Customization has taken over the world!
From phone cases to sneakers, people want to make everything they own uniquely theirs. And what could be more basic, yet important, than a water bottle?
We all need water to survive, but with custom water bottles, we can make a statement, show our personality, and even help the environment.
That’s exactly what S’well did when they started their custom water bottle business.
(Sarah Kauss- Founder of S’well)
S’well began with a simple idea: create a stylish and eco-friendly water bottle that could keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.
Founder Sarah Kauss wanted to replace the plastic bottles that were polluting the planet with something beautiful and sustainable. She launched S’well in 2010 with a line of stainless steel water bottles in eye-catching designs.
But S’well’s success really took off when they started offering custom printed water bottles.
Customers could choose from a wide range of colors and patterns and even upload their own designs to the custom printed water bottles.
Suddenly, a simple water bottle became a canvas for self-expression.
S’Well’s custom water bottles have become popular with individuals, companies, and organizations alike. They’ve been used for everything from wedding favors to charity events.
If S’well’s story inspires you and you’re interested in starting your own custom water bottles business, you’re in the right place.
In this blog post, we walk you through everything you need to know to start a successful custom water bottles business of your own.
From planning and branding to storefronts and online tools, we’ve got you covered.
So let’s get started!
Here is a quick roadmap
1. Plan your Custom Water Bottle Business
2. Form your Custom Water Bottle Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Water Bottle Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Custom Water Bottle Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Custom Water Bottle Business
- Get Custom Water Bottle Business Insurance
3. Define your Custom Water Bottle Business Brand
4. Create your Custom Water Bottle Business Storefront
5. Choose Between Product Designer Tool & 3D Configurator
Plan your Custom Bottle Business
Starting a custom water bottles business may seem challenging, but with proper planning and execution, you can succeed in meeting your target market’s needs and desires.
To get started, you need to identify your target audience and their specific requirements. Follow these steps to identify your audience and create a solid plan for your business.
Identify your target market:
Before starting a custom branded water bottles business, it’s important to find answers to the following questions:
Who will be your customers? Are they individuals, businesses, or organizations? What type of customization are they looking for in a water bottle?
For example, if you offer custom designs for businesses, your target market will be different than if you provide custom water bottles for individuals.
It’s important to do market research to understand your target market’s demographics, preferences, and behavior. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, and analyzing data on social media and online forums.
Choose a niche:
Choosing a niche is also important for setting your business apart from competitors.
Some popular niches in the custom printed water bottles industry include sustainable materials, unique designs, and personalization for specific occasions (such as weddings or sports teams).
For example, a company called EcoVessel focuses on sustainable materials and offers custom stainless steel water bottles, JUST Water offer boxed water where 88% of the materials used to make their cartons start out as plants,while another company called Vapur offers collapsible custom plastic water bottles for hikers and travelers.
By choosing a niche that aligns with your target market’s preferences, you can stand out in a crowded market.
Ready to stand out in the custom printed water bottle market?
Choose a niche that aligns with your target audience and deliver them an effortless customization experience with our web-to-print solutions.
Research your competition:
To be successful in any business, you need to know your competition.
Researching your competition is essential for understanding the market landscape and identifying opportunities to differentiate your business.
Some major players in the custom printed water bottles industry include S’well, Hydro Flask, and CamelBak.
By analyzing their pricing, marketing strategies, and product offerings, you can identify areas where your business can stand out.
Create a business plan:
A plan for a custom branded bottle water business can include sections on the business concept, market analysis, marketing strategy, operations and management, and financial projections.
In the market analysis section, you would describe your target market and competition in more detail, while the marketing strategy section would outline how you plan to reach and engage with your target market.
The operations and management section would include details on how your business will operate, such as production processes and staffing, and the financial projections would include revenue and expense projections over a certain time period.
By having a comprehensive business plan, you can ensure that your custom branded water bottles business is set up for success and that you are prepared for any challenges that may arise.
Form your Custom Water Bottle Business into a Legal Entity
Select your business structure
The type of legal entity you choose will determine how you file taxes and how you will be held accountable for the business’s financial and legal obligations.
For example, you could choose to form a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation.
Register your Custom Branded Water Bottles Business for Taxes:
You will need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is a unique nine-digit number that identifies your business for tax purposes. You will need this number to file taxes, hire employees, and open a business bank account.
Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card:
It is essential to keep your business and personal finances separate. By opening a business bank account and credit card, you can track expenses and revenue more efficiently. You will need to provide your EIN and business registration documents to open an account. Shop around for a bank that offers low fees and good interest rates.
Set up Accounting for your Custom Branded Water Bottles Business:
It is crucial to keep accurate records of your custom design water bottles business’s financial transactions, including income and expenses. This will help you prepare for tax season, apply for loans, and track the performance of your business.
Get the Necessary Permits and Licenses for Your Custom Branded Bottle Water Business:
The specific permits and licenses you will need may vary depending on your state and country.
Generally, you will need a custom water bottles business license, and permits for bottling and labeling your custom water bottles.
Get Insurance for your Custom Branded Bottle Water Business Insurance:
As a business owner, it is crucial to protect your business against potential risks and liabilities. Business insurance can provide coverage for property damage, liability claims, and other risks associated with your business. Consult with an insurance agent to determine the right coverage for your specific needs.
Define your Custom Water Bottle Business Brand
Your custom reusable water bottles brand is how customers perceive your business. Develop a unique brand identity that reflects your values and differentiates you from the competition. This includes:
Define your brand identity:
Determine your brand’s values, mission, and vision. Think about what makes your business unique and how you want customers to perceive you. For instance, your brand identity could be focused on empowering customers to express themselves and showcase their individuality through their custom printed water bottles.
Choose a brand name:
Your brand name should be memorable, easy to pronounce, and relevant to your business. Consider using a name that reflects your values and differentiates you from the competition. For example, “MyBottle” or “CustomAqua” could work well.
Create a unique logo:
Your logo should be simple, memorable, and reflect your brand’s values. Consider using colors and imagery that are associated with personalization and customization.
Design your packaging:
Your packaging should be eye-catching, practical, and consistent with your brand’s identity. You can also use a design that showcases the personalization options available to customers. You can also feature images of different bottle designs and color options on the packaging.
Create your Custom Water Bottle Business Storefront
Create a storefront that showcases your products and brand. This can include a physical store, an online store, or both.
However, selling custom bottles online can be a better option for your business than a physical store.
(Source: Insider Intelligence)
It helps you reach a wider audience, reduce overhead costs, and provide a convenient shopping experience for your customers.
There are two options for building your online storefront: hosted and self-hosted.
Hosted ecommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce are easy to set up and use, but they come with limitations such as restricted customization options, monthly fees, transaction fees, and less control over your data.
On the other hand, self-hosted ecommerce platforms provide greater flexibility and control over your online store but require more technical expertise to set up and maintain. You will need to find your own hosting, set up your website, and handle security and maintenance.
While this option requires more technical knowledge and effort, it provides you with greater flexibility and control over your online store.
If you choose to go the self-hosted route, you will definitely need some expertise.
PrintXpand can help you create a tailor-made storefront for your custom bottled water business. Our ready-to-go templates can help you get started in no time.
You can also seamlessly integrate other tools, like online product design software, into your store and allow your customers to customize their bottles with their own designs.
With M-commerce growing at a rapid pace, it’s important to have a web store that functions consistently across all devices. Thus, we provide you with a web-responsive site, meaning your storefront will look great on any device, while also ensuring fast response times for an optimal user experience.
Setting up an online storefront for your custom bottled water business can be a smart move to reach a wider customer base and take advantage of the growing ecommerce trend. Consider your options for hosted or self-hosted ecommerce platforms, and choose a solution that fits your budget and needs.
Are you looking to create a customized storefront for your custom bottled water business that will make your brand stand out from the competition? Look no further.
With our web storefront platform, you can create a tailor-made storefront that reflects your brand’s unique identity and captures the attention of your target audience.
Click the button below to check out our web storefront features.
Choose Between Product Designer Tool & 3D Configurator
Customization is becoming increasingly important for businesses looking to stand out in today’s competitive market. In fact, a recent survey found that 71% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase if the product is customized to their preferences.
For custom water bottles businesses, this means giving customers the ability to create their own unique designs and labels for their bottles. But how can you offer this level of customization in a way that is both user-friendly and efficient for your business?
That’s where “PrintXpand” comes in.
We offer two great tools for customizing your water bottle products: our Product Designer Tool and our 3D Product Configurator.
Here’s a quick rundown of the features and benefits of each:
So which tool is right for your business? It depends on your specific needs and preferences.
The Product Designer Tool is a great option if you want to offer a wide range of customization options and a more traditional design experience. The 3D Product Configurator, on the other hand, is a great option if you want to offer a more immersive and interactive experience for your customers.
No matter which tool you choose, you can be confident that you’re offering a level of customization that will set your water bottle business apart from the competition.
So why not give PrintXpand a try and see how easy and fun it can be to create custom water bottle products that your customers will love?
If you’re ready to get started or want to learn more about the functionalities of these tools, click the link below to set up a free, personalized demo.
All set to start your own custom water bottle business
Starting a custom water bottle business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture, but it requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to innovate and adapt to changing market trends.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and learning from the success of established businesses, you can turn your dream of owning a successful custom water bottle business into a reality.
And with our easy-to-use platform, you’ll have everything you need at the tip of your fingers, so you can focus on making your business a success. So, what are you waiting for?
Contact us to learn more and get started. Who knows? You might just be the next big splash in the industry!
All product and company names are trademarks™, registered® or copyright© trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
