Watermill Express

Watermill Express is a leading provider of drive-up, self-serve pure drinking water and vended ice, with a nationwide network of over 1,300 locations and more than 30 years of operational experience. Established in 1984 and franchising since 1989, Watermill Express has built a reputation for delivering safe, affordable, and great-tasting water to communities across the United States. The company’s mission is to make high-quality drinking water accessible while reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability.

Watermill Express stands out in the industry for its proprietary water purification technology and patent-pending dispensing equipment, which ensure consistent quality and taste in every drop. The company’s refill stations are fully automated, monitored 24/7 for quality and purity, and serviced daily by trained technicians. Watermill Express is committed to rigorous hygiene and maintenance protocols, with water tested regularly by state-certified labs and through its internal computerized systems.

With a focus on convenience, cost savings, and environmental responsibility, Watermill Express empowers customers to fill their own bottles quickly and easily, saving money and helping to reduce single-use plastic consumption. The company also offers Waterocks Ice, a premium vended ice product made exclusively from its purified water, further enhancing its value proposition.

Watermill Express provides a simple yet powerful concept: safe, affordable, and delicious drinking water and ice, available 24/7 at drive-up, self-serve stations. The company’s offerings include:

• Drive-Up, Self-Serve Water Refill Stations: Customers can conveniently fill their own bottles with purified water at any time, reducing the need for single-use plastics and saving money.
• Vended Ice: The company’s Waterocks Ice is made exclusively from Watermill Express purified water, ensuring premium quality and taste.
• Proprietary Purification Technology: Watermill Express uses advanced reverse osmosis filtration, removing impurities and contaminants to deliver the safest and most delicious water possible.
• 24/7 Automated Monitoring: Every location is computer-monitored around the clock to maintain quality and ensure proper operation.
• Daily Servicing: Route Service Technicians follow strict hygiene and maintenance schedules, including filter replacement and routine cleaning, to guarantee premium quality water at all times.
• Eco-Friendly Solution: By encouraging customers to refill their own containers, Watermill Express helps reduce plastic waste and supports environmental sustainability.

Watermill Express stations are strategically located in high-traffic areas, making it easy for customers to access fresh water and ice whenever they need it. The business model is designed for maximum convenience, minimal staffing, and strong community impact.

The Watermill Express franchise opportunity is built on a proven, scalable model that leverages cutting-edge technology, robust operational support, and a growing demand for clean, affordable water. Franchisees benefit from:

• Turnkey Business Model: Watermill Express provides comprehensive support with site selection, equipment installation, training, and ongoing operations.
• Established Brand: With over three decades of experience and a strong national presence, franchisees join a recognized leader in the water vending industry.
• Multiple Revenue Streams: Franchisees generate income from both water and ice vending, with the potential to operate multiple units for increased earnings.
• Semi-Absentee Ownership: The model allows for passive or semi-absentee ownership, making it suitable for investors who wish to maintain other professional or personal commitments.
• B2B Focus: While the business primarily serves retail consumers, franchisees also engage with local businesses and community organizations to expand their customer base.
• No Home-Based or Master Franchise Options: Watermill Express is not a home-based or master franchise opportunity, and does not offer international or Canadian franchises at this time.

With over 1,300 locations and a track record of success, Watermill Express offers franchisees the chance to build a meaningful, environmentally conscious business with strong growth potential.

Watermill Express seeks motivated entrepreneurs who are passionate about health, sustainability, and community service. The ideal franchisee is:

• Financially Qualified: Candidates should have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and be prepared for an initial cash investment of $203,333 to $245,600, with a total investment ranging from $460,000 to $586,800.
• Business-Minded: While no prior experience in water vending or food service is required, franchisees should possess strong business acumen, organizational skills, and a commitment to operational excellence.
• Community-Oriented: Watermill Express values franchisees who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities by providing safe, affordable drinking water and reducing plastic waste.
• Flexible and Growth-Oriented: The semi-absentee model is ideal for those seeking flexibility and the potential to operate multiple units.
• Veterans Welcome: The company offers a $10,000 discount on the franchise fee for veterans who invest in multiple locations.

Investing in a Watermill Express franchise requires a significant financial commitment, reflecting the quality of the brand and the turnkey nature of the business. The key financial details are as follows:

• Initial Cash Investment: $203,333 – $245,600
• Total Investment: $460,000 – $586,800
• Franchise Fee (3 units): $75,000
• Minimum Net Worth: $500,000
• Royalty: 0% initially
• Advertising Fee: 0% – up to 2%
• Average Employees (3 units): 1 Full-Time, 1 Part-Time
• SBA Approved: Yes
• Passive Ownership: Yes
• Home-Based: No
• Master Franchise: No
• Veteran Discount: $10,000 (for multiple units)
• Franchise Fee: The $75,000 franchise fee covers three units, allowing franchisees to operate multiple locations from the outset.
• Royalty and Advertising Fees: Watermill Express does not charge an initial royalty fee, and advertising fees range from 0% to 2% of gross sales.
• Veteran Discount: Qualified veterans receive a $10,000 discount on the franchise fee when investing in multiple units.
• Financing: The franchise is SBA-approved, making it easier for qualified candidates to secure financing.
• Employees: Each group of three units typically requires one full-time and one part-time employee, reflecting the automated and low-labor nature of the business.

These investment requirements ensure that franchisees have the resources necessary to launch and sustain a successful Watermill Express operation.

Watermill Express is dedicated to the success of its franchisees, offering comprehensive training and ongoing support throughout the life of the business.

• Training Program:
  • Initial Training: Franchisees receive detailed instruction on all aspects of the business, including equipment operation, water purification technology, maintenance procedures, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
  • On-Site Training: Hands-on training at actual Watermill Express locations ensures franchisees are fully prepared to manage daily operations and troubleshoot common issues.

• Ongoing Support:
  • Site Selection and Build-Out: The franchisor assists with identifying optimal locations, negotiating leases, and overseeing the installation of proprietary equipment.
  • Daily Maintenance and Quality Control: Route Service Technicians handle daily servicing, filter replacement, and hygiene protocols to maintain premium water quality.
  • 24/7 Monitoring: All stations are computer-monitored around the clock, with real-time alerts and support to address any operational issues.
  • Marketing and Brand Support: Franchisees benefit from national and local marketing initiatives, as well as access to branded materials and promotional strategies.
  • Regulatory and Compliance Assistance: Watermill Express provides guidance on meeting all state and local regulations, including water quality testing and reporting.
  • Peer Network: Franchisees join a supportive community of fellow operators, sharing best practices and insights to drive mutual success.

Watermill Express’s robust training and support infrastructure is designed to empower franchisees, minimize operational challenges, and ensure the consistent delivery of safe, delicious water and ice to customers.

If you’re contemplating pursuing this franchise opportunity, simply send an enquiry and request further information. It’s easily done – fill out this form and submit it. It will take just seconds.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is obtained from sources available freely on the internet. No responsibility for factual inaccuracies should be attributed to Franchise Fame.