment to open a Water Store, there are some very important things we would encourage you to contemplate before you make a purchase that may not meet your needs. The following is comprised of some very basic questions that will determine how successful your business will be. Carefully consider these things, as it is our desire at PWC’S that you be successful in your business. These question will help you look at your store through the eyes of your customers and will enable you to better appeal to them.

1) When going to purchase water from a Water Store, what type of location would you prefer to go to?

2) When choosing a Water Store to buy water from, would you go to one that looked professional or one that looked homemade?

3) If there were two stores near you and only one had a bottle rinse to purify your bottles, which one would go to?

4) When looking at the filter system where you buy water, would you feel more comfortable with equipment that was clean, professional and made a good presentation or would you be okay with equipment that had wires hanging, was dirty and looked homemade?

As a business owner, there are some questions that you need to consider before you spend a lot of money on your equipment. Please consider the following questions before you purchase thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

1) Would you be happy with equipment that was constantly breaking down, required a lot of maintenance and you were not able to get technical support from the manufacturer when you needed it?

2) Would you want to make one purchase that would meet all of your needs both now and in the future, or would you prefer to have to make upgrades constantly to keep up with demands?

3) Is the appearance of your business important to you and do you think it matters to your customers?


REMEMBER “IF IT’S WORTH DOING, IT’S WORTH DOING RIGHT”


IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER


Low overhead/high profits.

Sell a high quality product that people need!

 Low wage employees.

Easy to operate.

Can have multiple stores or an absent owner.

 Low maintenance.

 No large inventories.

Great growth potential.

Not a franchise (no fees!!).

Clean, nontoxic working area.

Very low initial investment!!!

Starting A Bottled Water Business

Millions of  People choose bottled water every day as their choice for a healthy lifestyle, so why not consider starting a bottled water business of your own?


There used to be a time when everyone drank tap water, but with the search for purer water and on-the-go convenience, the bottled water business has grown exponentially.
In the U.S. and worldwide, growth is expected to continue. Starting a business in bottled water has never been more attractive an idea.

The Planning Behind Starting A Bottled Water Business
It is essential to have a well thought out business plan.


The first question to answer is: do you have a plentiful source for your water? According to the International Bottled Water Association (bottledwater.org), bottled water comes in six different forms.


These are: spring water, which comes from an underground spring; purified water, which has been cleaned to acceptable governmental standards; mineral water, which contains a minimum level of naturally occurring minerals; sparkling water, which originally contained carbon dioxide and after treatment still retains it (or has had the carbon dioxide added back to the original level); artesian water, which comes from an underground rock unit through which water moves; well water.

Bottling Equipment
Once you have a source for water, you will need bottling equipment. Bottles, caps, labels and sterilizers are some of your essentials. Many water bottles are now making the move to lighter, more environmentally friendly designs. Look for bottling machines that can accommodate this.


Consider leasing bottling equipment and machines instead of buying them – at least at first. This will free up funds for other areas of your business such as marketing.


Government Regulations
Before you pour a drop of water into a bottle, you will have to make sure you are following governmental regulations.


The Food and Drug Administration (fda.gov) regulates the bottled water industry. These regulations are intended to ensure that the water is safe from the time it is procured through the processing, bottling and transportation process.


Research their rules to ensure you are following them. This means you must know all of the components in your water accurately to ensure consistency and purity.
If you are selling tap water, you will fall under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov), which is equally stringent.


Marketing Water
Fortunately, many people are already sold on the idea of buying water instead of using tap water. Now you just have to sell people on buying your water. As you plan this, think about what makes your water special.


Is it the purification process that gives such a clean, natural taste? Is it the location of the source?
Once you’ve determined how your water is different, you can figure out where to start marketing. If your purity is the selling point, try selling at natural food stores. Local stores often have more flexibility to try new brands than larger chains. Give the store managers free samples.


Consider vending at local sporting events, as recreational baseball and soccer games are filled with thirsty players and spectators. Also consider sponsoring a team, providing water for their events, giving players coupons, and telling them where they can buy more bottles.


You can also sell directly by setting up a website with a shopping cart.
By doing your research, complying with federal regulations, and differentiating your water, you can tap into success after starting a bottled water business.
More About Mineral Water Business Click Here

Bottled Water Business Plan Executive Summary


The executive summary for your Bottled Water Business should be written last. It should include the main people involved in your Bottled Water Business and their experience related to the Bottled Water Business. There should be a brief description of what the Bottled Water Business entails. Your Bottled Water Business should include some brief financial statements such as loans you will require and profit/loss statements for the first 3 years.

Objectives


The should be your short term and long term objectives for your Bottled Water Business.

Mission


What is the main mission for your Bottled Water Business.

Keys to Success


A few bullet points to briefly describe why your Bottled Water Business will be a success.

Company Summary


Company Ownership


Who owns your Bottled Water Business and what type of business will it be – will you be an LLC etc.

Location(s) and Facilities


Address of your business if possible or a rough idea of the surroundings and the benefits this location will be for your Bottled Water Business.

Start-up Summary for a Bottled Water Business


Provide basic details of the capital you require for your Bottled Water Business and how you intend to acquire that capital if you don’t have it already.

Start-up Expenses for a Bottled Water Business


This should be a list of all your start up capital required before you start trading as well as the amount if any you will be needing to loan.

Products / Services


Product Description


Describe all the products you will sell and give an indication of future products you will sell and the reasons why these will be sold in the future and not now.

Service Descriptions


Describe all the services you will provide and give an indication of future services you will provide and the reasons why these will be provided in the future and not now.

Market Analysis Summary for a Bottled Water Business


Market Segmentation


Give the details of who your target market will be for the Bottled Water Business.

Target Market Segment Strategy


Explain how your marketing will get new and existing clients to buy from you.

Market Trends


Explain how in general the direction the Bottled Water Business is taking. Is it up or down and what are the reasons for this and can you cater for the existing and new trends.

Service Business Analysis


Explain how the Bottled Water Business is run in a nutshell.

Main Competitors


Who are the main competitors for your Bottled Water Business. Try to explain their strengths and weaknesses.

Strategy and Implementation Summary for a Bottled Water Business


Marketing Strategy


How will you market your Bottled Water Business.

Pricing Strategy


What are your prices and the reasons for your prices.

Promotion Strategy


Are you planning a grand opening with special discounts on your opening night? Do you need to give special offers to attract new and existing customers to your Bottled Water Business once you are established.

Competitive Edge


Explain why customers will come to your Bottled Water Business as compared to someone elses.

Web Strategy


The web is becoming ever more important for any business. How exactly are you going to use this medium in your Bottled Water Business strategy.

Sales Strategy


How are you going to generate more sales for your Bottled Water Business.

Strategic Alliances


What other companies can you work with to help your Bottled Water Business.

Management Summary


Management Team


Who are the main people involved in your Bottled Water Business.

Organizational Structure


Which people are in charge of which departments in your Bottled Water Business.

Personnel Plan


List all the people involved or you will require to run your business smoothly with salaries or share options.

Strategic Direction


SWOT Analysis


This is a summary of the business's most important strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Strengths of the Business


Excellent quality product
"Which means that" Adds to reputation.

Good management skills.
"Which means that" Well run business

Good ability to extract information.
"Which means that" Can control the business.-

Weaknesses of the Business


New Player
"Which means that" Credibility problem may affect initial sales

Lack of systems
"Which means that" The company needs to develop systemised operational & sales techniques or sacrifice profits

Opportunities in the Marketplace


Add-on products such as **
"Which means that" A potentially enormous market for the Bottled Water Business to tap into.

Growing market segments.
"Which means that" our Bottled Water Business should target these segments.

Threats in the Marketplace


Increasing supplier prices.
"Which means that" Resulting in reduced profitability.

Declining size of the ** segment.
"Which means that" Need to focus on growing segments to spread the company's portfolio

New Products


To evaluate and launch new products or services which will turn over $xxxxxx in the first year.

Other Objectives (Goals)


To not exceed a marketing budget of $xxxxxx
To not exceed a payroll budget of $xxxxx
To not exceed a general overhead budget of $xxxxxx

Marketing Plan for a Bottled Water Business


Marketing Objectives


Sales Objective                                  


To achieve sales by XX% to $XXX

Sales Objectives by Market Segment


#1 Segment:                                        To achieve sales to $xxxxxx
#2 Segment:                                        To achieve sales to $xxxxxx
#3 Segment:                                        To achieve sales to $xxxxxx
Other                                                   To achieve sales to $xxx

Promotional Strategies


Advertising       


Develop a corporate brochure.
Month 20XX

Develop personalised business cards.
Month 20XX

Create Basic Website as a tool to promote services
Month 20XX

Advertise in local publications
Month 20XX

Advertise monthly in magazines that are specifically targeted to the ** and ** segments.
Month 20XX

Advertise monthly in magazines that are aimed at the general industry.
Month 20XX

Lead Generation Program


Conduct monthly on-going lead generation program. Send out monthly direct mail leaflets with response coupons.
Month 20XX

"Centres Of Influence" Program

Personally contact at least ten potential partners each week.
Produce a monthly newsletter that shows examples of (your products) and how customers have benefited from using them.
Month 20XX

PR Program


PR release to be initiated each month to various trade journals and magazines.
Month 20XX

Sales Force


Employ telemarketing staff.
Month 20XX

Organise training program to be implemented.
Month 20XX

Lost Customers


Contact monthly all past customers that have not re-ordered to ask why not and see whether we can win back their business.
Month 20XX

Follow up Enquiries


Contact all enquirers monthly and determine if they have purchased from a competitor and, if so, why.
Month 20XX

Existing Customers


Follow up all new customers two weeks after they purchase to ensure they are satisfied with the product.
Month 20XX

Send quarterly newsletter to existing customers to keep them informed of our other products.
Month 20XX

Sales Promotion


Develop an ongoing sales promotion to target existing customers.
Month 20XX

General Marketing Strategies for a Bottled Water Business


Competitor Profile


Keep updated competitor profile.
Month 20XX

Marketing information system           


Document on every enquiry "How did you hear about us?"
Month 20XX

Document on every order "How did you hear about us?"
Month 20XX

Produce monthly sales reports by product, by market segment, and by territory.
Month 20XX

Financial Strategies for a Bottled Water Business


Cash Flow


Eliminate cash shortage in the traditional tight periods of <month A> to <month B>
Month 20XX

Payment Days


Maintain payment of bills, on average, to xx days.
Month 20XX

Expenses


Develop and implement new policies on approval and signatories on expenses.
Month 20XX

Leases


Pay off the existing lease on capital equipment, thus reducing the monthly financial burden.
Month 20XX

Overdraft       


Reduce the overdraft from $xxxxxx to $xxxxxxx
Month 20XX

Wages


Pay all wages on a monthly basis instead of weekly.
Month 20XX

New Equipment


Organise funding for the $xxxxxxx expenditure on new equipment.
Month 20XX

Payback


Ensure a payback on new equipment through sales of one year.
Month 20XX

Inventory


Improve the number of stock turns to xxxxx a year.
Month 20XX

Rent


Negotiate new terms on the premises and reduce existing payments by xx%
Month 20XX

Bank Charges


Renegotiate with the bank and consolidate some outstanding loans with lower interest rates.
Month 20XX


Organisational Plan


Organisational and Management


Next Year's Objectives

Budget - To not exceed the payroll budget of $xxxxxxx
Staff - To employ or re-deploy a total of xxxxx full-time and part-time staff over the next year.

HUMAN RESOURCE STRATEGIES


Organisational


Draw organisational chart.
Month 20XX

Develop incentive scheme related to job requirements.
Month 20XX

Policies and procedures


Develop policies and procedures manual.
Month 20XX

Employ or re-deploy staff

Employ one specialist ** salesperson.
Month 20XX

Employ one marketing assistant.
Month 20XX

Employ one accounts receivable person.
Month 20XX

Training


Carry out training needs analysis.
Month 20XX

Morale


Install suggestion box.
Month 20XX

Organise monthly meetings to follow up tasks
Month 20XX

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