AQUABEST | Philippine Franchise

AQUABEST FRANCHISE

To become an AQUABEST franchisee, start by contacting them directly. You can find contact information on their official Facebook page or the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) website. AQUABEST often hosts free online or face-to-face franchise seminars, which can provide more details about the franchise and the process. The capital investment for an AQUABEST franchise typically ranges from Php 600,000 to 800,000, and the franchise fee is Php 100,000, according to the PFA.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Contact AQUABEST:

Visit their official Facebook page or contact them through the phone number provided.  You can also find contact information on the PFA website.

2. Attend a Franchise Seminar:

AQUABEST offers both online and face-to-face seminars, which provide valuable information about the franchise, including the investment required, the franchise fee, and the support they offer to franchisees.

3. Understand the Franchise Requirements:

Capital Investment: You'll need to invest between Php 600,000 to 800,000.  Franchise Fee: A one-time fee of Php 100,000 is required.  Term of Agreement: The initial franchise agreement is typically for 3 years, and you can renew it for another 3 years, according to the PFA.  Location: Consider the location of your potential franchise, as it can impact your business success.

4. Complete the Application:

Once you have all the necessary information, you'll need to complete the application process, which may involve submitting financial documents and completing a business plan.

5. Get Approved:

AQUABEST will review your application and determine if you meet their criteria.

6. Sign the Franchise Agreement:

If approved, you'll sign a franchise agreement outlining your responsibilities and the support you'll receive from AQUABEST.

7. Start Your Business:

With the franchise agreement in place, you can start setting up your AQUABEST water refilling station.

Aquabest is primarily known for its founder, Carson Tan. He is the President and CEO of the company, which was founded in 1997. Aquabest has grown to become one of the largest water refilling station chains in the Philippines, with over 700 stores nationwide.

Additionally, Carmela Liwanag is also listed as an owner and franchisee, as indicated on her LinkedIn profile.

The franchise cost for a water refilling station can range from Php 50,000 to Php 100,000, depending on the franchise brand and the specific franchise agreement. In addition to the franchise fee, a capital investment of at least Php 500,000 is generally needed for equipment and setup.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Franchise Fee: This is a one-time payment to the franchiser for the right to use their brand and business model. Livingwater Station has a franchise fee of Php 50,000, while Crystal Clear charges Php 100,000.  Capital Investment: This includes the cost of equipment like water purification systems, storage tanks, filling machines, and potentially the cost of a store or a space to operate from. A basic setup can be started with around Php 200,000, but a more comprehensive setup with better equipment and potentially a better location might require up to Php 500,000 or more.

Factors Affecting Cost:

Franchise Brand: Different brands may have different franchise fees and capital investment requirements. Location: A prime location may require more capital investment than a less desirable location. Size and Scope: The size of the refilling station and whether it includes additional services like water delivery may also affect the total cost.

Aquabest Franchise Opportunity: A Comprehensive Analysis

For entrepreneurs in the Philippines seeking a business rooted in providing a fundamental need, the water refilling station industry is a perennial contender. Among the established names, Aquabest stands out with its long history and extensive network. This analysis delves into the Aquabest franchise opportunity, providing a structured report for prospective franchisees to evaluate its potential.

Part 1: The Personal Fit Analysis (Is This For You?)

The Ideal Franchisee Profile: An ideal Aquabest franchisee is a hands-on entrepreneur with a strong sense of community and a commitment to health and safety standards. This individual is not just looking for a passive investment but is willing to be actively involved in the daily operations. They should be service-oriented, finding satisfaction in providing a basic necessity – clean and safe drinking water – to their local area. A background in management or small business operations would be advantageous, but a willingness to learn and adhere to a proven system is paramount.

Lifestyle & Time Commitment: Operating a water refilling station is a retail and service-oriented business that demands consistent oversight. A franchisee should expect to dedicate significant time, especially during the initial setup and the first year of operation, to establish the business, train staff, and build a customer base. While you may hire staff for daily tasks like water purification, refilling, and delivery, your role as the owner will involve managing inventory, overseeing financials, marketing, and ensuring quality control. This is not a 9-to-5 job; your presence may be required during peak hours, weekends, and for handling any operational emergencies.

Essential Skills for Success:

• Operations Management: The ability to manage the day-to-day processes of water purification, inventory of containers and seals, and delivery logistics is crucial.
• Customer Service: Building a loyal customer base is key. Excellent communication and service skills are necessary to attract and retain households and corporate clients.
• Basic Financial Acumen: Skills in bookkeeping, managing cash flow, and understanding profit and loss are essential for the long-term viability of the franchise.
• People Management: You will be responsible for hiring, training, and motivating a small team of staff.
• Adherence to Standards: A strict commitment to following the franchisor's operational and sanitation protocols is non-negotiable to ensure water safety and brand reputation.

Potential Challenges to Consider:

• Intense Competition: The water refilling industry in the Philippines is highly saturated. You will likely face competition from other national franchises and numerous independent, local "mom-and-pop" stations that may compete on price.
• Logistical Hurdles: Managing deliveries efficiently, especially amidst traffic and rising fuel costs, can be a significant challenge that impacts profitability.
• Maintaining Quality Control: Any lapse in sanitation or water quality can have severe consequences for public health and the reputation of your business. Constant vigilance is required.
• Regulatory Compliance: The business is subject to regulations and regular inspections from local government units and the Department of Health (DOH). Staying compliant requires meticulous record-keeping and adherence to standards.

Part 2: The Operational Blueprint (How It Works)

The Business Model at a Glance: Aquabest operates on the straightforward and consistently in-demand business model of selling purified drinking water to local communities. The core strength lies in its established brand name, which has built a reputation for quality and safety over many years. The model involves sourcing water, processing it through a multi-stage purification system provided by the franchisor, and selling it in various container sizes, primarily the standard 5-gallon bottle. The business caters to both walk-in customers and a delivery service for households and offices.

A Day in the Life: A typical day for an Aquabest franchisee involves a series of structured operational tasks. The day starts with checking the water purification equipment to ensure it's functioning correctly and performing any required daily maintenance. Staff will then begin the purification process to ensure an adequate supply of clean water for the day. Throughout the day, the team will attend to walk-in customers, refill their containers, and manage transactions. Delivery personnel will be out on their routes, fulfilling orders from regular clients. As the franchisee, your time would be divided between supervising these activities, managing inventory, handling customer inquiries or concerns, planning marketing initiatives, and taking care of the business's administrative and financial records.

Key Revenue Streams: The primary revenue stream for an Aquabest franchise is the sale of purified water. This is typically broken down by:

• Water Refills: Customers bring their own 5-gallon containers for refilling.
• New Container Sales: Selling new, pre-filled containers to first-time customers or those needing replacements.
• Smaller Bottle Sales: Some outlets may offer smaller, personal-sized bottles of water.
• Delivery Services: Often a significant portion of revenue comes from scheduled deliveries to homes and offices, which may include a nominal delivery fee.

Critical Questions on Support & Training: Based on the available information, Aquabest provides a comprehensive support system for its franchisees. This includes:

• Training: The franchisor provides training for both the franchisee and their staff on the technical aspects of the water purification system, daily operations, and customer service.
• Site Selection Assistance: Guidance on choosing a suitable location is often part of the franchise package, which is critical for visibility and accessibility.
• Marketing Support: The franchisor provides marketing materials and engages in centralized advertising efforts to build and maintain brand recognition. This is a key benefit of the monthly dues.
• Technical Support: Ongoing on-call technical support for the equipment is a crucial part of the franchise agreement to minimize downtime.

Specialized Content Module: The Technological Trust Factor Aquabest sets itself apart by emphasizing its water purification technology. The company highlights its use of advanced systems, such as Reverse Osmosis, and its adherence to international standards like ISO certification. This focus on technology and quality control is a core part of its brand identity, aiming to provide franchisees with a "clinical advantage" over smaller, independent competitors. For the consumer, this translates to peace of mind, and for the franchisee, it serves as a powerful marketing tool and a justification for a premium position in the market.

Part 3: The Financial Picture (The Bottom Line)

The Initial Investment: Beyond the Fee: The financial entry point for an Aquabest franchise is a significant consideration. Based on publicly available information:

• Franchise Fee: Approximately Php 100,000.
• Total Initial Investment: The range is estimated to be between Php 600,000 and Php 800,000. This total investment typically covers the franchise fee, the complete water purification system and equipment, initial inventory of containers and supplies, signage, and training. It is crucial for prospective franchisees to clarify with Aquabest the exact and detailed breakdown of this total investment, including costs for store renovation and construction, which may or may not be fully included.

Ongoing Financial Commitments: While some reports suggest no royalty fees, there is a recurring monthly fee.

• Monthly Service/Marketing Fee: Some sources indicate a monthly due of around Php 5,000. This fee generally covers centralized advertising, marketing support, and ongoing technical assistance. It is essential to clarify the exact nature and amount of all recurring fees directly with the franchisor to have a clear picture of the ongoing operational costs.

Profitability Potential: The profitability of an Aquabest franchise is directly influenced by several factors. The most critical is sales volume, which is driven by the franchisee's ability to build a large and loyal customer base. A strategic location with high visibility and density of the target market (residential areas, offices, schools) is paramount. Efficient management of operating costs, particularly delivery expenses (fuel and vehicle maintenance) and utilities (water and electricity), will also significantly impact the bottom line. While the brand name provides a strong starting point, ultimate profitability rests on the franchisee's operational excellence and local marketing efforts.