Residential and Commercial How to Choose a Reliable Provider of Bottled Water in Northern Virginia—5 Essential Pointers

 Residential and Commercial How to Choose a Reliable Provider of Bottled Water in Northern Virginia—5 Essential Pointers

A growing number of households and companies in the US are opting to buy bottled water instead of using municipal or well-treated water. Clearly, this trend is going up. As more and more people and companies opt for bottled water, a recent analysis of the market shows that sales and consumption in the United States are increasing at double-digit rates. (Reference: April 13, 2006 Press Release from the International Bottle Water Association, http://www.bottledwater.org) Since tap or well water often contains harmful contaminants and has an unpleasant taste due to chlorine, many people are opting to drink water from bottled sources instead.

Because bottled water has taken a sizable chunk out of the carbonated soft drink (CSD) industry, this demand surge is noteworthy. The recent program banning the sale of CSD products in school systems also reduced CSD's market share.

One subset of the bottled water market that is expanding at a faster rate than any other is private label water.

Why Is There Such a Vast Interest in Bottled Water?

The following four factors primarily contribute to the sustained increase in bottled water consumption:

Having a product line that caters to the customer's needs, along with good taste and high quality, easy delivery, and helpful supplier customer service

Worldwide, bottled water demand and consumption have been on the rise due to the industry's lightning-fast response to consumer demand. Northern Virginia, which is part of the highly populated Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, has also shown this pattern.

What Buyers Want in Bottled Water in Northern Virginia

The enormous homeland security buildup following the 9/11 terrorist attacks has been a major factor in the tremendous population growth in Northern Virginia over the past decade. The current tap and well water infrastructure was overwhelmed by this massive population boom. There were still a lot of minerals and chlorine additives in the tap water that could be harmful, even after testing against FDA standards. Also unsavory and harmful to health was well water, which had been contaminated with organic and chemical substances without being tested by any government body.

When it comes to the number of times contaminants have exceeded EPA limits, Virginia is among the worst states in the nation. Northern Virginia's water infrastructure will remain under constant strain from the region's ever-increasing population. (“Water on Tap: What You Need to Know” by the Environmental Protection Agency) (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/wot/pdfs/book_waterontap_full.pdf)

There are a lot of young urban professionals and families relocating to Northern Virginia. The majority of these individuals are on the lookout for safer water sources to drink.

Bottled water demand has been on the rise nationally, and Northern Virginia is no exception due to water quality issues. Numerous bottled water companies, each offering a slightly different set of products and services, sprung up in response to the high demand for purified water and the ease of local delivery.

• 5 Crucial Pointers for Choosing a Bottled Water Provider

Anyone in need of a water source other than municipal or well water in Northern Virginia has a plethora of options. But it's important to note that the market's numerous suppliers are varied and not all of them provide the same high-quality products and services. When it comes to five key areas, the top suppliers always deliver: Below are some suggestions for the best option in each category.

First, Water Flavor and Quality

Pick out water that is both pure and delicious. In terms of both quality and flavor, there is a wide range of water available. A few types of water are defined by the FDA in the US. One is spring water, which comes from underground sources. Another is purified water, which includes distilled water. Bottled water that is free of minerals and other impurities is defined by each of these categories.

Flavor is a major factor to think about alongside quality. Water in a bottle should have a mild, invigorating flavor with no aftertaste. While not every bottled water product satisfies these standards, the ones that do tend to sell like hotcakes. Before you decide to buy, give it a try.

The distilled/oxygenated Purified Water process is widely believed by experts to produce the highest quality, best-tasting bottled water because it removes all contaminants.

2. A Diverse Range of Products

Customers looking for high-quality coolers, 5-gallon jugs, small packages (12 and 20 oz.), PET items, and water accessories should seek out a business that offers home delivery. Bottle handles, spill-proof caps, and other user-friendly, commercial-grade features are essential for a safe and convenient water supply.

With the rise of private label water for special events like weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate functions, it's important to find a supplier that can provide both the drinking water and the high-quality private label design and production that these occasions demand.

3. Ensuring Complete Customer Contentment

The majority of bottled water companies claim to be customer-focused, but very few actually are. An excellent method to determine if a provider can ensure customer satisfaction is to contact their customer service department via phone. The likelihood of receiving satisfactory customer service increases if, upon first call, you speak with a live person; conversely, if you are directed to voicemail or a recording, it suggests that the supplier prioritizes cost-cutting over customer service.

Despite a seemingly low price, bad customer service will quickly cancel it out. Before you agree to a "price only" offer, think about the total value, which includes customer service and product quality.

4. Simple Placement of Orders

Avoiding long-term contracts and prioritizing ease of ordering are both important considerations. If you're looking for a bargain, be wary of suppliers who offer extremely low prices but then insist on a lengthy, one-sided contract. A customer-centric, straightforward agreement without cancellation fees is ideal for placing an order.

If the website is really user-friendly, placing an order online is a breeze. Pick a provider with a user-friendly website that lets you choose the water type and quantity, set up automatic deliveries, pay with a credit card (with added security), and make changes to your account whenever you want.

Online private label drinking water design is a service offered by a small number of vendors through sophisticated e-commerce platforms. The top websites have layered tools that allow for complex label messages and advanced graphic design.

Customers have more options and convenience when designing private label drinking water labels from suppliers who have put money into a robust, user-friendly website.

5. Additional Products

Other products, such as coffee and tea, can be distributed through the home and office delivery of bottled water. Complementary products, like bottled water, can have wildly varying levels of quality and customer satisfaction. Buyers should go with vendors who back their wares with first-rate customer service and sell only high-quality items.

Water from bottled sources is a healthier option than water from tap or well in Northern Virginia, and it's convenient for both consumers and businesses thanks to home and office delivery. On the other hand, there is a wide range in the quality of products and services available. Hence, it's in the best interest of the buyer to thoroughly research any possible bottled water provider.